STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN FINNISH UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Pentti RauhalaPresident of Laurea,

Vice Chairman of Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council FINHEEC

20.10.2008

REFORM OF THE STRUCTURE OF HE IN FINLAND UNTIL 2020UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES

THE VISION OF MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

The number of universities of applied sciences max 18 (1.8.2008: 26), minimum size 2500 students

Strategic federations (traditional universities and uas´s) 4-5, size 8000 students

STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN FINNISH UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES

1. Mergers of universities of applied sciences

(Haaga – Helia, Metropolia, Novia)

2. The change of ownership from municipality to joint stock company

3. Transfers of programmes between uas`s

4. Closing down units (about 20 during 2-3 years)

5. Closer co-operation between local university and uas´s

(federation in Northern Finland)

6. Merging of programmes

7. Greater intake groups (target min 40 students)

8. Campus building concentrating activities

1 - 3 mainly in Helsinki Region

4 - 5 mainly outside Helsinki Region

6 - 8 in whole Finland

MERGERS OF UAS`S IN FINLAND

2006

Haaga-Helia in Helsinki (2 uas`s, 12000 students)

2008

Metropolia in Helsinki Region (2 uas´s, 14000 students)

Novia in Western Finland (2 Swedish uas´s, 3500 students)

Ministry demanded every uas to prepare a plan how to cope with

the structrural development

2012

The final plan to be decided in Government of Finland

THE CHANGE OF AVERAGE AGE CLASS 19-21 IN HELSINKI REGION AND FINLAND 2006 - 2020

HELSINKI REGION

2006-2012 + 23002012-2016 - 11002016-2020 - 900

2006-2020 + 300

FINLAND

+ 4100- 4400- 3700

- 3900

Study places/1000 inhab and applicants/place in business education

-1

-0,5

0

0,5

1

1,5

2

2,5

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Applicants/study place

Su

dy

pla

ces/

1000

inh

ab

Alpat/1000 as

THE SITUATION OF TODAY

• There is incredible striving to search partners of co-operation

• Ministry gives possibilty to own proposals concerning closer co-operation between HE´s

• Too early to evaluate the results of the structrural changes

• There are risks concerning the regional network of HE institutions, which have impact on the development of business life of the area

THE CHANGE OF APPLICANTS IN MERGED INSTITUTIONS IN JOINT APPLICATION SYSTEM

Haaga-Helia 2006-2007

-12,9 %

2007-2008

+11,4 %

Metropolia-5,4 %

Novia -13,6 %

CASE LAUREA

• Situated in Helsinki Region, 8000 students, personal 500

• Closed down one unit (400 students, programmes were transferred to 3 units)

• Changed 5 programmes with 2 other uas´s in Helsinki Region (600 students), clearer profile as a result

• Co-operation agreement with Helsinki University of Technology 6.3.2008

• Co-operation agreement with 3 other uas´s in Helsinki Region 15.10.2008 (about 30 000 students)

• Federation of several HE institutions in Helsinki Region 2020, but independent institutions

STUDY PLACES OF LAUREA 2007 - 2009

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2007 2008 2009

Culture

Business

ICT

Natural Resources andthe Environment

Healtcare and SocialServices

Tourism, Catering andDomestic Services