How to Study in Finland: International Students Guide

Finland used its beautiful architecture and wild beauty to create an irresistible destination. Winter brings enchantment to the country with culinary excellence. Along came international students who wanted to explore affordable Finnish tuition in its innovative learning environments.

Studying in Finland will provide you with a high-quality education and a vibrant student experience.

Finland Application Intakes/ Deadline

Intakes: Fall

Finland has two major intakes:

• Autumn Intake (August - September): The primary intake with the most programs available.

• Spring Intake (January - February): Available for a limited number of programs.

Application deadlines vary but typically fall between January and February for the Autumn intake and August and September for the Spring intake.

Education System Overview

• Universities: Offer academic degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, and PhDs).

• Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS): Provide practice-oriented programs with strong industry connections.

The Finnish Educational System

 Finland groups its academic institutions in:

1. Regular universities: This category of schools conducts scientific research and offers instruction and postgraduate-based education.

2. UAS (Universities of Applied Sciences): UAS equips students to meet the labour market's needs through research and development.

Finland Admission Requirements for International Students

• Completed application form

• Statement of Purpose / Application Essays were required

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)

• Motivation letters and recommendation letters

• Portfolio (if required for specific programs like design or architecture)

Finland Visa Process

What are the Finland Visa Requirements?

1. Valid Passport: Ensure it has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Proof of Admission to a Finnish Educational Institution

3. Health Insurance (between €30–€100 per month) 

4. Transcripts or certificates 

5. Two recent passport-sized photos meet the required specifications (biometric format).

6. Application Fee Payment: €350 for an online application or €450 for a paper application

7. Proof of Sufficient Funds: The required amount for living costs is generally around €560 per month (or €6,720 per year). The following documents can be used:

1. Bank statements

2. Scholarship award letter (if applicable).

3. Financial guarantee from a sponsor (if applicable)

Undergraduate Visa Requirement

• Completed Application Form 

• International passport 

• Proof of Secondary Education 

• Transcript of Records 

• Language Proficiency Certificate 

• Motivation Letter (if required)

• Letter of Recommendation (if required)

Postgraduate Visa Requirement

• Completed Application Form (online).

• International passport 

• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate 

• Transcripts of Academic Records.

• Language Proficiency Certificate 

• CV/Resume (including academic and professional experience).

• Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter.

• Two Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional).

• Portfolio (if required for certain programs, e.g., design).

Tuition Fees in Finland

Tuition fees in Finland vary by university and program. However, international students can pay between €8,000 and €20,000 annually.

Scholarships: International students can use some of the Finnish universities’ merit-based scholarships.

PhD Programs: Regardless of nationality, PhD studies are tuition-free in Finland.

Student Union Fees

International students pay an annual student union fee of about €50-€70 per academic year. The fee offers students discounts in restaurants and public transport. However, the University of Applied Sciences (UAS) membership is optional.

Living Expenses

While Finland is a relatively expensive country, international students can spend approximately €900 – €1000 per month on accommodation, food, and travel. Meanwhile, international students must prove sufficient finances and insurance when applying for a student residence permit.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

International students can work up to 25 hours per week during their studies.

Finland University Scholarships

Many Finnish universities offer international students merit-based scholarships, which can cover full or partial tuition fees. You should consult your chosen university for some of these scholarships for non-EU/EEA students.

How to Apply?

International students should apply for a scholarship concurrently with their admission application.

Navigating Doctoral Funding Options

Doctoral students enjoy tuition-free tuition in Finland, but you must pay for your living expenses. EDUFI Fellowships are tailored for doctoral research in Finland but are managed and applied by the university departments on your behalf.

Types of Scholarships in Finland

University-Specific Scholarships: Most Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer scholarships for non-EU/EEA students.

Finnish Government Scholarships: The government provides EDUFI scholarships to students pursuing their doctoral and post-doctoral studies through EDUFI (Finnish National Agency for Education).

Private and Organisation-Based Scholarships: Foundations and NGOs, such as the Finnish Cultural and Fulbright Finland Foundation, offer these scholarships to international students.

How to Apply to Finnish Universities

1. Choose a program and check entry requirements at Studyinfo.fi

2. Submit an online application through the Studyinfo portal.

3. Provide the required documents:

1. Academic transcripts

2. Passport copy

3. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)

4. Motivation letter

5. Application fee (if applicable)

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

• Tuition Fees: €4,000 – €18,000 per year (varies by university and program).

• Living Costs: €700 – €1,200 per month.

Work and Study Opportunities

International students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays. International students in Finland can travel with their dependents.

How do I obtain a Finland Residence Permit?

• Apply for a residence permit at Migri.fi

• Show proof of €6,720 per year in financial means.

• Register at the local DVV office upon arrival.

What is the meaning of Finland Joint Application?

Joint application means that international students can apply to up to six (6) study programmes with one application form. 

The six study programmes may include degree programmes from one or several higher education institutions. 

Finland has three joint applications per year, two offering English study programmes (one in spring and one in autumn) and one offering Finnish and Swedish (in spring).

1. In the spring joint application for study programmes offered in English, you do not have to place the study programmes in order of preference, and you can be offered admission to several study programmes. For example, if you are offered admission to three out of four study programmes on your application, you can choose which offer of admission you wish to confirm.

2. In the autumn joint application (as well as spring joint application to Finnish/Swedish-taught degree programmes), you must place the study programmes in order of preference, and you can be accepted to only one study programme. You will be offered admission to the programme that you have placed highest on your list of preferences and to which you have enough points to be accepted. For example, if you are accepted to your second study option, your lower options (3-6) are cancelled, but you can remain on the waiting list for a possible study place in your first option.

3. You can only accept one offer of admission to an education program that begins in the same academic term.

Supplementary application rounds

A secondary application round may be held if not all study places are filled during the primary application round.