History
The University was first established in 1968.
Our beautiful campus is located a short walk away from Vaasa city centre and looks out over the coastline of West Finland, just across from Sweden.
The oldest part of campus (Fabriikki), was founded in 1856, whilst we are now nearing the completion of our latest and freshest campus renovation, working towards achieving carbon reduction goals.
Education
The University of Vaasa offers education in Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level in the fields of business, technology, management and communication. There is a distinct in combining business and technology within our programmes.
We focus on ensuring our programmes are built with industry in mind, to support our students in their post study ambitions.
The University invests in student-centered teaching firmly based on latest cutting-edge research, supported by a number of Research groups and platforms.
Research
The University is a Research intensive institution spanning 16 groups and centres: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/groups
In 2022, 5,077392 euros of competitive external research funding was used, a substantial increase of 29% versus 2021.
During 2022, the scientific publishing activities of the University of Vaasa have developed in the direction defined in the strategy, i.e. the importance of high-quality publications that have received the Publication Forum classification (JUFO) is emphasised, and the trend of publishing in JUFO 2 and 3 category journals and publishers continues. There were 184 publications in the JUFO 2 category and 85 in JUFO 3 category. The total of publications in 2022 was 687.
Career
The University is located at the heart of Northern Europe’s largest energy and environment business cluster.
Our programmes utilize a range of teaching methods that support the students in developing knowledge-based learning, working life skills and attitudes needed for a successful career. To create a link to working life, our teaching methods include for example visiting lecturers from the industry, real-life cases, teamwork and projects. Many of our students write their Master's theses in cooperation with companies.
Specific career guidance is also available, including the Talent Hub project https://www.uwasa.fi/en/newshub/news/university-joins-vaasa-international-talents-project-helping-international-students
University of Vaasa Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Vaasa. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 EUR
Deadline
22 Apr 2025
DashTickets Foundation Scholarship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Gordon Hay Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2024
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
27 Dec 2024
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2024
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Feb 2025
Fighting Bullying With Technology
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
26 Feb 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 GBP
Deadline
Not specified
Pearl Lemon Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Teen Changemakers Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
401
2024
401 -50
2023
351
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Student services
A wide range of study guidance and support as well as career services are available for the students. At the University of Vaasa, no one is left behind, and our students enjoy the excellent support provided throughout their studies.
In addition, University of Vaasa provides tutoring for all new international students. There are different activities and events for international students organized throughout the academic year.
Housing services
Most students apply for apartments at VOAS (The Vaasa Student Housing Foundation). VOAS provides accommodation for approximately 3 700 students. Please note that VOAS is a private company and not part of the University of Vaasa.
Student accommodation facilities are situated in various parts of the city, generally in the form of terraced houses or blocks of flats. The rent for a room in a student flat varies approximately from 230 euros to 350 euros per month depending on size and location. In general, costs of electricity and internet are included in the rent. VOAS also has furnished apartments.
University campus is situated in the Palosaari district, so if you want to live very close to the University, it's best to apply for an apartment in Palosaari or Downtown–Vöyrinkaupunki districts. The distance between Palosaari and city centre, i.e. Downtown–Vöyrinkaupunki is approximately 1 kilometer. However, bus connections in Vaasa are fairly good, which means that you will be able to travel to the city and to the University with the buses even if you choose to live a bit further away from the university.
https://www.voas.fi/
Library services
The academic library Tritonia is located on campus. From the student restaurant in the main building and from the library there is a magnificent view of the surrounding natural scenery and the sea with its birds, boats and icefishers. The University offers a modern study environment with up-to-date computer and other technical facilities including self-study rooms.
Campus life
Welcome to the University of Vaasa beautiful and modern maritime campus
Our beautiful maritime campus occupies Finlands newest campus area. Located in Palosaari close to the city centre of Vaasa, the campus provides a fascinating combination of green park and coastal landscaping, modern architecture and converted old industrial buildings. It is often referred to as the most beautiful campus in Finland.
We have comfortable spaces for independent study and group work as well as lecture auditoriums. The buildings are close together, so journeys are short. We have four student restaurants to choose from and the academic library where you can write your course work and enjoy the view to the sea.
Sports facilities
https://www.uwasa.fi/en/students/sport-services
Student clubs
International Master's degree students of the University benefit from various discounts on and off campus, for instance subsidised meals at University restaurants and cafeterias, as well as discounts on travelling tickets, in theatres, museums and numerous stores.
Master's degree students are also entitled to student health care services. The Student Union's main purpose is to handle supervision of student interests in education, social policy and international affairs at the University, in the city of Vaasa and nationally.
The Student Union of the University of Vaasa as well as other student organisations also organise different types of events where you can meet other students throughout the year.
All business programmes at the University have received the significant AACSB accreditation (2024).
The Master’s degree programmes in Strategic Business Development, Finance and International Business at the University of Vaasa are EFMD accredited. EFMD accreditation is a worldwide quality label for degree programmes in the field of business studies. In the EFMD accreditation process the academic rigour, practical relevance, internationalisation, ethics and sustainability are emphasized.
The Master’s programmes in Industrial Management and Industrial Systems Analytics are ASIIN accredited.
