The Board of the University of Eastern Finland decided at its meeting of 8 September 2026 to propose to the City of Kajaani, the owner of the Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK); the City of Joensuu, the owner of the Karelia University of Applied Sciences; and the cities of Kuopio, Iisalmi, Varkaus and Kiuruvesi, the owners of the Savonia University of Applied Sciences, that the establishment of the Eastern Finland University Group be examined in more detail. The aim is to assess the opportunities to establish in eastern Finland a university group, in which UEF would be the majority owner of the universities of applied sciences.
The proposal of the UEF Board is based on the preparatory work carried out during 2026, as part of which changes in the operating environment of higher education institutions, opportunities for collaboration and various models for proceeding were assessed. The preparations have involved the University of Eastern Finland, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Savonia University of Applied Sciences and their owner cities. Students have also participated in the preparations.
To read more about the tasks and composition of the working groups, see the article published on the university’s website.
Towards a stronger competence and innovation cluster
The reasons behind the preparations include changes in the operating environment of higher education institutions, shrinking age groups, and the increasing expectations of regional impact, RDI activities and meeting skills needs.
The aim of the university group would be to strengthen the competitiveness, attractiveness and vitality of the region and to create better conditions for the long-term development of education, research and business cooperation. The aim is also to strengthen the opportunities of eastern Finland to respond to the needs for expertise and workforce in the region and to increase the impact of research and innovation activities.
The owner cities are asked to state their position on further preparations
According to the proposal of the UEF Board, the owner cities are asked to indicate by 4 November 2026 whether they are ready to continue the preparations and sign a letter of intent on the matter.
The signing of the letter of intent is not a commitment to establishing a university group, but to launching further examination and negotiations. The final decisions on the possible university group would be made in spring 2027 once the necessary additional surveys, impact assessments and negotiations have been completed.
The university is applying for a minimum of EUR 8 million in strategic funding for the establishment of the university group in the negotiations with the Ministry of Education and Culture in November. The cities’ decision to continue their participation in the preparations is needed for the negotiations with the ministry.
Further studies will assess the impact
The matters assessed during the preparatory work include the options related to ownership arrangements, financial implications, administration model, the role of the cities, the implementation of common services, and legal and taxation aspects.
The aim is that the possible decisions made based on the preparatory work could lead to the launch of a new university group at the beginning of 2028.
Up-to-date information on preparations for collaboration between higher education institutions in eastern Finland can be found on the website.
Further information:
Siamäk Naghian, Chair of the UEF Board, [email protected], tel. +358 40 834 7980
Tapio Määttä, Rector, University of Eastern Finland, [email protected], tel. +358 50 575 1589
