History
Åbo Akademi University is the Swedish-language multidisciplinary academic university in Finland. We contribute to society through general learning, education and new scientific knowledge.
Education
All undergraduate (bachelor level) programmes at Åbo Akademi University are taught in Swedish. Please note that all programmes on the bachelor level at Åbo Akademi University require good knowledge of Swedish langauge prior to admission.
We currently offer 9 different international master programmes in a number of different fields. Our university is known for good teacher-student relations, small groups and good possibilities to get individual support within the studies.
Research
Åbo Akademi University’s activities are characterized by our responsibilities related to Swedish-speaking Finland and by our international atmosphere. We are a familiar minority university with great ambitions regarding education and research, and we have set high standards for boundary-crossing (co-)operation. Old academic traditions and modern innovations exist side by side, which lends our university its unique atmosphere. Join us and work for a better world!
Career
The Career Services offer personal career counseling where we focus on identifying your skills and abilities and can give suggestions on how to efficiently look for suitable positions. You can also choose to make a person profile analysis (SLG Thomas) in combination with the counseling.
Åbo Akademi University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Åbo Akademi University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Essay Writing Contest from EduLegit
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
$1,500 Annual Essay Writing Contest Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Type Rating Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Conference Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
“The Hope For Healing” Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
501
2024
501 100
2023
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
621 -20
2024
601
2023
601
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
1106 -69
2023
1037
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
Study guidance and counselling is offered by the study advisors at the faculties, both as proactive and reactive guidance. You are always welcome to contact a study advisor for a session.
Housing services
Students apply for housing themselves. Remember to start applying for housing in time! When applying for housing you should read your e-mail daily in order to be able to confirm the accommodation offer in time. If you fail to confirm the accommodation offer in time, your housing offer will be cancelled. None of these housing options are run by the university – we are only affiliated with them.
Library services
Åbo Akademi University Library is open to the public. You’ll need a library card to use our services.
ICT services
ICT Services (ICT) is responsible for the IT-infrastructure at the University, including user´s accounts, e-mail, work stations, server computers and user support. Some of our software agreements cover the home user´s computer as well.
Medical services
Degree students in Åbo and in Vasa have access to Finnish Student Health Services. As a Student Union member you have access to the health services. The health care fee is not part of the student union fee but instead the fee is paid to FPA (KELA). The Student Health Care Services offers:
- health care, dental care, psychological services
- Appointments and Advice – general information
Campus life
The university is spread across two main campuses: one in the city of Åbo (‘Turku’ in Finnish) and the other in the city of Vasa (‘Vaasa’ in Finnish). Which campus you study at will depend on your chosen programme, but both campuses are recognised equally on an international level for their contributions to research, as well as their overall excellence in the world of academia.
Sports facilities
There are many different sports activities and special, subject and interest associations and clubs that you can become a member of and that organise events, parties and other activities. It is worth getting involved in student associations. You will surely find something that will help you relax from the seriousness of studying!
CampusSport offers completely new opportunities to train. The city’s universities of applied sciences and universities have started a collaboration on sports activities.
ÅAU Motion in Vaasa maintains sports services for students and staff at ÅAU in Vaasa.
Student clubs
Student Union Membership is compulsory by law, but the benefits it brings are worth it.In order to be registered as present and have the right to study, receive credits and have your study results registered, you must pay the Student union fee.
Over 70 student associations are also arranging programs for the students.