University of Helsinki
University of Helsinki overview
The oldest and largest academic institution in Finland, the University of Helsinki hosts an international scientific community of approximately 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, it places consistently among the top 100. The university seeks solutions to global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the betterment of humanity. Since 1640, it has served society, education, and well-being through the power of science.
Year by year, the University of Helsinki expands its fields of work. It researches new cancer treatments, improves education and teaching, and supports lifelong learning. Its deep-rooted educational philosophy is joined with modern pedagogy, so students receive world-class undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education. As a multidisciplinary university, it teaches in two languages.
The 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities, published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, placed the University of Helsinki 82nd worldwide. In the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it stood 98th globally. In the 2023 rankings, it placed 110th.
About University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest academic institution in Finland. Its international scientific community brings together approximately 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the university places consistently among the top 100. Its work seeks solutions to global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the betterment of humanity. Since 1640, it has contributed to society, education, and well-being through the power of science.
The university expands its fields of work year by year. That work includes research into new cancer treatments, improvements to education and teaching, and support for lifelong learning. A deep-rooted educational philosophy is combined with modern pedagogy, which gives students world-class undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education. As a multidisciplinary university, the University of Helsinki provides bilingual instruction.
In the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities, published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the University of Helsinki ranked 82nd worldwide. The 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed it 98th globally. In the 2023 rankings, it placed 110th.
University of Helsinki faculties and programs
Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies
Theoretical and Computational Methods
Translational Medicine
Urban Studies and Planning
Intercultural Encounters
Life Science Informatics
Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities
Materials Research
Mathematics and Statistics
Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology
University of Helsinki scholarships and financial aid
The University of Helsinki Funds include more than 300 funds set up by alumni and other supporters. The university gives scholarships and grants to high-achieving international students. Applications open on January 16 and close on February 8, 2023.
For detailed information, you can visit the university's own official scholarships page.
University of Helsinki Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Helsinki
If you plan to apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Helsinki, you must meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma / IB diploma
- Transcript documents
- A certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL: 92 / IELTS: 6.5)
- Matriculation exam results
- Motivation letter
- Depending on the program, SAT/ACT scores may be required.
If you plan to apply to a graduate program at the University of Helsinki, you must meet the following requirements:
- University diploma with a strong GPA
- Transcript documents
- A certificate of English proficiency
- Entrance exam
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Other academic certificates or diplomas, if applicable
- Depending on the program, GRE/GMAT scores may be required.
The application period for programs starting in fall 2023 runs from December 1, 2022 to January 4, 2023.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Helsinki application process.
Take a closer look at University of Helsinki
The university consists of four main campuses:
- City Centre Campus
- Kumpula Campus
- Meilahti Campus
- Viikki Campus
The City Centre Campus has been the hub of the university's main activities and work areas. It has held that role since the move from Turku to Helsinki in the early 19th century. The campus sits centrally and reflects the architectural character of this part of the city. The Kumpula Campus, home to the Faculty of Science, lies four kilometers north of the Helsinki city center. The Meilahti Campus houses the Faculty of Medicine and is part of the Meilahti Hospital, on the edge of the city center. The Ruskeasuo facilities also belong to the Meilahti Campus.
They include the Department of Dentistry, the Institute of Oral Health, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Forensic Medicine. The Viikki Campus lies approximately 8 kilometers northeast of the city center. It is home to the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Biological Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy.
The campuses hold state-of-the-art lecture halls and workshops, along with modern student dormitories. You will also find a variety of cafes and restaurants where students can spend enjoyable time. Bookstores and stationery shops on campus meet students' needs. Student life at the university is vibrant, and the campuses are designed with students' needs in mind.
The campuses also feature large and important libraries where you can study and carry out research. The National Library of Finland is the leading research library in the country and the main branch of the University of Helsinki's library system. The university's other library, the University of Helsinki Main Library, is used by students for research and study.
The University of Helsinki Museum is one of the university's prominent landmarks on campus. It was established in 2003 through a merger. The merged institutions were the former University Museum, which specialized in University of Helsinki history, and the Museum of the History of Medicine. The merger also brought in the Museum of the History of Veterinary Medicine, the Museum of the History of Dentistry, and the Craft Collections.
In total alumni count, the University of Helsinki ranks 156th in the world, 49th in Europe, and 1st in Finland. Many distinguished figures have graduated from the university, among them a Nobel Prize-winning author. Here are some notable graduates of the University of Helsinki:
- Linus Torvalds — Creator of the Linux kernel, which is used by Linux distributions and other operating systems such as Android.
- Jean Sibelius — Composer.
- Urho Kekkonen — The eighth and longest-serving president of Finland.
- Tarja Halonen — The 11th president of Finland.
- Alexis Kivi — Author.
- Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg — The first president of Finland.
- Albert Edelfelt — Painter.
- Frans Eemil Sillanpää — The first Finnish author to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Arctic explorer.
- Anneli Jäätteenmäki — Finland's first female Prime Minister.
University of Helsinki Location
Helsinki, Finland
University of Helsinki Contact
How to Get Into University of Helsinki
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By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
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Other Universities in Finland
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