A short history of University of Helsinki

 The University of Helsinki has a rich history that dates back to 1640 when it was originally established as the Academy of Turku. It used to be known as the Royal Academy of Åbo, founded by Queen Christina of Sweden in Turku. The university's predecessor, the Cathedral School of Åbo, was presumably founded in 1276 to educate boys for service in the Church.


(Queen Christina of Sweden, University Founder and patron)


In 1828, after the Great Fire of Turku, the university moved to Helsinki and was renamed the Imperial Alexander University in Finland. During this period, when Finland was part of the Russian Empire, the university was expanded significantly under the patronage of Grand Duke Alexander I. The primary task of the university used to be to educate civil servants for the Grand Duchy of Finland. The university adopted the Humboldtian model of education, focusing on scientific methods and the development of new disciplines.


In 1917, Finland declared its independence, and the university was renamed the University of Helsinki. It used to play a crucial role in building the new nation-state and later in developing the welfare state. The university became a hub of national life, contributing to the development of Finnish identity and culture. Throughout the 20th century, the university's research reached the European elite level in many disciplines. Professors from the University of Helsinki received prestigious international awards, such as the Fields Medal and Nobel Prizes.



After World War II, the university focused on improving Finnish living conditions and supporting significant changes in society and business. The progress in scientific development led to the creation of many new disciplines and faculties. Today, the University of Helsinki comprises 11 faculties, 500 professors, and almost 40,000 students, striving to maintain its position as one of Europe's top multidisciplinary research universities.

(Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki)


(Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki)

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