Novia University of Applied Sciences Considers Relocation from Raseborg to Turku

The Board of Åbo Akademi University of Applied Sciences Ltd / Novia University of Applied Sciences has decided to initiate transition negotiations as Novia is considering discontinuing student admissions to degree programmes in Raseborg. It is being considered that students will be admitted starting autumn 2026 to the Turku Campus.

The negotiations concern all degree programmes currently offered in Raseborg. These include the programmes in agriculture, Forestry Engineering, Construction Management (byggmästare), and Structural engineering (byggnadsingenjör), as well as the English-language programmes in Sustainable Coastal Management, Natural Resources Management, and Structural Engineering.

Decentralized multi-format education programs (nursing) and continuing education courses in Raseborg are not affected. The reason for considering a relocation is the insufficient attractiveness of the degree programmes. Novia is the only institution in Finland offering Agrology and Forestry Engineering programmes in Swedish, and a move to Novia’s new campus adjacent to Åbo Akademi is considered the best way to secure the resources, development, and future of the education.

Kaj Suomela has conducted a study commissioned by the board, recommending that the Agrology and Forestry Engineering programmes be relocated from Raseborg to Helsinki as the first option and Turku as the second.

“The board prioritizes Turku based on an overall assessment that, in addition to Suomela’s report, especially considers aspects of student life, internal synergy and existing support services, external collaboration opportunities, and financial factors,” says board chair Johan Aura.

The negotiations do not aim to reduce staff, but a potential relocation of programmes from Raseborg may affect working conditions.

“In the transition negotiations, we aim to find solutions that take into account the individual situations of staff members as much as possible in the event of a relocation. We have a highly competent staff that we wish to retain—regardless of location,” says Rector and CEO Örjan Andersson.

“A potential relocation will not happen overnight. Students currently studying in Raseborg and those starting in autumn 2025 will be able to complete their studies in Raseborg. We therefore expect to provide degree education in Raseborg until 2030,” Andersson continues.

Novia has 1,600 students in Turku and 340 in Raseborg. In total, Novia has just over 5,100 students. Novia’s new campus in Turku will be ready for occupancy in autumn 2026.