Åbo Akademi University has agreements with both the Turku Region Sports Academy and the Vasa Region Sports Academy to offer support for elite athletes who are also degree students at the University. Through the support, we want to help you combine your bid into sports with your studies.

As a student with elite athlete status at Åbo Akademi University, you will receive support to combine your studies with the career as an athlete. Among other things, you are entitled to personal study advice. The regional sports academies offer training facilities at the place of study. Through agreements with the regional sports academies, Åbo Akademi University has committed to be flexible and consider the needs of elite athletes to the extent possible within the education you are studying. This can e.g. include flexible exam arrangements, opportunities to take some courses remotely and using an individual study plan that considers the calendar of your sport. The university will also offer the possibility of individual career counselling that considers your dual career and the skills you gain through sports. Your elite athlete status also entitles you to extended study time if the regular study time is not enough to take the degree.

You must apply for elite athlete status at the Regional Sports Academy in Turku or Vaasa. If you are accepted, you will get access to the support referred to here.

For more information, contact coordinator Jan Kraufvelin. If you are already studying or working at Åbo Akademi University, you can find more information on Åbo Akademi University’s intranet.

During the autumn of 2024, Åbo Akademi University will be audited by the Finnish Olympic Committee. Our aspiration is to receive their certificate an Elite Athlete Friendly University as proof of our commitment to elite athletes.