The University of the Arts Helsinki is located mainly in Helsinki, but it also has operations in Kuopio (department of church music) and Seinäjoki at the University Consortium of Seinäjoki (department of popular and folk music).

Lauri Väkevä and Jaana Erkkilä-Hill are the vice-rectors and Heikki Lehtonen is the chair of the university board.

The university provides the highest level of education in the arts in Finland, also engaging in artistic activities and research.

In addition to bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, the university offers open and continuing education services.

In addition to promoting the interest of its members, the University of the Arts Student Union is in charge of Vapaan taiteen tila, a space for the university's students to organise their own exhibitions, performances and events.