Annual report 2025

Arcada has been awarded €140,000 in funding from the Brita Maria Renlund Memorial Foundation to continue its research into how social humanoid robots can be used in a safe and educational manner in Swedish-language early childhood education.

Arcada is organising a hybrid seminar where researchers and industry representatives will present the findings of the EASWork project and discuss how to combat discrimination in the workplace and create more inclusive working environments.

1. The number of applicants to Arcada increased during this year’s joint application period, with a total of just over 2,100 applications. The new e-Socionom programme attracted particular interest and drew many applicants thanks to its flexible online format.
2. Arcada organises the Research Fair, where visitors can learn about the university’s research and development projects, meet researchers and attend presentations on current research areas.

Arcada and Sinituote have developed Finland’s first cleaning product made from reed composite. The product, a handle holder for cleaning tools, is made from ground Baltic Sea reeds and plastic to reduce the use of fossil-based materials.

For the first time, midwifery teachers in Finland have been named ‘Midwife of the Year 2025’ by the Finnish Midwives’ Association. The award is presented to an entire teaching staff in recognition of their work in ensuring high standards in midwifery education.

A record number of students are graduating from Arcada. The new alumni will strengthen the workforce in fields such as technology, health, social services, culture, media and economics.

We welcome everyone to a virtual tour of Arcada. You can explore the Arcada building and its modern study spaces on the website and get a feel for the campus before visiting in person.

1. Arcada’s Introduction Days are held on campus for new students. These days provide important information about studies and the university, and include special sessions for international students, as well as for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
2. Arcada is graduating its first cohort of students from SAILA (Sairaanhoitajien laillistamisväylä), which grants nurses with qualifications from outside the EU/EEA permission to work as nurses in Finland.

1. Arcada is joining the national Climate University network to promote education and collaboration on climate and sustainability, and to provide students with new opportunities to develop their expertise in sustainable development.
2. Patrick Eriksson has been named Arcada’s Alumnus of the Year 2025. He founded the company whilst still a student; it provides physiotherapy in the homes of elderly people across Finland.

The Arcada for Ukraine campaign reached its goal when the ambulance, funded by the money raised, was delivered to Ukraine. After a 1,500-kilometre journey, the ambulance was handed over by a group of students and teachers from Arcada to Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv.

1. Arcada’s course catalogue is now available on opin.fi. This digital platform makes courses at Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences easily accessible to everyone.
2. Twelve universities of applied sciences, including Arcada, are calling for Finland to launch a pilot project for a vocationally oriented doctoral programme. The aim is to meet the needs of businesses, strengthen competitiveness and bring research closer to the world of work.

Christoffer Ericsson, a lecturer at Arcada, has been recognised by the medical society Duodecim as one of the 100 most influential figures in healthcare, with a particular focus on psychological well-being in education and healthcare teams.