Digital degree certificates and FAQ

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As of 18 March 2025, digital degree certificates has been introduced at the University of Helsinki. Digital certificates are awarded to graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s or postgraduate research degree, as well as graduates of specialist training in medicine, dentistry and veterinary. They are official degree certificates in PDF format, signed electronically by the dean or one of the vice-deans of the relevant faculty. No printed copies of degree certificates will be provided, so that hard copies cannot be mistaken for official degree certificates.

The goal of introducing digital degree certificates is to improve and speed up services. Digital certificates increase reliability, as they are more difficult to forge than printed ones. They are also easier to use in, for example, electronic job-seeking processes. Moreover, digital degree certificates need no separate certification, as their authenticity can be verified by anyone to whom such documents have been submitted. An archived copy of each digital degree certificate will always be kept in the University electronic archive. 

Digital degree certificates and the related transition have been prepared by Teaching and Learning Services. The decision on the introduction of digital degree certificates was made by the University’s extended management group. The Student Union was consulted as the body representing students. Most Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences have already adopted digital certificates before the University of Helsinki, enabling us to learn from their experiences.

Please note that the instructions provided on this page will be updated as the preparations for the transition progress.

Downloading digital degree certificates
Digital degree certificates
Reliability and information security of digital degree certificates

Downloading digital degree certificates

How do I download my digital certificate?

Once your digital degree certificate is ready, you will receive a download link at both your primary helsinki.fi email address as indicated in Sisu and your secondary email address. These emails will go out after 9.00 the next working day after the certificate is signed. Remember to download your certificate in time, as the link is valid for 30 days. Download the certificate from the arrow at the top of the certificate attachment (see image).

Download icon

 

The certificate should be stored in multiple locations. Each unedited certificate stored anywhere is your official degree certificate. You can rename the degree certificate file, but you cannot and may not make any other changes to your degree certificate, such as removing pages or adding or removing text, as this will break and invalidate the certificate.

In case of problems, you can reach out to student advice service points.

Digital degree certificates

Is it possible to obtain a printed certificate copy in addition to a digital certificate?

No, it is not possible. In future only digital degree certificates will be official. The rector has decided that no printed copies will be issued to ensure hard copies are not mistaken for official certificates. 

Can I receive both a digital degree certificate and a printed version officially certified by the University?

Certified copies of degree certificates will continue to be provided if digital degree certificates are not accepted, for example, when applying for a job or postgraduate studies. Copies should not be requested pre-emptively. Certified printed copies are subject to fees. The copy is printed on regular copy paper.

Further information on ordering copies is available in the Studies Service Copies and translations of the degree certificate.

I have graduated and received a printed degree certificate. Can I receive a digital version?

Unfortunately you cannot receive a digital certificate to replace the printed version, as electronically verified degree certificates are not issued retrospectively.

I have received a printed degree certificate, but it has an error. Which type of replacement certificate will I receive?

If a printed certificate has an error, the new certificate too will be a printed one.

 

Reliability and information security of digital degree certificates

How are digital degree certificates delivered? 

Digital degree certificates are not delivered by email, but you will be notified by email when your digital certificate is available for download via a link in the message. To download the certificate, you need valid University of Helsinki credentials. Read more about the validity of the credentials on the HelpDesk website. 

Where should I store my degree certificate?

You can download your degree certificate to your personal files, for example, on a cloud service, computer, external hard drive or flash drive. The file should be stored in a location that makes it easy to attach the degree certificate to, for example, a job application. You should store your certificate in several locations to ensure that there are several copies of it. Each unedited certificate stored anywhere is an official degree certificate. 

Are digital degree certificates reliable?

Digital certificates are reliable, as they are much more difficult to forge than printed ones. Please note that editing a signed digital certificate will invalidate its electronic signature, making the certificate no longer genuine. In other words, you must not open the digital degree certificate, for example, in Word’s editing mode, or the certificate will immediately be invalidated.

Are digital degree certificates recognised and accepted internationally?

Different countries have different degree certificates, both printed and digital. The PDF format is widely recognised and used internationally. If necessary, printed certified copies can continue to be provided.

Digital degree certificates are documents with EU-level approval that comply with the EU’s elDAS Regulation and meet the requirements for qualified electronic signatures (QES level). The certificates are accepted in all EU countries.

Are digital degree certificates useable years from now? 

Digital degree certificates are signed using the PAdES-LTA standard. This means that the validity of digital certificates is verifiable long after the certificate used in the signature has expired. The purpose of the LTA standard is to ensure the longest storage periods possible for electronic signatures.