Are you passionate about music, theater, dance, or visual arts? Dream of studying at one of Europe’s most prestigious art institutions? Welcome to the University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) — Finland’s leading university for creative expression, artistic research, and interdisciplinary learning.
In this guide by My Unigate, we explore everything international students need to know — from history and faculties to scholarships and how to apply.
University of the Arts Helsinki – History & Overview
Founded in 2013, Uniarts Helsinki was formed by the merger of three world-class Finnish art schools:
- 🎼 Sibelius Academy – Finland’s premier music school (est. 1882)
- 🎨 Academy of Fine Arts – Specializing in visual arts (est. 1848)
- 🎭 Theatre Academy – Known for drama, dance, and performance (est. 1979)
Together, they create the largest and most diverse arts university in the Nordic region, supporting collaboration across disciplines and cultures.
Fast Facts:
📍 Location: Helsinki, Finland
👩🎓 Students: ~1,900
🧑🏫 Staff: ~700 (including 300+ instructors and visiting artists)
🌐 International Students: Around 20%
🗣️ Languages of Instruction: Finnish, Swedish & English (most MA programs offered in English)
Academic Programs at Uniarts Helsinki
Uniarts offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees across all major art forms, fostering individual creativity, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary innovation.
Faculties / Academies
Sibelius Academy – Music
- Classical Music Performance
- Jazz and Folk Music
- Global Music
- Music Technology
- Composition & Conducting
- Music Education
Academy of Fine Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Time and Space Arts (video, performance, installation)
Theatre Academy
- Acting (in Finnish, Swedish, or English)
- Directing
- Dramaturgy and Playwriting
- Lighting and Sound Design
- Dance and Choreography
Center for Educational Research and Development in the Arts
- Artistic research and pedagogy development
- Interdisciplinary projects
World-Class Staff & Creative Community
Uniarts Helsinki boasts renowned artists, performers, and researchers as faculty. Students benefit from:
- Visiting international artists and lecturers
- Artist-in-residence programs
- Student exchange via Erasmus+ and Nordplus
- Over 800 annual public performances & exhibitions
These opportunities help students build portfolios, gain exposure, and connect globally.
Campus Life in Helsinki
All three campuses are located in the heart of Helsinki, close to major cultural landmarks, theaters, and art museums.
Main Campuses:
- Sibelius Academy: Töölö & Helsinki Music Centre
- Academy of Fine Arts: Sörnäinen (Mylly building)
- Theatre Academy: Haapaniemenkatu (Kookos building)
Why Helsinki?
🏙️ Clean, modern, and safe city
🎭 Active arts and cultural scene
🚴♀️ Student-friendly with affordable transport and services
Scholarships for International Students
Uniarts Helsinki provides generous financial support for non-EU/EEA students through tuition waivers and Finland Scholarships.
🔹 Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s & Master’s: €5,000–€10,000/year
- Doctoral Programs: Free of charge
🔹 Scholarship Programs
- Tuition Fee Waiver
- 50% or 100% fee reduction
- Automatically considered during application
- Finland Scholarship
- For top-tier Master’s applicants
- 100% tuition waiver + €5,000 relocation grant
- Artist-in-Residence & Project Grants
- For advanced MA/PhD students
- Fund exhibitions, performances, or research abroad
How to Apply
🎓 General Requirements:
- High school diploma (for BA) or relevant BA degree (for MA)
- Artistic entrance exam or portfolio
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or equivalent)
- CV, Motivation letter, and interview (varies by program)
📌 Application Process:
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi
- Application period starts January
- Entrance exams & interviews take place March–April
- Scholarships are automatically reviewed with your degree application
Contact Information
University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki)
📍 PO Box 1, 00097 Uniarts, Helsinki, Finland
📧 Email: admissions@uniarts.fi
📞 Phone: +358 294 470 2000
For more guides on European universities and scholarships, visit My Unigate.
Why Choose University of the Arts Helsinki?
🎨 Combines all major art disciplines under one university
🌍 Diverse student body and international faculty
💡 Small classes with personalized mentorship
💰 Attractive scholarship options for talented students
🏙️ Located in Finland’s cultural capital, Helsinki
🧪 Strong focus on artistic freedom, experimentation, and research
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an aspiring musician, visual artist, or theatre innovator, University of the Arts Helsinki provides the stage, mentorship, and funding to let your talent shine.
Ready to make your mark in the global arts scene?
🎓 Start your application journey today — and explore more opportunities at My Unigate.
