About Tampere University
More than a century of high-quality research, education and societal engagement
The origins of Tampere University can be traced back one hundred years. In 1925, the Civic College (Finnish: Kansalaiskorkeakoulu) was established in Helsinki, marking the beginning of education and research in social sciences at what is now Tampere University.
Sixty years ago, in 1965, Helsinki University of Technology established a subsidiary in Tampere to meet the growing demand for engineering professionals. The Faculty of Medicine was founded in Tampere in 1972.
Over the decades, these roots and traditions have paved the way for the creation of the multidisciplinary Tampere University we know today.
4,200
employees
23,200
students
4,800
degrees per year
Organisation, strategy and key information
Strategy and values
Our work is based on the continuous pursuit of new knowledge and scientific breakthroughs. Our core values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centredness, courage, erudition (Bildung) and responsibility. These values are reflected in all our activities.
Operations and finances
The mission of Tampere University is to persistently enhance the well-being and competitiveness of Finnish society and to benefit humanity and the environment through high-quality, international research and teaching.
Explore our annual reviews, annual reports, financial statements, and other key facts and figures
Tampere University Foundation and the corporate group
Tampere University holds the legal status of a foundation under Finnish law. Tampere University Foundation operates under the name Tampere University and is also the majority shareholder of Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK).
Learn more about Tampere University Foundation and the corporate group
University management
Our senior leadership includes the Board, the President, the Vice Presidents, the Academic Board and the Deans.
International strategy
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.
ECIU University
Tampere University is a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU). ECIU brings together students, researchers and lifelong learners to work on real-world challenges in collaboration with companies and organisations.
Equality and non-discrimination
We uphold the principles of equality and non‑discrimination across all our activities. To support this work, we maintain two Equality and Non‑Discrimination Plans: one focused on the management of our human resources and the other on our educational provision. These plans set out our statutory responsibilities and outline the measures through which we promote equality and ensure non‑discrimination.
Sustainable development
Our activities are firmly guided by the principles of sustainable development and responsibility. We are committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also adhere to the theses on sustainable development and responsibility established by the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities (UNIFI). We are actively working to reduce our environmental impact and support the transition towards carbon neutrality.
Campus development
We continuously develop our campus facilities to ensure they meet the needs of our future operations, advance our sustainability and responsibility goals, and support the vitality of our thriving university community.
Find out more about campus development at Tampere University
Key information on education
Tampere University offers education in almost all the fields of study governed by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture, delivered through seven faculties and more than 100 degree programmes. Based on our applicant and student numbers, we are one of the most sought‑after universities in Finland.
Year of Celebrations 2025
In 2025, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Tampere University and the 60-year history of technical research and education in Tampere. The celebrations included events for the university community and our partners throughout the year.
We are part of Tampere Universities
Together, Tampere University (TAU) and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) comprise Tampere Universities (TUNI). Both institutions operate independently but maintain close collaboration.
Our community slogan is Human Potential Unlimited. We believe that the world needs not only bold collaboration that transcends disciplinary boundaries but also a strong belief in humanity and in our ability to create a better future for us all.
The combined strengths of Tampere University and TAMK enable Tampere Universities to offer a wide range of multidisciplinary opportunities for students, researchers and staff. This breadth of opportunities is also reflected in our partnerships and our multiple forms of industry collaboration.
Students at Tampere University and TAMK benefit from cross‑institutional study opportunities, enabling them to take courses at the partner institution and build a unique set of skills while working towards their degree. Our students can pursue both theoretical and practical learning, and they are provided with strong entrepreneurial support services.
Our researchers have access to a diverse range of research infrastructures as well as extensive networks and partnerships with companies and organisations. We offer exceptionally broad support for innovation activities.
For staff, we provide flexible opportunities for career advancement and an extensive professional network. Our staff can complete courses offered by Tampere University and TAMK through the Open University or the Open University of Applied Sciences at no cost.
We invite our partners to participate in multidisciplinary research, development and innovation activities. Partners gain access to both academic and practical expertise and can connect with our students to build a talent pool for their future recruitment needs.
Technology, health and society
Tampere Universities address strategically selected global and local challenges through multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research, development and innovation activities.
Close research collaboration across the fields of technology, health and society generates scientific, commercial and societal breakthroughs. Our research in these priority areas makes a positive contribution to scientific progress and to societies worldwide.
Our history
1925
The Civic College (Finnish: Kansalaiskorkeakoulu) is established in Helsinki. The first 72 students pursue degrees in journalism, public administration and co-operative business management.
1930
The Civic College is renamed the School of Social Sciences (Finnish: Yhteiskunnallinen korkeakoulu, YKK). The range of degree programmes expands.
1949
The first faculty, the Faculty of Social Sciences, is established.
1955
The School of Social Sciences confers its first doctoral degree.
1956
The School of Social Sciences holds its first conferment ceremony in honour of graduates with a master’s degree.
1960
The School of Social Sciences relocates to Tampere. The Main Building, designed by Toivo Korhonen, is completed along Kalevantie street.
1964
The Faculty of Humanities is established within the School of Social Sciences.
1965
Tampere University of Technology is established as a subsidiary of Helsinki University of Technology. The first 132 students study mechanical engineering, civil engineering or electrical engineering.
The Faculty of Economics and Administration is established within the School of Social Sciences.
The School of Social Sciences holds its first conferment ceremony in Tampere in honour of graduates who have completed a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.
1966
The School of Social Sciences is renamed the University of Tampere.
Technology students celebrate May Day (Finnish: Wappu) for the first time in Tampere, with first-year students being dipped in the Tammerkoski rapids to mark the occasion.
1969
Tampere University of Technology initiates the first-ever degree programme in architecture in Tampere.
1970
As the first Finnish university, the University of Tampere establishes a continuing education centre to train people who are already working. The studies were first offered in the 1960s.
1972
Tampere University of Technology gains independence from Helsinki University of Technology.
The Faculty of Medicine is established within the University of Tampere.
1973
The Konetalo building is completed as the first structure on the new Hervanta campus of Tampere University of Technology. The first employees and students relocate to Hervanta from the original facilities in Tampere city centre.
1974
Having previously operated as a private university, the University of Tampere becomes a public university.
1975
There are 62 professors working at the University of Tampere. Total student enrolment exceeds the 10,000 mark.
Tampere University of Technology confers its first doctoral degree.
1981
The University of Tampere initiates the provision of continuing education and Open University education in Seinäjoki.
1982
Tampere University of Technology holds its first doctoral conferment ceremony on the Hervanta campus. A celebratory text written by author Väinö Linna is read at the ceremony by actor and reciter Veikko Sinisalo.
Tampere University of Technology establishes a continuing education centre. The studies have been organised since 1972.
1983
Tampere University of Technology initiates research and education activities in Pori.
1994
Tampere Peace Research Institute TAPRI, which had operated for approximately 30 years, was integrated into the University of Tampere.
2001
Total student enrolment at Tampere University of Technology exceeds the 10,000 mark.
2003
The Finnish-language name of Tampere University of Technology is changed from “Tampereen teknillinen korkeakoulu (TTKK)” to “Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto (TTY)””.
2010
Tampere University of Technology becomes a foundation-based university.
2019
The roots and traditions of the predecessor institutions pave the way for the creation of the multidisciplinary Tampere University we know today through the merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology. The new foundation-based Tampere University becomes the majority shareholder of Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
