Top athlete-friendly universities promote opportunities to combine studies with elite sports

Since 2023, the Finnish Olympic Committee has been auditing higher education institutions and awarding them quality labels as athlete-friendly universities (HUMKK). The goal is to build a nationwide operational model that supports dual careers for athletes at higher education level, similar to what is available in middle schools and high schools. The Olympic Committee's quality model, based on the audit model of the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (Karvi), focuses on areas of teaching and learning.

Aalto University began the Olympic Committee's audit process in the spring of 2025. The aim is to develop the opportunities for top and professional athletes to successfully complete university studies during their sports careers. Through discussions, interviews, and workshops, practices and areas for development related to managing a dual career have been identified. The Olympic Committee's audit team will visit Aalto University on November 20th. Before the visit, the team will review the self-assessment report submitted to them. After the visit, the audit team will compile a report of their findings to support the university's continuous development.

The audit areas include support for the study of athletes, planning flexible study paths, recognition of skills gained from sports, support for career transitions, and communication and cooperation with the Sports Academy and the Olympic Committee.

Auditing aims to create a strong foundation for more fluent double career learning, enabling students to succeed both in their studies and sports careers.