Among the leading universities in the Nordic countries, the University of Helsinki (UH), located in the capital of Finland, is highly regarded by students worldwide for its exceptional research capabilities and rich academic heritage. As Finland’s oldest and largest academic institution, it enjoys a prestigious reputation in academia, with its graduates possessing high international competitiveness. Grove Education aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the University of Helsinki's global rankings, along with a detailed introduction to its programmes, fees, and application requirements to help you plan your ideal educational path.
Introduction to the University of Helsinki and Its Background
Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest public research university in Finland [1]. The university boasts formidable research prowess across multiple fields, including natural sciences, life sciences, law, and social sciences, consistently placing it among the top 1% of global research universities [2].
The mission of the University of Helsinki extends beyond academic rankings; it is committed to realising its core promise of "Breakthroughs for Life" [3]. The institution is dedicated to fostering high-quality interdisciplinary research and teaching, addressing issues ranging from climate change to human health. The results of its research have profound implications for global society, demonstrating its social responsibility and academic value as a world-class institution.
Global Rankings and Academic Standing of the University of Helsinki
One of the most pertinent questions prospective students have is: how does the University of Helsinki perform in global rankings? According to the latest published data, the University has received commendations from multiple reputable international ranking systems:
- 2026 QS World University Rankings: Ranked 116th globally [4].
- 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Ranked 105th globally [5].
- 2025 ShanghaiRanking Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): Ranked 94th globally [6].
Regionally, the University of Helsinki ranks among the top 40 of approximately 4,000 universities in Europe. Only a select few universities from the Nordic region consistently enter the global top 100, and the University of Helsinki is among them [2].
Source: University of Helsinki
Academic Programmes and Special Characteristics
The University of Helsinki has four main campuses within the city of Helsinki and has established teaching and research facilities in various towns across Finland. It offers a diverse range of disciplines, with 12 faculties covering everything from basic sciences to the humanities and social sciences [7]:
- Medicine and Life Sciences: Includes the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Encompasses the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Theology, and the Faculty of Social Sciences (Swedish).
- Natural Sciences and Environment: Comprising the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.
The extensive academic network of the University of Helsinki allows students to pursue a wide range of resources for development in foundational research, applied technologies, healthcare, as well as social policy and humanistic inquiry, further solidifying the university's status among Europe’s top research institutions.
Overview of Overall Costs at the University of Helsinki
Due to the relatively high cost of living in Finland, it is advisable for prospective students to assess their budget for annual tuition and living expenses before applying to the University of Helsinki [8][9].
Tuition Fees and Miscellaneous Charges
International students from countries outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), who wish to enrol in English-taught degree programmes, are required to pay tuition and associated fees:
- Tuition Fees: The approximate annual tuition fee for English Bachelor's programmes at the University of Helsinki is €13,000.
- Student Union Fee: All students pursuing Bachelor's or Master's degrees automatically become members of the Student Union (HYY) and are required to pay a membership fee to enjoy campus benefits and discounts. The fee for the academic year 2025-2026 is €85. If the international student has already paid the aforementioned university tuition fee, this cost is usually included and does not require additional payment.
- Student Health Fee: Students must pay a health services fee to the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) to access the Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS), covering general medical, dental, and mental health services. The fee for 2026 is €35.35 per semester, which students need to pay to Kela each semester.
Living and Accommodation Costs
While the budget threshold for applying for a Finnish residence permit is set at €9,600 annually, actual living expenses in Helsinki are often higher. Based on university recommendations, students should anticipate an average monthly budget of approximately €1,000 to €1,300, depending on individual spending habits:
- Accommodation Costs: Student accommodation rent typically ranges from €450 to €800 per month.
- Basic Living Expenses: Essentials such as food and transportation typically require at least €450 per month.
- Medical Expenses: Undergraduate and taught Master's students who pay the FSHS health fee can access general medical, dental, and mental health services. However, if seeking treatment outside the public system or purchasing medications, students must cover these additional costs themselves.
Source: University of Helsinki
Admission Requirements and Application Criteria for the University of Helsinki
Admission to the University of Helsinki is competitive, especially for English-taught international Bachelor’s programmes. The university emphasises that applicants must possess a solid academic background, and the assessment process primarily evaluates applicants’ publicly available examination results, academic qualifications, and language proficiency. Individual faculties and popular programmes may impose specific additional selection criteria, such as entrance examinations or supplementary assessments.
Academic Qualifications
Those intending to apply for Bachelor's programmes at the University of Helsinki typically need to meet the higher education entry qualifications required for local universities, such as completing the Finnish Matriculation Examination, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), or European Baccalaureate (EB) [10].
It is noteworthy that the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is not listed as a standard admission qualification. Admission eligibility for applicants holding HKDSE qualifications depends on individual departments' recognition of their results as equivalent to Finnish entry standards. Therefore, for students from Hong Kong, applying with an IB diploma is more advisable, as this qualification is officially recognised as equivalent to Finnish upper secondary school graduation. Although the university tends not to specify exact entry score requirements for the IB, selection criteria may vary by discipline; students are encouraged to research this in advance and allocate adequate time for preparation.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
International students applying for Bachelor's programmes at the University of Helsinki are required to provide valid evidence of their English language proficiency through recognised tests, as stipulated by the university’s regulations. The following standardised English language tests are accepted, and results must be valid during the application period [11]:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in writing.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 92 or above, with a minimum of 22 in writing.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 62 or above, with each component (listening, reading, speaking, writing) not below 54.
- C1 Advanced (CAE): Grades A, B, or C.
- C2 Proficiency (CPE): Grades A, B, or C, or possession of a C1 certificate.
- SAT and ACT: SAT total score of 550 or above, ACT total score of 43 or above.
Application Process for the University of Helsinki
Before applying for Bachelor’s programmes taught in English, applicants must first determine their admission group and submit their online application via the official Finnish system Studyinfo during the corresponding application period. The university categorises all applications into two groups:
- Admission Group 1: If you are not applying based on the Finnish Matriculation Examination, IB, EB, or a diploma completed in Finland (RP/DIA), you belong to this group, with the application period from 2nd to 16th January 2026 [11].
- Admission Group 2: If you have already completed one of the qualifications listed in Admission Group 1, you belong to this group, with the application period from 10th to 24th March 2026 [12].
Applicants to the University of Helsinki must upload all required documents before the deadline, including:
- Academic qualifications
- Transcripts
- Expected grades (if currently studying)
- Proof of language proficiency
- Identification documents
- Residence permit (if applicable)
Source: University of Helsinki
Planning Your Studies at the University of Helsinki: Embarking on a Nordic Academic Journey
Many students are eager about studying in the Nordic countries and are curious about the University of Helsinki's global rankings and educational quality. As Finland's foremost institution, the University of Helsinki not only ranks highly in academia but also provides a safe, innovative, and highly internationalised learning environment. Understanding the tuition fees, programme offerings, and application details of the University of Helsinki is the first step towards successful studying abroad. If you have any questions regarding your application to the University of Helsinki, please feel free to contact Grove Education, where our professional advisory team is ready to tailor an educational plan for you, preparing you for your journey in Nordic education.
References：
1. University of Helsinki - About us
2. University of Helsinki - Success in university rankings
3. University of Helsinki - We are the University of Helsinki
4. QS World University Rankings - University of Helsinki
5. Times Higher Education - University of Helsinki
6. ShanghaiRanking - University of Helsinki
7. University of Helsinki - Faculties and units
8. University of Helsinki - Tuition fees and scholarship programme
9. University of Helsinki - Cost of living and financial matters
10. Finnish Student Health Service - Healthcare fee for higher education students for 2026
11. University of Helsinki - Eligibility to higher education
12. University of Helsinki - Proving your English language skills - Bachelor's Programmes
13. University of Helsinki - Apply to Bachelor's programmes