A Hundred years as a university

The roots of Helsinki University of Technology stretch all the way back to the 19th century. In 1849, the newly-established Technical School of Helsinki began the organised teaching of technology in Finland. The school was renamed The Polytechnic School in 1872 and The Polytechnic Institute in 1879.

In 1908, it was awarded university status, and it came to be called the Technological University of Finland. Since then, the university has awarded doctoral and master’s degrees in technology and architecture.

Over one hundred years, TKK has become the leading Finnish university in science, technology, and architecture, with great international renown. While the number of new students in 1908 was 102, in 2007 the number exceeded one thousand. In 1908, the number of first degrees awarded was 20, while the estimated number for 2007 will again pass the one thousand mark. TKK has awarded more than 35,000 first degrees during its hundred-year history.

The number of doctorates awarded during the same period is more than 2,200.