The university sector and the university of applied sciences (UAS) sector differ from each other concerning conditions of service for academic staff. They are governed by different legislation and the collective agreements are different. The nation-wide collective agreements are negotiated between the representatives for employers and relevant unions.

Planning policy

There is a general planning model for anticipating long-term labour demand and training needs. This model is used when the Ministry of Education and Culture (last accessed 11.4.2025) negotiates performance agreements with higher education institutions that include targets for higher education degrees. The agreement period is 4 years. In addition, there is a separate process for forecasting the number of doctoral degrees needed. The forecasting of academic staff numbers in higher education institutions is included in these processes.  

Entry to the profession

Higher education institutions are responsible for appointing their staff. They also determine the types and number of posts needed. The recruitment is an open process and vacant posts are advertised for example on relevant websites. 

In the case of universities, according to the Universities Act 558/2009 (Yliopistolaki 558/2009) (last accessed 11.4.2025), qualification requirements of staff and the procedures for recruitment are specified in the regulations of each university. These regulations are approved the by the board of the university in question.

The qualification requirements for teachers UASs are regulated in the Government Decree on Universities of Applied Sciences (1129/2014) (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakouluista 1129/2014) (last accessed 11.4.2025). The Decree also specifies some exceptions. In general, principal lecturers are required an applicable licentiate degree or doctoral degree.The requirement for lecturers is a relevant master’s degree. If lecturers or principal lecturers teach mostly professional studies, they are also required a minimum of three years’ work experience in a relevant field. 

The National Defence University operates under the defence administration and its personnel is nominated by the Finnish Defence Forces.

Professional status

Academic staff at higher education institutions are appointed in accordance with the Employment Contracts Act (55/2011) (Työsopimuslaki 55/2011) (last accessed 11.4.2025) and other general employment legislation.

In the Police University College and the National Defence University, academic staff are civil servants. They are appointed according to the Act on Public Officials in Central Government 750/1994 (Valtion virkamieslaki 750/1994) (last accessed 11.4.2025) and related legislation. 

Salaries

Salaries are agreed nationally as part of collective agreements. 

The agreement for academic staff at universities is the General collective agreement for universities (Yliopistojen yleinen työsopimus) (last accessed 11.4.2025). Salaries are based on demands levels defined for each post. The salary also comprises a component based on personal work performance. The salary scales are defined in the collective agreement. 

In UASs the Collective agreement for universities of applied sciences (Ammattikorkeakoulujen työehtosopimus) (last accessed 11.4.2025) is followed. 

In the Police University College and the National Defence University, the Collective Agreement for State Civil Servants (Valtion virka- ja työehtosopimus) (last accessed 14.2.2025) is followed and both have their own salary scale.  

Working time and holidays

The annual working time of academic staff is 1 600 hours. This can comprise teaching, the preparations of teaching, research, administration etc. The number of hours devoted to the different activities is negotiated between the employer and the employee.

The annual leave of is determined according to the collective agreements. Generally the employees earn 2–3 days of holiday per working month, depending on years of service. The employees are entitled to a full leave if they have been in service a full year, from 1 April to 31 March.

Promotion, advancement

No direct promotion opportunities exist. Open posts are generally advertised and those who desire a career move can apply for these.

Retirement and pensions

For academic staff in universities, the retirement age and the amount of the pension depend on the age of the person, when the person started working and the legal status of the employer at the start of the employment relationship. For example, persons employed by universities who were born before 1 January 1980 are covered by the Public Sector Pension Act 81/2016 (Julkisten alojen eläkelaki 81/2016) (last accessed 11.4.2025). For other persons employed by universities, the Employees' Pension Act 395/2006 (Työntekijän eläkelaki 395/2006) (last accessed 11.4.2025) applies.

The general retirement age in higher education is 65 years. The pension replacement rate for those employed on or after 1 January 1993 is no more than 60% of the salary. For those employed before that date, the replacement rate is 60-66%.