University of Eastern Finland

Last Updated on: May 30, 2025 by
Sridhar Kongara

University of Eastern Finland (UEF) was formed in 2010 and it is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Finland. It hosts over 15,500 degree students, of which 1,700 are international students from more than 100 nationalities. UEF offers 35 English-taught degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

Established Year: 2010

Institution Type: Public

Address: Microkatu 1, 70210 Kuopio, Finland

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Courses Offered

Offers 0 Courses

** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise

Why choose this University of Eastern Finland

It offers degree programmes in 13 fields of study, from medicine to environmental law.
Every programme is research-led, so that students learn with the most up-to-date information.
Most programs are cross-disciplinary, in that they are built upon the ideas of multiple fields.
The students are ready to find real-life solutions in social, health and environmental issues.

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English-Taught Program

International students can apply for three bachelor’s and many master’s degrees.
Courses are offered for both degree seeking and exchange students.
The UEF Doctoral School provides training for doctoral degrees in all academic disciplines.
UEF also offers a very popular summer school program in English including cultural immersion.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

At UEF, there are currently more than 1700 international students studying from 100 different nations.
The University encourages open dialogue, cultural diversity and equal opportunity.
The UEF provides an avenue through which international students can get involved with university governance and feedback groups.
Campus life is inclusive, safe, and dedicated to ongoing development.

Top Quality Research and International Recognition

Its health sciences, photonics, and environmental studies research is internationally recognized.
The university is involved in numerous international academic and research networks.
Its research also actively contributes to the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals.

interdisciplinary research

Students appreciate the iconic Finnish lifestyle, from snow-covered winters to long summer days.
Joensuu and Kuopio are both near lakes and forests.
The cities are small, safe and student-friendly, with great public services.
International students receive affordable health-care, reliable transport and peaceful surroundings.

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Campus facilities at University of Eastern Finland

Overview of Campuses

The university campuses are small and centrally located, so getting around is easy for the students.
Facilities are set amidst natural beauty, with lakes, forests and calm walking paths.
The infrastructure is designed to facilitate interactive learning, modern research, and personal wellness.

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Joensuu Campus

Joensuu Campus is located near the city centre and has over 9,000 students.
Lecture halls, labs and common spaces are in buildings with names like Carelia, Agora and Aurora.
The campus hosts the Joensuu Science Park, a partnership between academics and the industry.
Facilities are internet connected, providing Wi-Fi coverage to all academic spaces and classrooms.

Study and Learning Spaces

Both campuses have well-equipped self-study areas, supporting self-study and independent learning.
Short for Oppari eLearning Support Services, it offers tech help, study materials, and tools for digital learning.
Campuses are accessible for students with physical disabilities or challenges.

Amenities and Daily Services

There are also several on-campus restaurants and cafés for meals, snacks and vegetarian options.
Academic buildings, libraries, and social spaces have free Wi-Fi.
Parking lots are well regulated and offer mobile payment, staff, and student permits.
Bike racks, pedestrian paths and proximity to cities promote sustainable mobility.

Student Services Offered by University of Eastern Finland

Admissions and Academic Guidance

International students should reach out to their faculty or department directly about academic-related questions.
International academic coordinators are provided by each department to assist with study planning.

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Student and Learning Services

Services for Students and Learning Advisors advise on registration, transcripts and schedules.
It is possible to get help at the service desks on both the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses.
Each semester hosts orientation events for both new and existing international students.
The office supports facilities such as computer labs and library accounts.

Career and Counselling Services

Career Services help students with job searches, internships, and CV writing.
They conduct workshops, webinars and career fairs to link students to employers.
Counsellors assist with study planning, motivation and handling academic pressure.
Career advisors engage students one-on-one to plan steps toward future success.

Student Well-Being and Mental Health

Educational psychologists provide counselling for study-related concerns, such as anxiety or burnout.
Students can find well-being chats and schedule appointments with mental health professionals.
There are peer tutoring systems to help new students adjust and integrate.
Various group activities, sports, and well-being events are organized to help the community adopt a healthy lifestyle.

International Mobility Overview & Community Assistance

International Mobility Services facilitate exchange program and study abroad program.
A student tutor is assigned to every new international student to help them individually.
The Student Union (ISYY) acts on behalf of students to provide social, legal and community advocacy.
International students can join language cafés and integration activities.

Student Life at University of Eastern Finland

Life on Campus

UEF has more than 15,500 students, almost 2,000 of whom are international students from 100+ countries.
Both campuses are small and pedestrian friendly, facilitating discussion across disciplines.
Campus life is lively all year round aided by cultural events, student clubs, and mutual activities.

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Social and Leisure Activities

It is responsible for organizing clubs, events, as well as other activities at the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY).
Students attend festivals of music, cinema and student parties and seasonal gatherings.
Popular student hangouts are “Coffee & Friends” events and student cafés on campus.

Sports and Fitness

In an effort to promote student fitness, UEF has gyms, group classes, and both indoor/outdoor sports facilities in place.
You have discounted student memberships at university-affiliated sports centers on both campuses.
Students enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating as winter sports.
In warmer seasons, there are city parks and lakeside paths for walking, running and biking.

Living in Finland

Finland offers a high quality of life, safety, and environmental cleanliness.
Both cities also have accommodation options that are friendly to students and reliable public services.
Finland may have four seasons, each with its own distinct kind of experience — like snowy winters and midnight sun in summer.

Scholarships Offered By University of Eastern Finland

UEF Scholarship

Value: 100% tuition fee reduction throughout the course of study.

Eligibility: Academic elite in each admitting Bachelor or Master program Exclusively applicable to non-EU/EEA students subject to tuition fees. Candidates have to register through the official admission form and they have to satisfy the eligibility conditions specific for each program.

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Tuition Waiver Scholarship

Amount: 50% of the annual tuition fee.

Eligibility: Available to selected non-EU/EEA students applying to English-taught programmes. Selection is merit-based, based on academic performance and motivation through the admissions process. Application to UEF: Students need to check interest on the application form.

Finnish Scholarship

Amount: €5,000 grant + first-year full tuition fee waiver.

Eligibility: Offered to the two international applicants with the highest marks in each Master’s program. Only available to first year tuition fee-paying students applying for Master’s program. This grant is intended to help cover relocation and living expenses.

Early Bird Discount

Amount: One-time €500 reduction in tuition fees.

Eligibility: Awarded to students who accept their study offer and pay their tuition fee by the given early deadline (e.g. on or before 11 June 2025 for autumn intake) Only available to new students who pay their tuition via the Flywire system.

Tuition Waiver for Finnish Language Proficiency

Percentage: Up to 30% tuition remission.

Eligibility: Open to UEF students who are able to prove satisfactory Finnish language skills. It is point-based and not granted until after studies are complete and it’s designed to promote people to integrate into Finnish society. Successful completion of approved language modules or examinations.

Internship and placement University of Eastern Finland

Path to Employment through Internship

Internships are strongly correlated with better employment outcomes after graduation.
It is highly encouraged for international students to do internships while they are studying.
The practical training is the first real-life brush with Finnish working culture.
Internships form a compulsory part of bachelor and master degree programme requirements.
Internships also make it more likely that students stay and work in Finland.

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UEF Trainee Program

Finland Internships provides subsidized internship placements with Finnish companies and institutions.
Students are assisted with finding appropriate placements that correspond with their academic background.
And employers receive information about how to incorporate international students into the workforce.
The trainee program supports the student’s Finnish work contacts and practical skills.

Collaboration with Employers

UEF works together with companies to offer master’s thesis projects, guest lectures and internships.
Professionals from the companies can invite students for site learning and field projects.
Lecturers and program staff also facilitate collaborations between students and the organizations.
This arrangement gives students experience and allows employers to find future talent.

Career Network

Students can look for internships, jobs, thesis opportunities.
The platform offers career-planning tools and advice on applying for jobs abroad.
Eventumm also provides students with access to specific job postings for event-based and research postings.

International Student Employment Assistance

If you are from EU/EEA countries you can work in Finland without any restrictions.
Students can apply for a residence permit to look for work in Finland after their graduation.
International students benefit from mentorship program by building lasting professional networks.

Entry Requirements for University of Eastern Finland

Undergraduate Program

Bachelor’s degree admission requires a completed upper secondary education.
Applicants must have a qualification deemed sufficient for university studies in my home country.
Your upper secondary education certificate with an official translation in English, Finnish or Swedish
Satisfactory proficiency in the English language (via test score or accepted previous study).
Program-specific requirements may require the applicant to give entrance exams or submit further documentation.

Postgraduate Program

A completed bachelor’s degree equivalent to a minimum of three (3) years of full-time academic study.
The qualification must grant eligibility for application to a corresponding level of master’s degree in the country of the awarding body.
You have to submit original and translated transcripts, and degree certificates.
Applicants with degrees in the same or related field are accepted.

English Language Requirements

Applicants are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language through testing or prior education.
Minimum accepted scores are: TOEFL iBT: 78
IELTS Academic: 6.0
PTE Academic: 54
C1 Advanced: Grade C
C2 Proficiency: Level C1
YKI National Certificate: all areas of level 4
Results must be verified and sent electronically by the official test organization.
If the applicant completed secondary or university education entirely in English, no language test is required.
The education should be from an EU/EEA country or from recognized English-speaking countries such as: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nigeria, South Africa, and so on.

University of Eastern Finland Rankings and Awards

QS World University Rankings 2025: #535 (moving up).
Ranked #549 in U.S. News Best Global Universities for academic excellence.
Round University Rankings — UEF overall performance ranking — #350 worldwide
QS Sustainability Rankings #164 demonstrating the university’s commitment to responsible education.

Subject-Specific Excellence

Pharmacy and Pharmacology of UEF is one of the Top 100 programs.
Atmospheric Science and Nursing Science are Top 200 worldwide.

Impact and Reputation in Research

According to the world of THE Rankings, its Research Quality score is 72.5, which is a high rating and reflects global academic influence.
Well-known for their research into ageing, health and environmental change, UEF collaborates with both international and national institutions, universities and organizations.
It takes part in more than 300 international research projects and has a broad cooperation with the EU.
It won national innovation awards for its interdisciplinary research process.

Rankings of University of Eastern Finland

Recognition in Finland

Multiple national surveys across Finland have ranked UEF among the Top 3 universities for student satisfaction.
Its contributions to regional development in North Karelia and the Savilahti regions are also widely known.
Awarded for its sustainability-driven strategy, in line with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Regularly profiled in the national media for pioneering work in education, climate change and health care.

Awards and Distinctions

UEF is recognized by several Finnish education boards for excellence in teaching and learning environments.
Its Doctoral School has been accredited for the delivery of world-class interdisciplinary PhD supervision.
Notable for its internationalization, particularly via its Erasmus+ and joint program.

Admission rate

The University of Eastern Finland is highly selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of just 21%, making admission quite competitive.
This puts UEF among the more selective Universities in Finland for international students.
However, both undergraduate and postgraduate program are competitive in nature.

Program-Specific Variation

As the intake quota for some master’s program could be limited, competition is higher.
Most program receive more applications than places available, especially in fields such as health sciences, environmental law and technology.
Program with interview or portfolio requirements may be more competitive.

Rising Global Interest

In 2024, UEF has already received over 2,500 applications to its English-taught bachelor’s program.
Students from Asia, Africa and Europe are particularly drawn to English-taught program.
In many popular program, high application volume tends to lower acceptance rates down.

How to Succeed With Application Strategy

A good academic record with strong performance in relevant subjects and a well-motivated letter can increase the chances of admission.
Supplying language requisites as stated must be at minimums and sometimes exceed eligibility.
This strengthens applications applying early and submitting completed documentation.
Participation in related academic or extracurricular activities strengthens an applicant.

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