Pursuing higher education in Finland offers access to a highly developed nation with diverse academic programs and an exceptional quality of life. For many international students, studying in Europe seems like a distant dream, but Finland makes it more achievable than you might imagine.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Finland, studying in this country is one af the best ways.
Study in Finland: Key Facts at a Glance
- Capital: Helsinki
- Major Cities: Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu, Turku
- Official Languages: Finnish, Swedish
- Programs in English: Yes
- Population (June 2025): 5,644,772
- Universities Listed: 39
- Total Students: ~350,300
- International Students: ~31,600
- Academic Year: Fall: Aug 1–Dec 31 | Spring: Jan 1–Jul 31
- Top Universities: University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Tampere University, University of Turku, University of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland
- Top Study Fields (High Demand): Business & Management, ICT, Engineering, Health & Welfare
- Work During Studies: Up to 30 hours/week (or 1,560 hours/year)
- Best Student Cities: Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lappeenranta (LUT)
- Family (Dependents): Eligible to apply for residence based on family ties
- After Graduation: Residence permit to seek work/start a business for up to 2 years
Why Choose Finland for Your Studies?
Finland stands out as an ideal destination for international students. Here’s why:
- Fast-Track Study Pathways: Streamlined admissions and flexible options for quick entry.
- English-Taught Programs: Hundreds of degrees are fully available in English.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Up to 2 years of residence permit to job hunt or start a business.
- Generous Scholarships: A variety of funding options to reduce costs.
🇫🇮 World’s Happiest Country (2025):
Finland ranked #1 globally, surpassing Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Key factors include:
. High life expectancy
. Strong social support
. Freedom, low corruption
. Solid GDP per capita
. Generosity
. Community bonds.
Transparent governance and excellent work-life balance contribute to unparalleled life satisfaction, perfect for a fresh start.
Top Reasons Finland is a Smart Choice for International Students
✔ World-Class Education System
Finland’s innovative, student-centered approach ranks among the best globally. Thousands of international students flock here annually to advance their careers.
✔ Affordable Compared to Alternatives
Non-EU tuition ranges from €4,000–€18,000/year, often lower than the UK (£10,000–£40,000) or US (up to £55,000 equivalent). Monthly living costs average €800 for a comfortable student life.
✔ Emphasis on Equality and Freedom
International students enjoy the same opportunities as locals, with no unnecessary barriers in education or society.
✔ High Quality of Life
Benefit from top-tier healthcare, education, and work-life balance. Perks include student discounts on transport, affordable campus meals, gym access, and housing.
✔ Robust Job Market
Universities provide strong career support for part-time jobs, summer roles, or post-graduation employment. Many students work while studying.
✔ Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Graduates often stay by securing jobs or advancing studies, leading to permanent residence after several years.
Eligibility Requirements for Study in Finland
- Age: No upper limit; admissions focus on program fit
- Education: Completed upper-secondary education (12-year high school diploma minimum)
- English Proficiency (for English programs; varies by program):
- IELTS: 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 80–92 (often 22+ in Writing)
- PTE Academic: ~62 (Writing often 54+)
- Proof of Funds: Non-EU students need ~€800/month for the first year (€9,600 total), plus tuition
- Health Insurance: Required coverage, minimum €12,000 for programs under 2 years; up to €40,000 for longer ones (verify per program)
How to Apply to Universities in Finland
Finland’s admission process is straightforward, with two main routes:
Joint Application
(Primary Pathway)
Apply to up to six programs at once. Windows open three times yearly:
- Twice for English-taught programs (fall and spring)
- Once for Finnish/Swedish programs (spring)
- 2026 programs: Check university sites for updates
Supplementary Application
- For the remaining spots after the main round, a process similar to a “capacity fill” process
Study in Finland in English: Options and Requirements
Finland offers ~600 English-taught programs across 40+ universities at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.
- Bachelor’s Tuition: €5,000–€15,000/year.
- English Requirements: Prove proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0–6.5; TOEFL 80–92; PTE ≥62).
Top Universities for English Programs:
- Aalto University (aalto.fi)
- University of Helsinki (helsinki.fi)
- University of Oulu (oulu.fi)
- University of Turku (utu.fi)
- LUT University (lut.fi)
- Tampere University (tuni.fi)
- University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi)
- University of Eastern Finland (uef.fi)
Cost Breakdown: Tuition and Living Expenses
- Tuition: €8,000–€20,000/year for non-EU students in English programs. PhDs are often tuition-free with funding
- Living Expenses: €800–€1,000/month covers housing, food, and transport. Part-time work is easier with basic Finnish/Swedish
- Pro Tip: Scholarships can offset costs; Finland’s public services and wages make it sustainable
Health and student services cost ~€70/year for access to clinics, gyms, and cafeterias.
Degree Pathways in Finland
▸ Bachelor’s (BSc/BA)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Entrance exam: often required
- Tests: some programs may ask for SAT (varies by university)
- Language: many bachelor’s are in Finnish/Swedish; English-taught options exist, but fewer than at the Master’s level
- Typical minimum English: around IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
- Credits:
- Universities: 180 ECTS
- Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS): 210–270 ECTS
- Tuition: usually €8,000–€10,000/year (ranges exist)
- Entry requirement: 12-year high-school diploma
▸ Master’s (MSc/MA)
- Duration: 2 years
- English-taught: Yes (widely available)
- Typical minimum English: around IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
- Credits:
- Universities: 120 ECTS
- UAS (Master’s): 60–90 ECTS
- Tuition: typically €4,000–€18,000/year
- Entry requirement: Bachelor’s degree + (program-specific requirements)
▸ Doctorate (PhD)
- Duration: around 4 years
- English-taught: Yes (supervision and dissertation commonly in English)
- Typical minimum English: around IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent; varies)
- Credits/Workload: about 240 ECTS (coursework + research)
- Tuition: generally no tuition; many positions are funded
- Entry requirement: Master’s degree + strong research profile (e.g., publications) + interview
| Pathway | Duration | Language Options | Credits | Typical Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (University) | 3 years | FI/SV/EN | 180 ECTS | €8,000–€10,000 | An entrance exam is common; some require SAT |
| Bachelor's (UAS) | 3.5–4 years | FI/SV/EN | 210–270 ECTS | €8,000–€10,000 | Practice-oriented |
| Master's (University) | 2 years | EN (widely) | 120 ECTS | €4,000–€18,000 | Research-focused |
| Master's (UAS) | 1–2 years | EN/FI/SV | 60–90 ECTS | €4,000–€18,000 | Work-experience emphasis |
| PhD | ~4 years | EN (common) | ~240 ECTS | €0 (funded) | Competitive; research-based |
| VET / Ammis | Varies | FI/SV (some EN) | Varies | €0 | Job-ready skills; tuition-free |
Required Documents for Admission
- Valid passport
- Educational diplomas and transcripts
- Language test scores (English/Finnish/Swedish as needed)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- CV/Résumé
- Portfolio (for creative fields)
- Entrance exam results (e.g., UAS Exam, SAT)
- Online application form and fee receipt
- Research plan (for PhD)
⏱️ Application Deadlines
- Fall Intake: Mid-January deadlines
- Spring Intake: Early September, open ~2 weeks
- Always verify on Studyinfo.fi and university sites
Working While Studying in Finland
- Up to 30 hours/week (1,560 hours/year)
- Full-time during breaks, if academics are on track
Scholarships for International Students in Finland
Options include:
- Early Bird Discounts: 25%–75% off tuition
- Finnish Government Scholarship: Full first-year tuition + €5,000 stipend
- University-Specific: E.g., University of Helsinki (€10,000+), Oulu (full tuition), Tampere (full tuition)
- Nokia Scholarship: For PhDs
- Eligibility varies; check faculty pages
❓Do Finnish Universities Require Entrance Exams?
It varies:
- Bachelor’s: Often yes, especially for competitive or Finnish-taught programs (e.g., Medicine)
- English Bachelor’s: May use UAS Exam, SAT/ACT, or interviews
- Master’s/PhD: Typically, no exams, but prerequisites like proposals or interviews
Staying in Finland After Graduation
- 2-year job-seeking/entrepreneurship permit
- Transition to work permit with a job offer
- Permanent residence after 4 years of work/residence (monitor policy updates; proposed extensions to 6 years + language requirements)
Alternative Paths:
- EU Blue Card: For skilled roles (min. €3,827/month salary)
- Startup Permit: With Business Finland endorsement
✅ High-Demand Fields in Finland
- Health & Social Care (Nurses, Physicians, Elderly Care)
- ICT/Software Programming
- Construction/Technical Trades
- Hospitality & Personal Services
- Education (Early Childhood)
- Engineering & Green Tech
Best Student Cities in Finland
- Helsinki: Vibrant capital with top universities, jobs, and networking
- Tampere: Affordable, student-friendly with ICT and health focus
- Turku: Ideal for STEM and Business; cultural vibe
- Oulu: Tech hub in the north; affordable housing and nature
Final Note: Study in Finland; Unlock Your Future
Studying in Finland isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of innovation, equality, and happiness in one of the world’s most progressive nations.
With world-class education, affordable options, and clear pathways to work and residency, Finland empowers international students to build brighter futures. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge tech programs or vibrant student cities, take the first step today: explore programs, apply for scholarships, and unlock endless possibilities in the happiest country on Earth.
If you need any help, we’re here for you
FAQs
No formal upper age limit.
Practically, no. Rare exceptions exist (e.g., native-level proof), but most programs require official test scores.
For non-EU/EEA students in English-taught Bachelor’s/Master’s, expect about €8,000–€20,000/year.
Apply for a Bachelor’s. Many programs at this level are Finnish/Swedish-taught and often require an entrance exam; English-taught options exist with varying criteria.
“Completely free” is rare. VET/Ammis programs are typically tuition-free, but you still cover tools, insurance, proof of funds, and living costs. At universities, EU/EEA citizens are tuition-exempt; others rely on scholarships to reduce fees.
Hundreds of programs exist at Bachelor’s/Master’s, and many PhDs are conducted in English. Each program publishes its test and document requirements.
