In the midst of the breathtaking beauty of Finland, lies a pioneering establishment of research and technology; one of the best versatile and associative universities in the world, The University of Helsinki. Originating in the 1640s, the institution has contributed significantly to the nation’s prosperity and identity. The University of Helsinki is known for its well-built community of equality and excellence, which is known to be among the best in the world.
The university actively participates in contributing to the welfare of the world, sharing their research and knowledge over their borders and solving challenges that benefit everyone. The University of Helsinki has a personal motto, “For the World” which highlights the statement that with the power of knowledge, the world can be made better.
Why the University of Helsinki?
One of the oldest and largest education and research institute in Finland, the University of Helsinki offers programs at the level of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in English. With decades worth of research experience and credibility, most of the programs offered by this university are strongly influenced by research efforts. The lecturers are award-winning teachers and researchers in their fields, equipped with the mentality to share up-to-date knowledge with the students.
Operating on 4 modernized campuses, the university is equipped with state-of-the-art lab and IT facilities. Most study materials are provided through the university’s online student channel free of cost and then again, there are libraries covering huge grounds, which can be accessed by their students. In addition, the campus accommodates workplaces, recreational rooms, cafes, restaurants, playing grounds, and more.
Because of University’s highly prestigious reputation, alumni are prioritized in a job interview over applicants from other universities. This is mostly due to their links with various leading brands in the world.
The University of Helsinki is located in the center of the culture-rich urban city of Helsinki.
This ventful metropolitan has one-third of its area is covered in lush greenery. With top-tier travel services and quality of living, it is on the lists of the most liveable cities in the world.
Available Programs and Courses at the University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki offers programs in all 3 levels of study: undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate. All the mentioned programs are delivered in the English language curriculum. There is only one intake for these programs and they are in September (Autumn). The academic year always begins on the 1st of August. For 2023, the application opens in December and the deadline is around the first week of January.
Tuition fees to study at this institute can cost students around the range of EUR 13,000 to 18,000.
For the undergraduate level, the university offers 1 program, the Bachelor’s Programme in Science which includes 4 tracks of studies: computer and data science, chemistry, physics and mathematics, and statistics. Students have the freedom to tailor their study journey according to whichever career they want to pursue.
At the graduate level, the university offers 36 International Master’s Programmes.
The University of Helsinki offers 33 postgraduate, doctoral programs from its 4 different doctoral schools:
Environmental, Food and Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
Bachelor’s Program in Science
- Computer & Data Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics & Statistics
International Master’s Programme |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences | Data Science | Forest Sciences | Integrative Plant Sciences | Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology |
| Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Genetic and Molecular Biosciences | Intercultural Encounters | Neuroscience |
| Atmospheric Sciences | Economics | Geography | International Business Law | Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences |
| Changing Education | English Studies | Geology and Geophysics | Life Science Informatics | Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety |
| Chemistry and Molecular Sciences | Environmental Change and Global Sustainability | Global Governance Law
|
Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities | Russian Studies |
| Computer Sciences | European and Nordic Studies | Global Politics and Communication | Materials Research | Theoretical and Computational Methods |
| Contemporary Societies | Food Sciences | Human Nutrition and Food-Related Behaviour | Mathematics and Statistics | Translational Medicine |
| Urban Studies and Planning | ||||
University of Helsinki Ranking
University of Helsinki has consistently been placed in the top 1% of universities in the world. In all the reputed education provider rankings, this institute has always captured positions between 50 and 100, is in the top 50 positions among universities in Europe, and in the top position in Finland.
Among 21 leading research-intensive universities in Europe, the University of Helsinki is the only one from Finland to be a proud member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
Educational Requirement
For undergraduate programs, the student has to have a vocational upper secondary qualification and passed the matriculation examination. (HSC/A-levels/IB)
For the graduate programs, the student must have had a bachelor’s (or equivalent) completed to be eligible.
English Proficiency Requirements for University of Helsinki
Students are eligible to apply for the Bachelor’s Programme in Science if they attain an overall score of 6.5 in their IELTS examination, with a minimum score of 6.0. It should be IELTS Academic, as the university does not accept General level. However, IELTS Indicator test is also accepted.
Alternative to IELTS, students are also permitted to submit PTE Academic. The overall score required from this English Language Test is 62, with no less than 54 in any of the sections.
TOEFL is also recognized with a score of above 90.
How to Apply to Study at University of Helsinki?
Applying to a university in Finland, is really easy. The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) governs and monitors all student applications. They have an online student portal called Studyinfo, where students can apply for any universities in Finland. However, this step comes in way later in the process to getting admitted in a Finnish University.
First step to applying to study at University of Helsinki is for the student to decide what they want to study. Researching on what programs align with their past academies is crucial and also what line of work they want to pursue in the future as their career. Following the student’s passion is recommended as that method proves to have the most fruitful outcome.
Make sure after deciding, to know the requirements to entry in the program and the application period for it.
Secondly, the students should prepare all the necessary documents required by the institution for admission. These include past academic certificates and English proficiency certificate. In addition to these, the passport of the student is also required.
Third, go to Studyinfo website and read the application instructions. Look for the programme page afterwards and carefully complete the online application. Attach all the documents asked and submit.
Finally, after the applicant’s profile has been assessed, a letter will be issued which will include the admission results. If unconditional letter is received, the candidate will be offered a study place in the university with instructions on how to confirm. Make sure to accept the letter in due time.
If conditional letter is received, make sure to submit the due documents within the specified deadline, follow the provided instructions and accept the offer letter.
Scholarship Opportunities by the University of Helsinki
University of Helsinki offers scholarships to candidates applying for the Master’s level of studies. Students can apply for a scholarship with the same application form that they used to apply for the Master’s program.
The university awards Finland Scholarships to eligible applicants. This scholarship may cover either 50% or 100% of the tuition fee.
Finland Scholarships that cover 100% of the tuition fees will also include a EUR 5000 grant for the student. This is to aid for the student’s relocation costs and personal expenses.
If the student excels in their studies in the 1st academic year of the program, they may be eligible to renew this scholarship for the next academic year, provided they complete at least 55 credits during their first year of study.
University of Helsinki rewards one student from each Master’s program, so competition is to be expected.
I am an Agriculturist. I have done my PhD in Genetics and plant breeding in Universiti Putra Malaysia. I am looking for Postdoc position in Finland. How can I get it?