The University of Eastern Finland’s operational and financial result for 2024 was good. The result from ordinary activities was as planned, with the revenue and expenditure being in balance.
“The university’s operational goals were achieved well, and the financial situation is stable. Thanks to all the staff and students, we have a very strong foundation for success also in the future,” Rector Tapio Määttä says.
The University of Eastern Finland awarded a record number of degrees in 2024, reaching an all-time high across all levels of education. In 2024, the University of Eastern Finland awarded 180 doctoral degrees, 1,887 Master’s degrees and 1,532 Bachelor’s degrees.
According to Rector Määttä, the university will further increase its student intake in the coming years. 2026 will see the launch of a new data engineering education leading to the Master of Science (Technology) degree, as well as the launch of a new study programme in communication sciences. The university is also developing new Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes taught in English.
The university’s publication activity was at a good level. The university has been particularly successful in calls for international competitive funding. The overall level of external funding grew by EUR 7.5 million compared to the previous year. The number of full-time equivalent employees was 2,912.
“The university’s stable financial situation and success in the acquisition of competitive funding are also reflected in the increase in our staff numbers. Over the past five years, the number of full-time equivalent employees has grown by an impressive 352. I am especially pleased with the increase in the number of our international staff, which is in line with our goals. Last year, the number of international staff was 442, compared to 322 in 2020,” Määttä notes.
The actual operational result was EUR –3.3 million. Operational activities are financed from investment income, for which reason the operational result can be budgeted as being negative. The budgeted operational result was EUR –10.1 million. The realised result includes 5.2 million euros of unbudgeted core funding, the use of which has been planned for the coming years. Taking these into consideration, the realised result was almost as planned. The university’s profit for the financial year amounted to EUR 22.8 million, of which the share of unrealised value adjustments was EUR 17.1 million. Investment income was exceptionally high in 2024.
The financial statement for 2024 was discussed by the Board of the University of Eastern Finland on 28 March. The financial statement will be discussed by the University Collegium on 19 May.
