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Aalto University has been awarded the 'Top-Level Athlete-Friendly Higher Education Institution' quality label. The recognition was granted by the Finnish Olympic Committee and is based on an audit process. In an elite athlete-friendly university, study guidance and practices support the combination of sport and studies.

In the audit report, Aalto University’s strengths included effective practices for personalised study planning, a broad offering of flexible studies and strong cooperation between Aalto and the Metropolitan Sports Academy Urhea. Areas for development mentioned included increasing awareness of support available to athletes and support for the recognition of skills gained from sports.

The evaluation covered six areas and 23 quality factors, such as personal study guidance, flexible study arrangements, recognition of prior learning and co‑operation with sports academies.

For Aalto University, the audit process was beneficial. ‘The evaluation highlighted our strengths, good practices and very concrete areas for improvement in supporting dual careers,’ says Sami Itani, Professor of Practice at Aalto University.

‘It is important to us that talented young people from different parts of society can pursue an academic education with us and, at the same time, reach their full potential in areas such as entrepreneurship, art or sports. This recognition shows our staff, current and prospective students, and other stakeholders that combining competitive sports and studies is possible at Aalto and that it is supported,’ Itani continues.

Aalto University is committed to further developing its practices for integrating sport and studies. The recommendations arising from the audit will be discussed and taken forward for implementation. This enhancement work will be facilitated by the Urhea team, comprising representatives from the university’s six schools.

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