The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary, research-orientated
university. It is the oldest, largest and most versatile university in
Finland. The University of Helsinki was founded in 1640.
The University of Helsinki has eleven faculties:
Agriculture and Forestry, Arts, Behavioural Sciences, Biosciences, Law,
Medicine (including Dentistry), Pharmacy, Science, Social Sciences, Theology,
and Veterinary Medicine. In addition, the university has several interdisciplinary
institutes and independent institutes. About 300 different subjects are
taught at the University of Helsinki.
International students have been especially interested in courses offered
by the interdisciplinary institutes, for example Area and Cultural Studies
(Asia-Pacific Studies, British-Irish Studies, German Studies, Latin American
Studies, Nordic Studies, North American Studies, Russian and East European
Studies, Studia Europaea) at the Renvall Institute and Women’s Studies
at the Christina Institute.
The official languages of instruction at the University of Helsinki are
Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is the main language of instruction, whereas
Swedish is used in a number of degree programmes and major subjects.
The University of Helsinki offers basic and more advanced courses in the
Finnish language for international students. Basic courses are also available
in the Swedish language.
Study programs taught in English:
It is possible to study in English at all faculties.
A large number of seminars and lectures are offered in English at almost
all departments.
It is usually possible
to complete courses through independent study when no instruction in English
is available.
Language is usually
not a problem in taking examinations, as most departments accept examinations
given in English.
Students can also
make arrangements to write a research paper or an essay in place of a
written examination, but this varies according to the field of study.
For additional information on courses taught in English, please see:
www.helsinki.fi/english/courses
Accommodation:
Housing for international exchange students will be arranged at Student
Dormitories or Residence Halls. In the Dormitories, each student has a
room and shares bathroom and kitchen facilities with 2-5 students. The
Residence Halls offer studio-type flats with their own bathroom and kitchenette.
All rooms and flats have the necessary basic furniture; most of them are
connected to the Internet. There are excellent public transport connections
to the university from the Dormitories and Residence Halls.
Exchange dates:
Fall semester: early September to late December
Spring semester: early January to late May
Student enrolment: 38,500
International students: 2,030
Languages of instruction: Finnish, Swedish, English
www.helsinki.fi/university
www.helsinki.fi/exchange
