Helsinki University expels medical student for cheating in exam

The University of Helsinki expelled a student of Faculty of Medicine following cheating in the entrance examination, said the university in a press release on Thursday.

The authority also decided to refer the case to the police for investigation.

The punitive measures against the student was taken after the authority found that the student cheated in the entrance examination in the spring 2026.

The applicant was identified through the technical monitoring used at the entrance examination. The university was notified of the suspected cheating on 27 July 2026 and has since been reviewing the case. The applicant has been interviewed twice.

Cheating in entrance examinations is rare. To illustrate, around 20,000 applicants took an entrance examination at the University of Helsinki in spring 2026.

A total of 40 suspected cases of cheating were recorded and 25 of which were confirmed.

Suspicions of cheating are usually clarified without delay, resulting in the applicant immediately failing the examination.

However, suspicions of cheating can also arise from matters identified during subsequent reviews of entrance examinations. Even where admissions results have already been published, such suspicions are always taken seriously. 

“This case of cheating was exceptionally carefully planned, so we've decided to refer the matter to the police for investigation. What matters most is that cheating is caught, and no one gains admission to the University by cheating,” said Kai Nordlund, Vice-Rector ( Academic Affairs) of University of Helsinki.

To prevent cheating, Finnish universities continually refine the technical features of the entrance examination system, as well as the rules on invigilation.

“Doctors are responsible for people’s health, and at times even their lives. People must be able to trust in their competence. Entrance examinations play a part in building this trust,” said Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Johanna Arola.