Why Study in Finland?
Embark on an Academic Journey in Finland!
Finland is renowned for its high-quality education system and respect for learning. Studying here offers a unique opportunity to gain academic and professional experience while immersing yourself in one of the world's most innovative, sustainable, and peaceful countries. Finland is perfect for independent thinkers, with a safe environment, efficient infrastructure, and nature always within reach.
Finnish Education System: A Gateway for International Students
Finnish educational institutions have extensive collaborations worldwide, making it easier for international students to study here. Below, you'll find essential information to get you started on your educational journey in Finland.
Resources for Prospective Students
Study In Finland: Programmes and Opportunities
If you're considering pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Finland, the "Study in Finland" website is your go-to resource. It lists all universities and universities of applied sciences, including English-taught programmes, and provides links to their homepages. Here’s what you can find on the site:
- Overview of Finland as a study destination and living environment
- Details on student exchange programmes
- Information on English-language degree and non-degree programmes
- Guidance on tuition fees and available scholarships
- Admissions systems and procedures
- Information on summer schools, open university, and practical training placements
Visit Study in Finland for more information.
Finnish National Agency for Education
This agency fosters international cooperation and mobility, focusing on education, training, employment, and youth. It administers exchange and trainee programmes and awards scholarships for students, researchers, and teachers, primarily for those who have completed a master’s degree.
For more details, visit Finnish National Agency for Education.
Admission to Finnish Higher Education Institutions
Both universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) in Finland select their students independently. You can apply directly to individual universities or through a joint application process, which allows you to apply to up to six programmes with one form.
Essential links for applicants:
Useful resources:
Admissions Pages for Major Finnish Universities
- Aalto University
- Åbo Akademi University
- Hanken School of Economics
- Lappeenranta University of Technology
- Tampere University of Applied Sciences
- Tampere University
- University of Helsinki
- University of Eastern Finland
- University of Jyväskylä
- University of Lapland
- University of Oulu
- University of Turku
- University of Vaasa
- University of the Arts Helsinki
Exchange Programmes: Expanding Horizons
For exchange programmes, your home institution’s International Office is the best place to start. They can provide detailed information on the various opportunities available.
Erasmus Programme
Every year, over 15,000 foreign exchange students come to Finland through the Erasmus programme to study at Finnish higher education institutions. This programme targets European students who have completed at least one academic year of study. Grants are provided by the home institution for studies abroad.
For more information, see Erasmus+ Programme.
Other Exchange Programmes
Other notable programmes in Finland include:
Explore these opportunities at Higher Education Cooperation.
Financial Aid for International Students
If you are not a Finnish citizen and have come to Finland for study purposes, the general rule is that you cannot get financial aid from Finland.
However, you may qualify for financial aid if you meet the following requirements:
- You have arrived in Finland for some other reason than to study. Such a reason can for example be employment or family ties.
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You have been granted a continuous (A) or permanent (P) residence permit or an EU residence permit for third-country nationals (P-EU or P-EY) or a residence card as referred to in the withdrawal agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom.
- If you are a citizen of another EU or EEA country or of Switzerland, the family member of such a person, or a citizen of a Nordic country, you only have to register your right of residence or present your residence card.
- If you are living in Finland permanently.
Whether your residence is considered to be permanent is determined on the basis of the Municipality of Residence Act.
If you are a citizen of another EU or EEA or of Switzerland or if you are covered under the withdrawal agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom, you can get financial aid even if you have come to Finland to study.
- You can get financial aid if you are employed in Finland for at least 4 months with an average of at least 10 hours of work per week, or if you have taken out statutory pension insurance for self-employed persons. The entitlement to financial aid for students only continues for the duration of the employment.
- You are also eligible for financial aid if you have a right to permanent residence in Finland as defined in section 1, subsection 2 of the Act on Student Financial Aid.
You are also eligible for financial aid if you are a family member of a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland who works in Finland or of a British citizen who works in Finland and is covered under the withdrawal agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom.
For current information and application procedures, visit Kela.
Related Resources
Explore these links for further information:
- Higher Education in Finland: Overview of universities, UAS, and fields of study
- Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: Understanding international equivalency
- Suomi.fi: Information and e-services for residents, companies, and organizations
- InfoFinland: Multilingual information for immigrants.
