The University of Jyväskylä: More than 160 years of education and expertise changing the world
The story of the University of Jyväskylä begins with a simple yet bold idea: education can change society.
In 1863, the country’s first Finnish-language teacher training seminary was founded in Jyväskylä. At the Jyväskylä Seminary, education was seen as a way to build a better future for the whole nation. It was not just an educational institution, but a part of a larger change:
The notion that knowledge, competence and learning belong to everybody, irrespective of gender, in their own language and from their own starting point.
A globally recognised education system founded in Jyväskylä
Teacher education at the University of Jyväskylä has contributed to the development of Finland, as graduates spread across Finland, carrying with them the idea of education as a right for all. Finland has developed a strong, globally recognised education system with a high level of expertise, and a belief in education as the foundation of well-being.
From this background arises JYU’s deep and unique pedagogical legacy, which we continue to uphold with pride. Today, JYU is the most comprehensive provider of studies in the field of education in Finland, with studies ranging from early childhood education to school principal qualification studies.
Science university as an advocate for education and culture
Pivotal elements in research and education at our international science university include learning, well-being, and basic natural phenomena.
Learning and research do not take place in a vacuum. They are directly connected to the major questions of our time and the needs of society, and they take place in interaction with other communities. At JYU, knowledge is not just passed on; it is rebuilt by inquiring, questioning and combining different perspectives.
At JYU, knowledge is not just passed on; it is rebuilt by inquiring, questioning and combining different perspectives.
For us, fact-based expertise alone is not enough, but for the members of our community, education is above all a human value. It is
- the ability to combine perspectives from different fields of science
- the desire to look for the truth and understand complex phenomena
- the willingness to apply expertise for the benefit of society
- lifelong learning and curiosity
- the capability for empathy
We honour our legacy as a transformative force by being a university that seeks to change the world and dares to reform itself as well. JYU’s focus is the future. Our vision is to be a strong, impactful and internationally attractive science university, and we want to emphasise the role of education in building the future.
Each year, approximately 1,800 students graduate with a master's degree and 160 with a doctoral degree from the University of Jyväskylä. We provide research-based education and train experts for different fields who understand the complexity of the world, are ready to give room for thinking, and are curious to ask questions in a new way.
Our legacy continues with you
The JYU legacy continues with you: through the choices you make, what and how you study, and the skills you develop.
Your studies will not be limited to a single discipline, but we encourage you to combine skills and knowledge from different fields, engage in cooperation, and apply knowledge to real phenomena. In this way, you can build a unique range of expertise for yourself.
In addition, you can work on projects that seek to solve real-world challenges in society or the workplace. You will learn to examine the phenomena from several perspectives, such as scientific, human, and practical.
University studies provide you with
- insights about the world, phenomena and history
- the ability to acquire, evaluate and apply knowledge
- skills for scientific and critical thinking
- media literacy and source criticism skills
- the ability to recognise different points of view and act ethically
- skills for understanding democracy and human rights
- interaction and collaboration skills
- the ability to build community and trust
- opportunities for active participation in society
- a chance to consider your own identity and values
- opportunities for learning, developing and personal growth
In the changing world of work, there is room for new experts, especially for those able to combine different perspectives in new ways.
In Finland, a half of the current workforce will retire by the year 2040. At the same time, demand for more highly educated employees is growing, and more than 20% of the future workforce will need university-level expertise.
Demand for more highly educated employees is growing, and more than 20% of the future workforce will need university-level expertise.
So be curious and consider your options with an open mind. At the University of Jyväskylä, you’ll find welcoming academic community, a unique student experience, and expertise that combines skills and knowledge.
How you apply that expertise during and after your studies will become part of our University’s impact on the world.
