It´s safe.

 Finland is the safest country in the world according to the World Economic Forum 2017 evaluation as well as 2018 Travel Risk Map produced by International SOS. University of Lapland also ranked no. 1 out of 120 universities globally in the International Student Barometer Survey (ISB) 2017 for safety.

“I really love the quality of life I get here. I feel very safe and even if Finns are culturally quite different from me I really appreciate my semester.”

(Exchange student)

At the University of Lapland, you don´t get lost in the crowd.

The University has around 4400 students and 600 members of staff. Small size creates a sense of community, cozy atmosphere and co-operation across disciplinary boundaries. In the ISB 2017 survey 95,4 % of our international students were satisfied with class size, ranking us no. 1 globally.

It´s happy.

United Nations World Happiness Report 2018 concludes that Finland is the happiest country in the world. For the first time the UN also examined the happiness levels of immigrants in each country, and found Finland also scored highest. This is also reflected in the ISB 2017 scores of University of Lapland. On measures of happiness, we ranked 1st in Finland and globally second.

“University of Lapland is a very good opportunity to study abroad: nice lectures and the staff is very nice and polite. Nature in this part of world is amazing. I think it is good for developing yourself. I am very happy because I am where I am.”

(Exchange student)

"The location and environment of the University is one i have never experienced before. It is small, but big of heart and full of promise. I believe Ulapland to be the making of me."

(MA student)

At the University of Lapland, you are on top of the world. 

City of Rovaniemi, where University of Lapland is located, is at the Arctic Circle, 66°33′45.9″ degrees north. Due to our location, you can experience the midnight sun in the summer as well as the polar night during winter. University of Lapland is European Union’s northernmost science and art university. We also host the Arctic Centre, an international research institute and science centre focusing on Arctic issues.

It´s high-tech and hands-on.

University of Lapland has a modern campus with state of the art study facilities and learning environments for students. Our laboratories were ranked no.1 globally in the ISB 2017 survey. ARCTA, Arctic Art and Design Labs hosted by the Faculty of Art and Design and especially SINCO, the Service Innovation Corner, are utilized by students across disciplinary boundaries.

“University of Lapland offers high quality learning environments with developed technologies, professional teaching personnel and cozy learning spaces. Dynamic and international atmosphere makes the place unique.”

At the University of Lapland, you get connected to the working life through real business cases.

Finnair, a Finnish airline company is one big partner Multidimensional Tourism Institute and Faculty of Art and Design has a close co-operation with Volkswagen for example. University of Lapland and Lapland UAS have also joined forces for Demola Lapland. Demola innovation platform challenges companies to develop their activities and products in cooperation with students.

It´s welcoming.

University of Lapland is a community that welcomes international students with open arms. Our Introduction Days for international students, as well as ease of finding accommodation and accommodation cost were ranked no. 1 out of 120 universities globally in ISB 2017. Hundred percent of international students were also satisfied with the ease of orientation around the university and local area.

“It is the best place to learn about the real way of education. You will find super supportive teachers, excellent teaching, a modern university which makes you feel totally alive. A place where you find the best accommodation for students, where you are all together. And for sure you find any other kind of support possible.”

(Exchange student)

At the University of Lapland you can entwine yourself in international atmosphere, activities and networks.

In the fall 2017 we had 245 registered international students. University of Lapland has over 250 partner universities in 40 different countries. We also host the University of the Arctic Secretatriat. UArctic is a cooperative network of universities, institutions and organizations that has around 200 members. Rovaniemi city, the international hub of Lapland inhabits around 90 different nationalities and 2.4 % of the town’s residents have foreign citizenship (2014). Each year, Rovaniemi is visited by approximately half a million travellers.

It´s tasty.

University of Lapland was ranked 1st out of 120 universities globally in the ISB 2017 survey for on-campus restaurants. Our three restaurants, Petronella, Felli and Lovisa serve tasty meals and snacks daily and lunch with a student card costs only 2,60 €.

“Everyday I ride my bike to the university and I'm still amazed about the beauty of this country. The classes are small, which is very good. And I've never had such good and cheap food in a university cafeteria before."

(Exchange student) 

At the University of Lapland you can be part of making a change.

The strategic research at University of Lapland focuses on change in the Arctic and the North. The impacts of global economic and political changes and global warming are felt more keenly in the Arctic than elsewhere. Research and research-based teaching at the University of Lapland focus on the communities and the environment in the North and on the interaction between these two elements. The mission of the University of Lapland is captured in its watchword, "For the North, for the world".

It´s not for everyone.

It´s cold and remote. During the winter you will face empty streets and silent forests. Two days above 25 Celsius in the summer is called a heat wave (and the water in the river is still cold). Do your research when applying and come prepared. Consider whether academic freedom is something you can handle. Biking is compulsory since public transport is non-existent. Buy a warm jacket, get gloves and good shoes. Start your vitamin-D early. Yes, Finns can be grumpy and silent, but behind all those layers of clothing we can also be the most warm-hearted and welcoming people ever. It´s the changing conditions that will challenge you, mold you and can ultimately change you. If you are up for it, we welcome you with open arms!

"Take the plunge. It´s scary and emotional but indeed wonderful. You will learn about your true strengths mentally and physically in the North of the world. Wrap up warm, take vitamin D and embrace the enchanting experiences that unfold before your eyes."

(MA-student)