Abo Akademi University
Western Europe - Finland - Abo
| Address: |
International Office, Abo Akademi University, Tavastgatan 13 Abo, 20500 Finland |
| E-mail: | admission@abo.fi |
| Phone: | +358-2-215-4836 |
| Fax: | +358-2-215 3230 |
| Degree: | Bachelors |
| Setting: | Suburban |
| Enrollment: | 5000-10000 |
| Financial aid: | No |
| Housing: | No |
Description
Abo Akademi University was founded in 1918 and is the only Swedish-language multi-faculty university in Finland. The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree studies and extensive research opportunities. The main language of instruction is Swedish, but some Master's degree programmes are taught in English.
Today Abo Akademi University has approximately 8,000 students in seven faculties, of which five are situated in Abo (called Turku in Finnish) and two in Vasa. In 2006, some 650 students were international exchange or degree students.
The university is committed to research and research-based education of the highest quality. Some of the areas in which Abo Akademi University has an acknowledged position at the forefront of research are biotechnology, computer science, chemical combustion, human rights, informational and structural biology, material sciences and polymer sciences and engineering. The research conducted at the university is primarily funded by the Academy of Finland, Finnish industry, the European Union and other state funding institutions.
Curriculum Overview
Abo Akademi University stresses the importance of quality in both education and research. The university offers a comprehensive range of subjects and degrees within its seven faculties:
- Arts
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Economics and Social Sciences
- Technology
- Theology
- Education (Vasa and Jakobstad)
- Social and Caring Sciences (Vasa)
Within the Faculties, the fields of study are Business Administration, Economics, Educational Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Logopedics, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Sciences and Theology.
All Faculties offer degree studies on Bachelor, Master and Doctoral levels.
Most subjects are taught in Swedish and therefore require knowledge of the language. However, there are Master’s degree programmes taught in English. On Master-level some subjects offer courses in English. Please check the admission website for more detailed information about each subject of study.
Student Life
Abo Akademi University is characterised by its small size, good student-teacher relations, rich traditions and its highly flexible study environment.
The Abo Campus
Abo (Turku in Finnish) is a relatively small city (173,000 inhabitants) that has a large student population and a lively student life. The city offers a wide selection of cultural activities and public services.
The Abo campus is located close to the city centre, in the heart of the old part of the city. The area offers a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for students.
The Vasa Campus
Vasa (57,000 inhabitants) is located 400 km north of Abo on the Finnish west coast. There are about 1,900 students studying at Abo Akademi University in Vasa. The city has a rich student life and offers many recreational activities in sports, culture and nature.
Living in Finland
Finnish society is often characterised as well organised, yet relaxed. Very little stress is put on formalities and students find that it is usually easy to approach e.g. teachers and professors.
For nature lovers Finland offers possibilities to wander in unspoilt nature. The distinctive four seasons give the Finnish nature and lifestyle an ever-changing aspect. Just outside Abo is the uniquely beautiful archipelago with over 20,000 islands.
Special Services
Services provided for students at Abo Akademi University include:
- University libraries with over 2 million volumes in total.
- Language courses in Swedish and Finnish.
- Orientation course.
- High quality computer facilities.
- Student Union services.
- Subsidised student lunches.
All university students in Finland are also members of the national Student Union. The membership ensures certain services for students, including basic health care and subsidised public transportation.
Financial Aid
At present, students enrolled in degree studies pay no tuition fees.
According to Finnish law, all students studying at a university must join a student union. The membership fee at the Student Union of Ã…bo Akademi University is 92 euros (2006) per academic year.
Housing
Students are themselves responsible for arranging their accommodation. International students usually get housing through the Turku Student Village Foundation.
