A growing and internationalising university
Research
Our research is internationally high-quality, responding global societal challenges and informing both policy and practice. We focus on sustainable business, energy and society. We want to engage our partners in industry and society in our research activities.
Find out more about our research indicators.
The number of peer-reviewed publications at the University of Vaasa has increased by 80% between 2018-2024, representing the highest percentage growth among Finnish universities.
In 2025, the total number of publications increased to 826 (2024: 799). Publications in the Publication Forum classification (JUFO) levels 2 and 3 grew by approximately 25%. The growth reflects the strengthened quality of our research, increased internationalisation and expanding collaboration networks, as well as its rising international recognition and impact.
External competitive funding reflects the high quality, international networks and impact of our research, and it enables long‑term, sustainable research work. In total, €6 852 805 of competitive research funding was used in 2025. This represents a 9% increase compared with 2024.
Education
The educational experience at the University of Vaasa emphasises the role of teaching excellence, high-quality learning environments, equality and inclusion and community.
Find out more about our education indicators.
In 2025, a total of 883 students completed their master’s degrees at the University of Vaasa – 25% more than in 2024, and the highest number in the university’s history. A record number of graduates completed the Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration degree. Since 2023, the University of Vaasa has produced more graduates in this field than any other university in Finland. In addition, 116 students completed the Master of Science in Technology degree, representing an increase of nearly 80% from the previous year and marking an all‑time record for the university.
In addition, the university awarded 554 Bachelor’s degrees and 27 Doctoral degrees in 2025.
In 2025, a total of 7,017 students studied at the University of Vaasa, which is 10% more than in the previous year.
There were 6,662 basic degree students and 355 doctoral students. The number of international degree students increased significantly: there were 786 international degree students, representing 13% of all basic degree students (an increase of 27%).
The University of Vaasa’s appeal is strengthening: in the second joint application round, applications to Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes increased by 62% between 2023 and 2026.
In the second spring joint application round in 2026, the total number of applications increased by 15.5% compared with the previous year. Applications to Bachelor’s programmes grew by 3.9%, and applications to Finnish‑language Master’s programmes by 50.2% compared with 2025.
Our graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities, and employers hold degrees earned from the University of Vaasa in high regard. The employment rates of our graduates have remained consistently strong. The figure shows the five‑year average employment rate (2021–2025) of our graduates.
Personnel
Our success is built on skilled and committed people – we value expertise, collaboration, and continuous development. We invest in the wellbeing and career development of our staff. Our collaborative work culture fosters diversity and equality.
At the end of 2025, the number of personnel was 715.
The proportion of international personnel is 30 percent of the total personnel. The proportion of employed international personnel in teaching and research positions is approximately 40 percent. Our employees represent 51 different nationalities.
Sustainability and responsibility
Our dedication to sustainability runs deep, with a commitment to incorporating the social, economic and ecological dimensions of sustainability into all aspects of our work. We are a valued partner within Northern Europe's largest energy technology hub, working towards affordable and clean energy, economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production.
The carbon footprint refers to the climate emissions caused by human activity. In 2024, the University of Vaasa’s carbon footprint was approximately 3.18 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. The term “carbon dioxide equivalent” means that the cumulative effect of greenhouse gases is expressed as if they were all CO2. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used standard for calculating environmental impacts. It classifies emissions into three categories:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organisation. These emissions occur on-site as a result of the organisation’s own actions.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased energy, such as electricity and heat.
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the organisation, including emissions from waste and water management, product procurement, and transportation.