University of Helsinki topped the public organisations category in the International Employer of the Year 2025 competition organised by the Junior Chamber International in Finland. In addition, it came 15th in the Young Professional Attraction Index (YPAI) 2025 survey.
The University of Helsinki has recently earned double recognition as an employer. First, it debuted on the top 50 list in the , demonstrating its rising appeal among early-career professionals.
The YPAI survey examines what attracts professionals and shapes employer reputation among higher education graduates with up to seven years' work experience. It identified features that the roughly 3,000 respondents considered when selecting their employer. The survey emphasises that the university's strengths include interesting and varied work duties, organisational values, and a commitment to equality, diversity and responsibility.
"The results indicate that perceptions of the University align with the strengths highlighted in our workplace wellbeing survey. It was also gratifying to see that the University is regarded as an innovative place to work," says Director of Human Resources Tiia Tuomi.
Sustained efforts for internationalisation and diversity
In October, the University won the public organisations category in the organised by the Junior Chamber International in Finland. The jury noted that the University is a truly multicultural and multinational community, with nearly one-third of teaching and research staff having an international background. With staff representing over 100 nationalities, the University is indeed a genuinely international community.
The jury praised the University's sustained efforts to support the integration of its international staff. Activities include assisting such staff and their families with relocation and settling in Finland and at the University. The University promotes diversity, equality and equity across all its activities, and has published a new equality and diversity plan to put these values into practice in day-to-day operations.
"We have long focused on developing international recruitment and are currently developing a comprehensive engagement and commitment program for international staff. The award jury also highlighted the University's trainee programme for international students, which has been running since 2018. Our work for the international university community continues," says Head of Development Jaana Nylund, responsible for the University's employer branding and recruitment development.
A respected and responsible employer
Both the YPAI survey, which gauges perceptions among young professionals, and the recognition as an international employer show that the University's sustained efforts to become the best place to study and work are paying off, both internally and externally.
"I'm pleased that both of these accolades convey the same message: we've succeeded in creating a work community where values and actions go hand in hand. This recognition is for the University community as a whole," states Tuomi.
