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

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Aalto University participates in the audit process of the Finnish Olympic Committee, which aims to streamline the studies of top athletes during their sports careers. Audit visit will take place 20th November.
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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.

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Combining an athletic career with studying at Aalto

Aalto University is committed to helping students belonging to the Metropolitan Area Sports Academy Urhea combine studies with sports and to considering the particular needs and challenges of a career in competitive sports.

Below you will find additional information on Aalto University’s support for student-athletes. The support is contingent upon the student’s Urhea membership. If you have been a member of Urhea before beginning your studies at Aalto, you must notify Urhea of your change of study place to have Aalto University notified of your membership. Please contact Urhea to change your details or check with the Urhea contact person of your Aalto school whether your name is already on the university’s list of Urhea members. See the bottom of the page for contact details.

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Audit of top athlete friendly university

Combining study and top athlete.

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