The marches are being organised by a network of university students and staff. In addition to Helsinki, events are planned in other cities, including Jyväskylä and Oulu.

On Wednesday, a petition with nearly 7,000 signatures was submitted to the Parliamentary Education Committee, opposing the bill, and calling for starting work on university reform from the beginning.

The proposed changes have been opposed by students and large numbers of university staff. A key issue is the fear that university would be increasingly business-driven.

The increased involvement of outsiders in the administration of Finnish universities has split the government coalition, with the Green League sharply criticising the moves.