University Board discusses finances and preparations for education development and growth
Compared with the corresponding period in 2025, the University’s revenue increased by €5.7 million (3%) and total operating costs by €9.7 million (5%). The operating result is slightly negative, €4 million lower than in the previous year. At the University level, staff expenses and other operating expenses are in line with the budget, but supplementary funding has fallen short of the target, contributing to a financial result that is below budget. However, after accounting for realised returns on investment and changes in value, the University’s financial result shows a surplus.
The University’s 2027 budget is being finalised and takes into account the very modest increase in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s core funding. The University will not quite reach the level of core funding previously projected by the Ministry. The higher education funding index will remain in effect in 2027, but universities’ core funding will be cut in line with the Government’s decisions made in spring 2025. The modest increase in overall core funding reflects additional R&D resources provided for by the Act on Research and Development Funding, while the core funding for education will decrease. The University’s financial situation and prospects have been assessed together with the management of each unit, with a view to controlling expenditure levels across all units. The Board noted the progress of the preparations and prepared to approve the 2027 budget in an increasingly challenging financial situation. In addition, the Board required an action plan to increase funding from companies. The final budget will be submitted to the Board for approval on 11 December 2026.
The higher education vision, the University’s strategy and changes in the operating environment require the University to respond to increasing demands on higher education by expanding student intake and raising degree targets. In line with the University’s strategy, the faculties have begun work to renew the degree programme portfolio and enhance the University’s educational performance.
Preparations for the 2029–2032 agreement period between the University and the Ministry of Education and Culture will begin in late 2027 with negotiations on degree targets, which will be confirmed in negotiations concerning the agreement period in spring 2028. To prepare for this, the University needs to determine the long-term level of its education growth targets and identify the development measures required to achieve them. The Board held a preliminary discussion on measures to develop education and on setting growth targets while also providing guidance for further preparations.
The Board held a preliminary discussion also on the establishment of an institute for planetary wellbeing in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science and decided to proceed with preparations as proposed.
It approved the University’s quality, risk management and safety policies, as well as its environmental programme. In addition, the Board provided further guidance on the content of the language policy and returned it for further preparation.
The next meeting will be held on 18 November 2026. The public documents considered at the meeting and the meeting minutes are available in Dynasty service.
