Progress in the construction of the university consortium
On 11 June 2025, the Ministry of Education and Culture granted €8 million to fund the establishment of the higher education consortium in 2025–2028. The University of Jyväskylä’s share of the funding is €6 million.
This funding cannot be used to finance a potential new ownership arrangement, and it is granted on the condition that JYU owns a majority of the consortium by the end of 2028.
The University of Jyväskylä has not yet entered into a share transaction agreement with the City of Jyväskylä. Currently JYU and the City of Jyväskylä are preparing the value determination and the content of the partnership agreement. Additionally, JYU is conducting a due diligence process related to the potential share transaction, identifying potential risks and factors affecting the transaction price. The city and JYU aim to sign a binding share transaction agreement in 2025.
Between August and September 2025, JYU and Jamk will submit a proposal for the central monitored goals and actions for developing the university consortium in 2025–2028.
More precise planning will begin once ownership arrangements have been finalised
The plan created by the rectors and vice rectors of JYU and Jamk for forming a joint university consortium includes the areas of education, RDI activities, services, and the wellbeing of students and staff. In terms of education, the goal is to find synergies in degree programmes, establish functional transfers between the institutions, and further strengthen the position as a provider of continuing education. The aim is to integrate international talent more effectively into the region and Finland, as well as to create a researcher education pathway so that master’s degree graduates from the university of applied sciences are able to pursue doctoral studies at the university.
A key objective of the joint plan is to establish a consortium-driven innovation ecosystem that fosters vitality, builds international networks and strengthens education, services and RDI activities that encourage entrepreneurship. In addition, the aim is to provide efficient, financially sustainable services. More detailed work on the plan will begin once the ownership arrangements have been finalised.
“The most important part of the plan is a competent and thriving higher education community,” says Rector Jari Ojala. “Together, we can offer a wider range of skills and career opportunities within the consortium, making us attractive to experts. Students are a vital part of our community. Providing them with high-quality education and study time that supports wellbeing also helps us in our goal to be an attractive university.”
“In addition to the ownership arrangements, the Jyväskylä university consortium is, above all, a common model for higher education institutions that ensures future competitiveness,” says Rector Vesa Saarikoski. “The consortium supports Jamk as a successful university of applied sciences and the University of Jyväskylä as a successful science university. The model must also create cooperation and division of labour with the idea that together we are more. The rapid change in the world requires us to have the ability to increase internationalisation and to analyse and utilise disruptive technologies in all our operations. Staff and students form the decisive factor in the development of the higher education community, and it is important to involve partners in the development.”
