Growth in Revenue and Financial Targets

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences clearly outperformed its financial targets for 2025. The operating profit for the fiscal year 2025 showed a surplus of €2.2 million, and the overall result was a surplus of €2.1 million. Revenue increased by 9.6% compared to the previous year and exceeded the budget by approximately €475,000.

Revenue growth was primarily driven by tuition fee income from international students as well as strong development in external research, development, and innovation (RDI) funding. Tuition fee income rose to over €3.8 million and exceeded the budgeted forecast by approximately €700,000. The amount of external RDI funding increased to around €2.7 million, strengthening VAMK’s operating conditions and funding outlook for the coming years.

Balanced financial management was reflected particularly in cost control, as total expenses came in approximately €1.6 million below budget. Changes in the fair value of investments burdened the result for the financial year by around €93,000 due to unrealised valuation changes. Despite this, the company’s overall result remained very strong.

“The strong result for the financial year provides us with a solid foundation to implement our strategic objectives, strengthen the impact of education and RDI activities, and further develop our operations together with the University of Vaasa as part of the new higher education group,” says the CEO, President Hannu Vahtera.

Building Future Competencies in a Goal-oriented Manner

During 2025, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences’ operations expanded in both education and research, development and innovation activities. In 2025, significantly more students graduated on time compared to 2024, and in particular the number of master’s level degrees exceeded expectations. Indicators measuring the quality of education also improved across the board.

“VAMK’s attractiveness and visibility increased significantly. The number of international students and tuition fee income grew, and communications strengthened the higher education institution’s appeal and its position as a regional and societal influencer,” says Vahtera.

New study programs will be launched in the autumn, including an engineering program in Industrial Management and an English-taught Nursing degree program.

“We will continue to grow responsibly, boldly renewing our operations while strengthening regional vitality. We will place particular emphasis on supporting smooth student graduation, cooperation with working life, and international competitiveness,” tells Vahtera.