3 Best PhD Universities in Helsinki

Aalto University leads the 3 PhD universities in Helsinki at #114 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Next come University of Helsinki (QS World #116) and Hanken School of Economics (#10 in Finland). Across the whole list there are 22 courses to choose from.

Subject

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Universities 3 Programs 22 Scholarships 1

3 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

1Best overall

QS World #114 #1 in Finland Helsinki, Finland

Aalto University

Public University · 7 courses in PhD

All 7 courses →

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

18,000Students

—International

Admissions open

#114 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in Finland

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2Top pick

QS World #116 #2 in Finland Helsinki, Finland

University of Helsinki

Public University · 14 courses in PhD

All 14 courses →

—Tuition (indicative)

1640Founded

30,740Students

—International

Admissions open

#116 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in Finland

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3Top pick

#10 in Finland Helsinki, Finland

Hanken School of Economics

Public University · 1 course in PhD

PhD, Hanken School of EconomicsPhD / Doctorate

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

2,500Students

—International

Admissions open

#10 in Finland · by research impact

213,350 citations · h-index 222

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Universities at other levels

Master's Universities

Popular collections

Public Universities Public Master's Universities Master's Universities Public Business & Management Universities Business & Management Universities Public Master's Business & Management Universities Master's Business & Management Universities Public Engineering Universities Engineering Universities Public Medicine & Health Sciences Universities

How these universities are ranked

2 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #114 (Aalto University) to #116 (University of Helsinki); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Helsinki is cited most (22,163,230 citations).

Public, private and where they are

3 are public and 0 private (100% public). The biggest concentrations are in Helsinki (3). The oldest is University of Helsinki, founded in 1640. University of Helsinki is the largest, with 30,740 students.

Inside the course list

The most common subjects are Engineering (3), Life Sciences (2), Arts, Design & Architecture (2) and Medicine & Health Sciences (2). The usual length is 4 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Summer (14% of courses with a stated intake). University of Helsinki offers the widest choice, with 14 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in Helsinki for PhD?

Aalto University (QS World #114), University of Helsinki (QS World #116) and Hanken School of Economics (#10 in Finland) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

How many public universities offer PhD in Helsinki?

3 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a PhD course take in Helsinki?

Most listed courses run 4 years.

When do PhD courses start in Helsinki?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Summer is the second.

Which university has the most PhD courses in Helsinki?

University of Helsinki, with 14, ahead of Aalto University (7).

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