Record number of master’s graduates in technology and business studies from the University of Vaasa
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The University of Vaasa saw a record number of graduates with a master’s degree in 2025. The increasing number of graduates reflects the strong attractiveness of the university’s programmes and the smooth progress of studies. The university’s efficient education ensures that students advance well in their studies and graduate on time, which is also essential in meeting Finland’s growing need for skilled professionals.
Last year, the University of Vaasa produced a record 116 graduates with a Master of Science in Technology, representing an increase of nearly 80 percent from the previous year.
A record number of Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration degrees were also completed — 592 in total, nearly 25 percent more than the year before. For several consecutive years, the University of Vaasa has been Finland’s largest educator of business students.
The same growth trend continued in the university’s other fields as well, including administrative sciences and communication studies. In total, 883 students completed a master’s degree, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous year and representing the highest number in the university’s history. Students come to the University of Vaasa from all over Finland, and the share of international students has also grown to around 13 percent.
– The rise in graduation numbers shows that our students are progressing smoothly in their studies and that we are increasingly successful in supporting them. At the same time, we are educating experts from both Finland and abroad who are vital for economic growth. High-level expertise is the key factor attracting new investments to Finland and enabling the vitality of exports. This growth also supports our university’s own strategic development, as increasing the number of skilled graduates is an important goal for us, says Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa.
The university’s close cooperation with companies also supports the employment prospects of graduates. During the past year, the University of Vaasa entered into a strategic partnership with Hitachi Energy and Danfoss Drives, alongside its earlier partnerships with Wärtsilä Finland, ABB and Microsoft. The core of this collaboration in research and education includes joint research projects, internships, thesis opportunities, and cooperation within doctoral programmes.
– Vaasa is an attractive city for students, which is evident in the fact that people come here to study from across Finland. The appeal of our university is based on high-quality education, multidisciplinary expertise, and close collaboration with the city and local companies. For students, this means excellent opportunities for studies, internships, and a smooth everyday life. For Vaasa and the surrounding region, it means a future workforce that strengthens regional growth, says Tanja Risikko, Vice-Rector for Education.
– Working life is changing rapidly, which is why the university’s role is to provide students with up-to-date skills and opportunities to meet employers already during their studies. Close cooperation with companies is crucial in this. By combining expertise in technology, business, and administration, we are responding to society’s evolving challenges and educating professionals who are in high demand in the labour market, adds Martikainen.