Tampere University’s International strategy 2030
We work together to build a sustainable world
In 2030:
- Tampere University is a distinguished, international and diverse scientific community that attracts both students and staff. The members of our community engage in successful and high-impact activities within the global operating environment. Our international collaboration is diverse, sustainable and responsible.
- Our international activities are unambiguously steered, rooted in our values and integrated across all our areas of activity. We uphold and advocate for academic freedom and open science. We identify and acknowledge changes in our international operating environment and the risks associated with international collaboration.
- International engagement enhances our University’s impact and fosters diversity within our community. Recognition enables us to strengthen our networks with leading stakeholders, attract top talent, and take on a key role in shaping European science and education policy.
A thriving university community
1. We are a diverse and inclusive community that promotes participation and provides equal opportunities for everyone to succeed
All the members of the university community share responsibility for fostering openness, participation and integration. We are committed to promoting multiculturalism in all our activities.
We use languages flexibly and adhere to our Language principles. All staff and students, regardless of linguistic background, are afforded equal opportunities to take on different tasks and roles within the university community. We encourage our staff to develop the language skills necessary for their professional duties.
2. Everyone has the opportunity to internationalise
We encourage international engagement. We promote mobility among students and staff and support the development of their international competencies.
3. We follow open recruitment practices to attract the most qualified candidates
We recruit both academic and non-academic staff openly, responsibly and globally. Responsible recruitment supports diversity across the University, particularly within research groups, and strengthens our international networks.
4. Our international staff and students commit to and engage with the University and Finnish society
We ensure that our international staff and students are introduced to Finland’s academic, research and working cultures. Our supervisors and teaching staff lead by example in promoting a culture of equality, non-discrimination and participation across our community. We provide support to help our international staff settle into Finnish society.
An internationally esteemed research university
1. We lead international research
Our research has a global impact and we collaborate with leading research groups worldwide. We establish and actively maintain international research infrastructures.
We recognise the value of international expert roles and incorporate mobility into academic work. We enhance the quality of our research and expand our networks by inviting international visitors to Tampere University.
2. We are a European university
Our international research collaborations are driven by our commitment to excellence and our core values. We conduct research responsibly and openly. We actively participate in the preparation of European research programmes and coordinate international projects.
3. We promote the global utilisation of research-based knowledge
Our research and education respond to the needs of Finland’s increasingly international society and strengthen the national security of supply. Through our research and international collaborations, we strive to address global challenges, such as the ecological crisis and threats to democracy.
An educator of world-changing experts
1. Internationality is integrated into all our degree programmes
We incorporate student mobility, multicultural competencies and the strengthening of international students’ employability skills in our curricula. We ensure that a sufficient range of courses is taught in English, which also supports exchange studies. We have a flexible approach to recognising and accrediting studies completed abroad as part of our degree programmes. We offer a broad range of foreign language and Finnish courses. We expand our international joint degree offerings and increase collaborative international teaching which supports the adoption of new teaching methods and pedagogical practices.
2. Our degree programmes are of high quality and are delivered responsibly
We offer English-language bachelor’s programmes that provide clear pathways to master’s programmes. Our international student recruitment activities are strategic and responsibly managed. Europe is among our target regions.
The objectives and student enrolment levels of our degree programmes are maintained on a sustainable basis. The professional competencies and employability skills offered through our degree programmes, along with the opportunities to pursue a career and settle in Finland, are clearly communicated to prospective students during the application stage. Our international programmes enable students to take advanced courses in the Finnish language. We are actively involved in the development of the European degree.
A strong partner and active societal influencer
1. We have a strategic approach to internationalisation
We steer our international activities systematically to support the University’s strategic goals. We aim to build long-term partnerships that enhance our reputation and impact. We support the development of international partnerships at different organisational levels in line with our strategy and regularly evaluate their progress. We actively participate in EU advocacy.
2. We make an international impact together with our stakeholders
We work together with the City of Tampere and other regional stakeholders to enhance international engagement and regional vitality. We collaborate to attract top talent and support their integration to Finland.
We leverage the existing networks of our international staff to strengthen our global collaborations and increase engagement with international alumni.
3. Our international cooperation is responsible
Our international networks provide broad support for both education and research. We remain mindful of the risks associated with international collaboration and are committed to upholding our values while working with collaborative networks.