The University of Eastern Finland was established on January 1, 2010, as a result of the merger of the University of Joensuu (founded in 1969) and the University of Kuopio (founded in 1972), which were both ISEP member institutions. With its approximately 15,000 students, the University of Eastern Finland is one of the largest universities in Finland.

The University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu is a renowned center for research and teaching relating to education and human development, forests and the environment, optics, new materials and information technology, and on border studies and Russia. Facilities include the Ecological Research Institute; Karelian Institute, focusing on the humanities and social sciences; the Mekrijärvi Research Station at Ilomantsi for advanced study in hydrobiology and forestry; the Botanical Garden; and the Muikku Research Vessel, which specializes in environmental studies in inland waters. The university library features the Kalevala Collection, comprising about 600 works on the Finnish national epic. 

The services of the Learning Center, Computing Center, University Library, Student Union, Student Health Care Center and sports facilities are available to students on campus or nearby.

The University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio specializes in teaching and research in health care and environmental sciences, as well as associated biosciences, biotechnologies, information technology and business administration.