Although core funding allocated to the University of Helsinki under the Ministry of Education and Culture's funding model declined, overall government funding grew.
The University of Helsinki recorded a pre-tax operating deficit of €1.4 million. The result was slightly better than budgeted, due in part to government research and development initiatives, including the national doctoral education pilot. The €20 million allocated to the pilot was recorded as income in full for 2025, even though the funding will also be used in subsequent years. Had the funding been allocated on a cost basis, the deficit would have stood at €4.8 million.
In 2025 the University of Helsinki received a total of €482 million in government funding. Of this, core funding under the Ministry of Education and Culture's funding model accounted for €456 million, some €7 million less than in 2024.
The number of doctoral degrees relevant to the Ministry of Education and Culture funding model grew tremendously by 30% from the previous year. The response rate in the Finnish Bachelor's Graduate Survey also grew markedly.
Last year, the University of Helsinki added more than 200 student places to its bachelor's programme intake. Once again the (link in Finnish and Swedish only), the University remains an attractive place to study.
Moderate increase in external funding
External funding - encompassing research funding, fee income and other external income - grew by 3% to €364 million in total. EU research funding rose by 20% to €44 million; the rapid growth seen in previous years otherwise came to a halt. Of total external funding, 73% was directed towards research.
Staff expenses drive expenditure growth
The University's total expenditure grew by €33 million, with the majority of this growth, €23 million, attributable to staff expenses. Other expenses increased by €9 million, and facility costs and depreciation by €1 million.
Both headcount and full-time equivalents rose by 3% during the year, partly accounting for the increase in staff expenses.
Investment activities boost financial year result
The University of Helsinki's profit for the 2025 financial year stood at €55.4 million, including an accounting profit of €57 million from investment, fundraising and financial activities. The principal items were capital gains from investment activities (€20 million) and dividend income (€16 million). Changes in the market value of securities totalled €11 million. Fundraising income amounted to €10 million, comprising both support from the University of Helsinki Funds and projects financed through them.
Each year, the University of Helsinki draws income from returns on its assets, including those of the entire University of Helsinki Group. This income may be used either in the year in which it is drawn or in subsequent years. In 2025 such income amounted to €29.2 million.
The market value of investment assets grew to €485.9 million, with a return on investment of 5.9%.
