Studying in Finland can be an excellent choice for students who want high-quality education, modern learning environments, and a memorable international experience. Finland is known for its high standard of living and strong opportunities for study and work. In this article, we will look at the top medical schools in Finland.
Finland is a great place for international students, as the cost of studying and living in the country can be manageable depending on the city, university, and lifestyle. Finland also offers many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, although medicine itself is generally taught in Finnish or Swedish.
Top Medical Schools in Finland
1. University of Helsinki
Established in 1640, the University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and largest academic institution. It has more than 31,000 students and ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. In recent global rankings, it remains one of Finland’s strongest universities, especially in research and health-related fields.
The university has 11 faculties, including the Faculty of Medicine. Medical education at the University of Helsinki is offered in Finnish or Swedish, so applicants should be prepared for a high level of Finnish or Swedish language use. The faculty emphasizes research-based medical education and provides access to academic resources such as libraries, museums, and research facilities.
2. University of Turku
The University of Turku was founded in 1920, and with more than 100 years of history, it remains one of the best-known universities in the country. Located in Turku, Finland’s oldest city, it offers a rich academic environment along with a strong education and research tradition.
This top medical school in Finland has eight faculties and more than 23,000 students. The Faculty of Medicine has four main departments and institutes: the Institute of Biomedicine, the Department of Clinical Medicine, the Institute of Dentistry, and the Department of Nursing Science. The faculty works with national and international partners to support medical and health sciences education, research, and clinical training.
3. Tampere University
Founded in 2019, Tampere University, one of the best public schools in Finland, was created through the merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology. The result is a multidisciplinary university with strengths in technology, health, and society.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology is one of the university’s key faculties. It offers research and education in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and health technology. Tampere’s medical education is taught in Finnish, and the university offers medicine degree education leading toward the Licentiate of Medicine qualification.
There are also English-taught programs available in related fields for international students. These include master’s-level study options in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering and Biomedical Technology, both of which are two-year, 120 ECTS programs.
4. University of Oulu
The University of Oulu was established in 1958 and is one of the largest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. It has around 13,800 students and eight faculties. This top medical university in Finland focuses on research, education, and innovation, and it attracts both Finnish and international students in many fields.
The Faculty of Medicine is located on the Kontinkangas campus next to Oulu University Hospital, which supports clinical learning and medical research. The faculty currently has five research units, and its research is also connected with Medical Research Center Oulu and Biocenter Oulu.
5. University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland was established in 2010 through the merger of the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio. Today, it is home to around 17,000 students and has a strong health sciences presence on its Kuopio campus.
Its School of Medicine is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and offers education in medicine, dentistry, biomedicine, nutrition, and health promotion. The school also offers English-taught master’s programs in related fields such as Public Health and Biomedicine. However, like other Finnish medical faculties, it does not offer an English-language track for medicine.
FAQs: Studying Medicine in Finland
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Finland?
Yes, international students can apply to universities in Finland. However, students who want to study medicine should note that there is no English-language medical track in Finland. Medical studies require Finnish or Swedish language ability, and applicants must follow the national admissions process for medical faculties.
For international students who prefer English-taught programs, Finland offers many options in related health and science fields, such as public health, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, biomedical technology, and health sciences. These programs are different from the medical degree needed to become a physician.
What Is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Finland?
Medical studies in Finland normally form a continuous six-year program leading to the Licentiate of Medicine degree, which is 360 ECTS credits. Some universities describe the structure as a bachelor’s stage followed by a licentiate stage, but it is not the same as taking a separate English-taught bachelor’s and master’s route in medicine.
Students can also pursue doctoral studies after completing the required university degree. After graduation, international graduates who do not yet have a job that qualifies them for a work-based residence permit may apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. This permit can be granted for a maximum of two years.
In conclusion, Finland is active in medical education and research, and its medical faculties are known for research-based learning, clinical training, and multidisciplinary cooperation. Students who plan to study medicine in Finland should prepare carefully for the language requirements and admissions process. These universities provide strong academic environments that can prepare graduates for demanding careers in medicine, health sciences, and research.
We hope that this article on the best medical schools in Finland was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, especially in Finland, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students and Guide to Study in Finland!
