The University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the best multidisciplinary research universities in the world. The high-quality research carried out at the University of Helsinki results in new knowledge for educating diverse specialists in various fields, and for utilisation in social decision-making and the business sector.

The University of Helsinki operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 17 other locations. There are almost 4,000 researchers and teachers, 35,000 students, and a further 30,000 students participating in adult education.

The University of Helsinki aims to strengthen its position among the world's leading multidisciplinary research universities and to actively promote the well-being of humanity and a fair society.

The University of Helsinki was established in Turku in 1640, and was transferred to Helsinki in 1828. It is the largest university in Finland. In 2002, the University of Helsinki joined the League of European Research Universities with the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

The academic year of the University of Helsinki is made up of an autumn term that runs August 1 to December 31, and a spring term that runs January 1 to July 31.

Courses at the University of Helsinki normally commence in late August or early September in the autumn and in early January in the spring. Each term is divided into two seven-week periods with a one-week break between the periods.

The months of June, July and August is summer vacation for students at the University of Helsinki. New international students attend an orientation course and tutoring in late August, arranged by the Student Services of the University. The orientation course is held in English. The Faculties of the University of Helsinki offer orientation courses in Finnish and Swedish.

Finnish and Swedish are the languages of instruction at the University of Helsinki. Finnish is the main language of instruction. Swedish is used in some degree programmes, diploma courses and major subjects.

A growing number of International Master’s Degree Programmes, as well as – in many Faculties – Master’s level studies, are offered in English on a regular basis, in addition to some postgraduate programmes. With the exception of English Philology programme, no instruction in English is given at undergraduate level at the University of Helsinki.

University of Helsinki strategic objectives

• The university exercises significant societal influence and responsibility, is an esteemed partner and a promoter of science.
• The research is high-quality and profiled. It is developed with a long-term approach.
• The teaching and learning quality is high.
• Internationality is part of all operations.
• The university is a good employer.
• Management ensures the preconditions for carrying out basic tasks in accordance with the strategy.
• The support functions serve the basic tasks and management of the university in an appropriate and efficient manner.

The operations of academics at the University of Helsinki are guided by the essential values: critical analysis, creativity and the pursuit of truth.