University of Eastern Finland

University of Eastern Finland stands as a top-tier public research institution which offers multiple academic disciplines and operates in eastern Finland. The university conducts interdisciplinary research at advanced levels while developing solutions to worldwide problems which include climate change and population aging and digital transformation. The university operates its academic programs through two primary campuses which include the Joensuu Campus that provides a small town atmosphere and the Kuopio Campus which offers views of Savilahti Bay and its waterfront. The university functions as one of the largest educational institutions in Finland which establishes itself as a crucial scientific and artistic center for the surrounding area while building international connections through its numerous worldwide partnerships.

The creation of the institution started when the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio through a strategic merger formed a new educational entity which began its operations on January 1 2010. The Finnish higher education system underwent a comprehensive transformation which included this merger because it aimed to boost institutional independence and academic competitiveness for Finnish universities. The new organization established itself as a leading academic research institution by combining Joensuu's humanities and natural science programs with Kuopio's health and environmental science expertise. The university has developed itself after the acquisition of new degree programs which includes law since 2013 while it maintains its status as one of the world's top young universities.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, University of Eastern Finland is positioned as the #604 top university in the world, which makes it the #8 top university in Finland. The university's global rank decreased by 69 points from last year.