More than 2,100 degree students graduate from Tampere University in the spring semester

By 11 June 2025, a total of 974 bachelor’s degrees, 1,089 master’s degrees and 79 doctorates were completed at Tampere University. The graduates’ fields comprise engineering, technology and architecture, business studies, administrative sciences and law, educational studies, health and welfare sciences, humanities and arts, information and communication technologies, medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. The degree figures are not final, as new degrees are being recorded until the end of the academic year on 31 July.

“A university degree is an investment in the future. The alma mater will continue to offer education opportunities as the demands of working life generate needs for new knowledge,” says Jarmo Takala, Vice President for Stakeholder Relations and Partnerships at Tampere University.

At the June graduation ceremony, speeches on behalf of the graduates will be given by Maiju Talala, Master of Social Sciences, and Noora Poutanen, Master of Science in Engineering.

Maiju Talala recalls a deep thirst for knowledge already in upper secondary school, which led her to pursue higher education. Even though she initially had doubts about focusing on social sciences, her interest grew through both academic and other experiences at Tampere University.  Her combination of elective studies in social research and a master’s degree in visual journalism has shaped her path into working life.

Her background in social sciences supports her job as a journalist since she uses visual storytelling to convey complex interactions between individuals and society.

Hard work is rewarded by graduation. Yet in her speech, Talala will not shy away from acknowledging challenges since many graduates are understandably anxious about entering the job market in uncertain times. 

“Graduation is an honour and a joyful occasion. However, I also want to express my sympathy to those who feel uncertain about their employment prospects. In an unpredictable world, we who hold university degrees possess something more valuable than gold; we have the ability to seek out, absorb and share knowledge,” Talala says. 

Community spirit helps to meet the challenges

Talala's studies were marked by changing her field and starting a family.

“Even if you do not know exactly what you want at first, your studies will never be meaningless. Higher education allows you to explore different paths and follow your interests. Applying to university is naturally a big decision these days, but at Tampere University, you can shape your degree to suit your goals,” she says.

Noora Poutanen graduated as a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She did not find her path immediately either. Her interest in people and the human body eventually led her to biomedical sciences where she found a field that matched her passions.

Poutanen is particularly fascinated by working at the intersection of disciplines, applying engineering solutions to medical challenges. Her master’s thesis was completed at Tampere University’s Computational Physics research group, where she studied heart rates in endurance sports.

“Above all, I feel proud and relieved to have completed my degree. In my speech, I will emphasise that you can always change direction. If something feels right, it is worth pursuing. Life teaches and surprises us,” Poutanen says.

Based on social media discussions she also identifies the pressure young people feel about job hunting but she is confident that things will work out in the end.

“After all, we weathered the COVID-19 pandemic by working together. Tampere University was a lovely surprise as it maintained a positive spirit and quickly adapted to online teaching when the pandemic threw a spanner in the works,” Poutanen says. 

Poutanen encourages students to apply to university especially for the sense of community it offers. “If you are unsure about your field, remember that even in engineering it is possible to change your field of study. You do not need to have everything figured out from the start,” she points out.

Graduation Ceremonies on the Hervanta and city centre campuses

This year’s graduates will be celebrated on the Hervanta campus at 18.00 on Friday 13 June where the venue is the main auditorium of Festia building (address: Korkeakoulunkatu 8). A Graduation Ceremony is also arranged on the city centre campus in the main auditorium of Päätalo (Main Building) at 12.00 on Saturday 14 June (address: Kalevantie 4). 

On the Hervanta Campus, the University’s greeting will be delivered by Vice President Antti Lönnqvist, and Jussi Nousiainen, Senior Advisor at Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK), will give the keynote speech. The graduate’s speech will be delivered by Noora Poutanen, M.Sc. (Tech.).  

On the city centre campus, Vice President Jarmo Takala will present the university’s greeting, and the keynote address will be delivered by Maggie Keskinen, Director of External Relations at the City of Tampere. The graduate’s speech will be given by Maiju Talala, M.Soc.Sc.