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University of Helsinki - FINLAND

Part of the MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange Program

(all photos provided by the University of Helsinki)

Helsinki studentsThe Partnership
This program is part of the MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchangeand is open to students from member institutions only. Interested students should contact their local study abroad coordinator regarding the application/placement process and for additional information. Application deadlines for all MAUI-Utrecht Network programs, including fall semester, winter semester, or academic year abroad, is in late February/early March. Spring semester placements may be available after the deadline: contact your Study Abroad Coordinator.

 

The University-UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsini dish

 

The CityHelsinki fish
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is situated on the south coast of the country on the Bay of Finland. It was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. Fires destroyed the old wooden town many times, but it was always rebuilt. The capital was officially changed from Turku to Helsinki in 1812, and the university was moved to the new capital in 1827.

 

 

Helsinki hall

Location
Helsinki quickly became the cultural and intellectual centre of Finland. Its harbour and location bolstered trade and made Helsinki an important city in the Baltic region. Today, Helsinki and the neighbouring cities of Espoo and Vantaa are home to a sixth of the Finnish population, or nearly a million people. The capital offers the cultural, educational and entertainment necessities of student life in beautiful natural surroundings, as the Helsinki metropolitan area is regarded as one of the greenest cityscapes in the world.   

 

 

 

 

 

Details & Information: 

Full name of university University of Helsinki
Number of MAUI students you can accept during 2012/2013
(indicate total number of semesters)

2 for academic year or 4 semester students. 
If only semester students will be sent, please note that placements must be distributed evenly for both semesters (this is due to the difficult housing situation).

Areas of study open for MAUI students (list explicitly) All areas
Areas of study restricted to prior bilateral agreements between the exchanging departments or faculties No
Areas of study not open for MAUI
students
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Utrecht Network contact person
(name, full address, phone/fax/email)

Markus Laitinen
Head of International Affairs
POB 33 (Yliopistonkatu 4)
Fin-00014 University of Helsinki
tel. +358-9-191 22605
fax. +358-9-191 23077
e-mail: markus.laitinen@helsinki.fi

Contact person for incoming students (name, full address, phone/fax/e-mail) Tuula Hellstedt
Student Exchange Co-ordinator
International Exchange Services
POB 3 (Fabianinkatu 33)
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
tel. +358-9-191 22177, fax +358-9-191 22176
e-mail for co-ordinators: tuula.hellstedt@helsinki.fi
e-mail for students: studentexchange@helsinki.fi
General web site of the university www.helsinki.fi/university
Web site of the international office/information web site for incoming students www.helsinki.fi/exchange
Updated version is available from March 2012
Academic calendar

Academic year August, 2012 - July 2013
Courses are held and exchange periods:
Autumn/fall semester: September 1 – December 20, 2012
Spring semester: January 1 – May 31, 2013

Please note, that the University of Helsinki arranges teaching in periodical teaching system. There are different periods in different fields of study. Please check this information on website www.helsinki.fi/exchange, updated version will be available on website in March 2012.
Examination period(s) No examination period.
Orientation session(s) for incoming students

In autumn semester in turn of the months of August and September.
In spring semester during the 2nd week of January.

Updated information on website www.helsinki.fi/exchange in March 2012.
ECTS available (list all fields) Yes
Application deadline(s) for admission

May 15, 2012 for autmn semester 2012 or academicy year 2012/13
October 15, 2012 for spring semester 2013

Application material on the web site or being mailed

On website www.helsinki.fi/exchange

Course registration deadline(s) Usually during orientation
Language requirements English as native language or TOEFL score 80-93 (IBT) 213-237 CBT.
Language test certificate requirements If English is not applicant’s native language, language certificate is required (see requirement on website www.helsinki.fi/exchange
Preparatory language course for incoming students No
Courses taught in English www.helsinki.fi/english/courses
Internships available No
Student employment

It is allowed for international student/student visa holders to work 25 hours a week. There are very few jobs offered and most jobs require skills in Finnish or Swedish language.

The University of Helsinki however requires incoming exchange students to complete at least 20 Finnish credits / semester during the exchange period (a total of 30 credits is the full-time workload for one semester).

Housing assistance

Due to the difficult housing situation, the University of Helsinki can’t guarantee housing.
Exchange students are encouraged to make the housing arrangements as soon as possible. The exchange student must apply for housing him/herself from HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in Helsinki Region). More information on the housing www.helsinki.fi/exchange/ .

Other housing options are listed on the website too.
Housing options

Student dormitories and Student Residence Halls.
Dormitories: flats with 3-8 rooms (every student has a single room) with shared kitchen and bath.
Residence Halls: One-room studio-type flats with kitchen and bath.

Web  www.helsinki.fi/exchange
Housing application deadline(s)

As soon as possible, but at the latest May 15 or October 15

Cost estimates per month (in EURO)
Housing
Meals
Books
Local Transportation
Health Insurance

650-900 EUR/ month
Housing: 250-500 EUR/ month.

Deposit for housing 500 EUR (refundable)
Additional fees to pay Exchange students can choose if they pay the Student Union (HYY) membership fee. By paying the fee, students will receive a lot of benefits as members of the Student Union (for example student discounts, Lyyra Card, Student Health Services etc.). In 2011-12 the fee for academic year is 89 EUR and for semester 46 EUR.
Comparable health insurance coverage from abroad allowed/not allowed The Finnish Immigration Service requires an insurance policy when the student applies for residence permit. More information on the website of Finnish Immigration Service www.migri.fi (Students’ Health Care).
Health facilities at the university Student health care by Finnish Student Health Care Centre. Please note this health care functions during weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm, and it is not an insurance
Other relevant information

Basic Finnish language and Swedish language courses are offered during the semester for exchange students.

Summer courses available? If so, please list Helsinki Summer School arranges 3 week courses in August. These courses are not included in exchanges. Courses are fee-paid courses. More information on website http://www.helsinki.fi/summerschool/
Last update of this information January 17, 2012

 

How to Apply/Application Process
You must be nominated by your Study Abroad Coordinator. Please check with your home university coordinator for deadlines, availability, & application procedures for this program.

*I
f you are a UMSL student who would like to apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.