Educational expansion and initiatives
In 2024, LUT University applied for educational responsibilities in civil and construction engineering. The Government granted the responsibilities in January 2025. Education in the field will start in Lahti in 2027, initially in Finnish. Later expansion into English is also possible. Civil and construction engineering complement the university's systemic approach to global sustainability challenges.
The university expanded its range of multidisciplinary expertise also in social and communication sciences: the first academic year of the field of study, which started in autumn 2023, was brought to a successful close, and the first English-language programmes started in autumn 2024.
In 2024, student intakes continued to rise. A total of 8,542 students were enrolled at LUT – roughly 1,500 in Lahti and 7,000 in Lappeenranta. In addition, the university's educational impact grew: the number of graduates increased by 281 compared to the previous year, and over 51 per cent graduated within the target time.
Internationalisation and collaboration projects
LUT University continued its strong strategic internationalisation.
The double degree programmes with Hebei University of Technology saw their first bachelor's graduates. LUT also continued its close collaboration with ten European universities in the EULiST alliance, which provides students and researchers more extensive opportunities internationally.
Collaboration with Cambridge University's Clare Hall was LUT's most important initiative related to climate change and sustainability. Outcomes of the partnership included the establishment of the Global Climate Research Prize and Visiting Fellowships.
Research and impact
LUT University passed its 2024 Research and Impact Assessment (RIA). The international peer review panel especially praised LUT University’s sustainability and societal impact goals but also gave constructive feedback on reporting related to these goals.
In international university rankings, LUT has established itself among the global top: in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, LUT was in the global top 300 and shared third place nationally. In the THE Impact Rankings, LUT rose to the global top 200 and shared national first place with the University of Helsinki. In terms of climate action, LUT claimed tenth place globally.
LUT University also excelled in national reputation surveys: T-Media’s Reputation & Trust survey names LUT as the most reputable university in Finland. Moreover, the 2024 Finnish Bachelor's Graduate Survey showed that LUT University has the most satisfied university students in Finland.
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Strong growth and record donation
In 2024, LUT University’s turnover was 133.3 million euros, which is 12 per cent more than in the previous year. The share of supplementary funding was 51 per cent. Before the mark-to-market valuation of investments, LUT's result for the financial period showed a surplus of 5.4 million euros, which is 1.3 million more than in 2023.
A record donation from a private foundation boosted the development of LUT Business School: Jalo and Anja Paananen donated 5 million euros to LUT for sales and marketing education and research. The donation is most likely the largest private one made to a Finnish university, and LUT will use it to build a nationally significant competence cluster on its Lahti campus.
Outlook
LUT University's international reputation is a key factor in recruiting both students and top researchers. LUT continued to implement the extensive action plan it introduced in 2023 for strengthening its international research and reputation. The university focuses especially on securing international research funding and access to EU-level alliances.
High-level, internationally competitive education is critical as the competition for the most talented students intensifies. Because age groups in Finland are shrinking, successful international student recruitment is becoming increasingly important. LUT aims to enhance its appeal among international students by focusing its efforts on efficient applicant marketing and supporting graduate employment in Finland.
LUT University’s financial growth is expected to continue. The university’s turnover is anticipated to increase in 2025 by nearly 11 per cent from the year 2024. The growth is supported by an increase in funding by the Ministry of Education and Culture and strong development in supplementary funding.
In the long term, the LUT's turnover is influenced by global developments, the Finnish Government's investments in the university sector, and changes in research funding. Also, LUT's success in national and especially international funding calls plays a key role.
Towards new growth
LUT University’s strong academic and financial development continued in 2024. International rankings, new degree programmes, and an expanding network of partners show that LUT's impact and appeal are stronger than ever.
LUT University is determinedly moving towards a future focused on sustainable development, cutting-edge technology, and societal impact.
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