Vaasa for students

Students sitting outside in front of a sign saying "Vaasa"

Read about what Vaasa has to offer its students.

3 reasons to study in Vaasa

A true student city: Vaasa is a true student city with diverse activities for its 14 300 students. Every fifth passerby you encounter is, in fact, a student.
An international environment: 9.3 % of the population in Vaasa is of foreign origin, and about 100 different languages are spoken among 120 different nationalities.
Many job opportunities: there are over 180 companies and universities in the region. Many of the companies operate globally, providing students with interesting jobs and internship opportunities. Here unemployment is the lowest in mainland Finland.

Are you new in Vaasa? Check out the Welcome Office pages and get started with all the practicalities.

Public transportation

The joint public transport service of the City of Vaasa and Mustasaari, known as Lifti, began its operations in the summer of 2022. Traveling is affordable for students, with a single journey costing only 1 euro with a Waltti card or 29 euros for a season pass. Vaasa is also a bike-friendly city and cycling is the fastest means of transportation due to short distances within the city.

Student living

The Student Housing Foundation in Vaasa VOAS provides affordable living options for students. The VOAS apartments are usually shared, although there are also studios, two-room, and three-room apartments close to campus.

The Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site

The Kvarken Archipelago nature reserve close to Vaasa offers numerous beautiful spots to discover. In the nature reserve there are many trails and routes, and activities like canoeing.

Vaasa according to our students

"Even though Vaasa is a small city, I found peace and happiness here. People are so nice and friendly, and Vaasa is super safe"

John, Master’s student

"It is very convenient to live as an international student in Vaasa, everything is within 15 minutes walking distance. There are also many student events where you can connect and learn the Finnish culture"

Pakkawan, Master’s student

The best thing about Vaasa is the big Alp mountain called Öjberge where one can do winter sports during the winter.”

Mathias, Bachelor’s student