Regional cooperation
EnergyVaasa is the leading energy hub in the Nordic countries
Our University is situated at the centre of an international knowledge cluster in the environment and energy sector, EnergyVaasa. This provides us with excellent opportunities to operate actively in international innovation ecosystems. The ecosystem surrounding the university comprises global RDI-intensive companies, universities, as well as public and third sector organisations - all with the common goal of sustainable development and combating climate change. VEBIC, the university's research platform that focuses on efficient energy production, energy business and development of a sustainable society, has a major role in this.
Higher education consortium with Vaasa University of Applied Sciences
The University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences have established a joint higher education group aimed at strengthening their regional, national, and international impact. Building on a long-standing collaboration, the University of Vaasa has increased its ownership in VAMK to 70 percent. Both institutions will continue to operate under their own names, and the group will receive an official name in early autumn 2025.
This collaboration enables closer integration of education, research, and development activities. For students, it means more flexible study paths, broader educational opportunities, and access to high-quality learning environments – all the way up to doctoral education.
Cooperation with higher educational institutions
Educational institutions in the region work actively together. The purpose of the cooperative activities is to be beneficial and inspiring for all involved parties, to improve the quality of operations and also broaden the operating models.
The Vaasa Higher Education Consortium is a collaborative network of university and higher education units operating in Vaasa, aimed at enhancing and developing the efficient use of shared resources among the institutions.
Linguavaasa language collaboration of the Vaasa higher education institutions offers joint language studies for students of Hanken, the University of Helsinki (Vaasa Unit), Yrkeshögskolan Novia, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, the University of Vaasa, and Åbo Akademi.
Academic library Tritonia
The academic library of Vaasa, Tritonia, is a shared library of the University of Vaasa, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, and Novia University of Applied Sciences.
The library serves the students, teachers, and researchers of these academic schools, but it is also open to anyone in need of knowledge.
University consortiums in Kokkola and Seinäjoki
The Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius is a joint institution of the universities of Vaasa, Jyväskylä and Oulu. The joint institution carries out teaching and research in Kokkola and is an affiliated institution of the University of Jyväskylä. The University of Vaasa has a professorship of business administration in Kokkola.
The University Consortium of Seinäjoki is a multidisciplinary scientific network of some hundred experts from six Finnish universities. The consortium is coordinated by the University of Tampere. The University of Vaasa has four professorships in Seinäjoki, researching entrepreneurship, consumer behaviour, logistics, and wood-building business.
The student union (VYY)
All students doing their bachelor's or master's degree at the University of Vaasa are members of the student union (VYY). Also, doctoral or exchange students can enrol if they want to. The membership entitles national and regional benefits and student discounts. VYY acts as a representative of the students, is a part of the university management and organises tutoring of new students, parties and activities in culture and sports.
Vaasa University Foundation
The Vaasa University Foundation was established in 1961. The foundation supports the development of the University of Vaasa and the scientific research and education conducted within it. It provides financial assistance for the university’s development and expansion. The foundation supports both basic and applied research at the university through grants, and it also awards travel and other scholarships and subsidies to students and staff.
Foundations closely affiliated with universities are not eligible to participate in the universities’ matched funding campaigns.
Vaasa University Society
Vaasa University Society (Vaasan yliopistoseura ry) promotes cooperation between the university and its surrounding community and raises awareness of the university’s activities through various events. The association maintains a scholarship fund. Anyone who is a friend of the university is welcome to become a member. Join us as a member!