Key figures

Research 

Our research is internationally high-quality, responding global societal challenges and informing both policy and practice. We focus on sustainable business, energy and society. We want to engage our partners in industry and society in our research activities.

Find out more about our research indicators.

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The total number of publications in 2023 was 724. This is an increase compared to 2022 (687 publications). As in previous years, publications will continue to be published by journals and publishers in the Publication Forum classification (JUFO) category 3.

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In total, €5 780 021 of competitive research funding was spent in 2023, an increase of 11% compared to 2022. International competitive research funding increased by 11% and other competitive research funding by 10% compared to 2022.

Education

The educational experience at the University of Vaasa emphasises the role of teaching excellence, high-quality learning environments, equality and inclusion and community. 

Find out more about our education indicators.

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567 master's degrees, 496 bachelor's degrees and 27 doctoral degrees were completed at the University of Vaasa in 2023. The number of bachelor's degrees increased by 18%, while the number of master's degrees decreased. The number of doctoral degrees continued to increase.

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The number of basic degree students in 2023 was 5,293 and the number of doctoral students was 296. The number of international degree students also increased. There were 346 international degree students, which is 6.5% of all basic degree students.

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In 2024, 7302 applications were received for Bachelor's programmes, which is 26.1% more than last year. Finnish-language Master's programmes received 2074 applications, 12% more than last year. There were 134 applications through the Open University pathway. This represents an increase of 6.3% compared to the previous year.

In 2023, the total number of applications for international Master's programmes (6381) increased by 216.2% (2022: 2018). 

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Our graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities, and employers hold degrees earned from the University of Vaasa in high regard. The graph shows the employment situation of 2022 graduates one year after graduation.

Personnel

Our success and results are a direct result of the input of our skilled and committed researchers, teachers and experts. We invest in the wellbeing and career development of our staff. As a work community, we embrace diversity, and our collaborative work culture fosters inclusivity and equality.

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The number of personnel at the University of Vaasa has grown steadily over the past few years. At the end of 2023, the number of personnel was 656, compared to 611 a year earlier.

57% of the personnel worked in academic units, 7% in research platforms, 25% in support functions and 11% in affiliated institutions.

The share of employed international personnel in the teaching and research staff was almost 34%. International staff consisted of 49 different nationalities.

Sustainability and responsibility

Our dedication to sustainability runs deep, with a commitment to incorporating the social, economic and ecological dimensions of sustainability into all aspects of our work. We are a valued partner within Northern Europe's largest energy and environment business cluster, working towards affordable and clean energy, economic growth, industry innovation, and responsible consumption and production.

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The carbon footprint refers to the climate emissions caused by human activity. In 2022, the University of Vaasa’s carbon footprint was around 2.62 thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. The term “carbon dioxide equivalent” refers to the cumulative effect of greenhouse gases, as if they were all CO2. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used standard for calculating environmental impacts. It classifies emissions into three categories:

Scope 1 encompasses emissions over which the organisation has direct influence and control. Emissions occur on-site as a result of the organisation’s own actions.

Scope 2 includes indirect emissions caused by purchased energy from production and other activities, such as electricity and heat usage.

Scope 3 covers all indirect emissions resulting from the procurement of goods and services. These include emissions associated with waste and water management, product procurement, and transportation.