Finland’s higher education is top-notch and is recognized as either the best or at least one of the best in the world. The country is very welcoming of international talent, which makes it among the most popular picks among international students. For students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, higher education in Finland is completely tuition-free.
Higher education institutions in Finland belong to either of the two types; universities or universities of applied sciences. As an international student, if you are looking for a more hands-on experience in learning, allowing a quicker entry into the industry of your choice, then perhaps you might need to consider enrolling at a university of applied sciences as opposed to a university. Below, we list some of the top universities of applied sciences in the country that you can try your luck at.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland
There are many world-recognized universities of applied sciences in Finland. Some of them are listed below.
1. Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Founded in 2007, the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki is the largest of its kind in Finland. It is located in the vibrant capital city of Finland and is one of the popular destinations for international students. The huge student body of over 17,000 students is distributed across the university’s four fields of study: culture, health care and social services, business, and technology.
The university’s international degree programs focus on nurturing students in an industry-faced, pragmatic, and internationalized environment, with all of them being delivered in the English language. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences also accepts exchange students from its partner universities from around the world.
2. Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Boasting a proud alumni of international students, Oulu University of Applied Sciences is one of the top-ranked institutions in Finland. Specializing in programs like social and healthcare, natural resources, business, and information technology, this university is the fifth-largest university of applied sciences in the country.
There are both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered here in disciplines including engineering, administration, and law. The official language of the university is Finnish, however, there are both bachelor’s and master’s programs that are offered in English that might interest you.
3. Turku University of Applied Sciences
In addition to being a university focused on hands-on experience, Turku University of Applied Sciences is a multidisciplinary higher education institution that readily welcomes international students.
The university offers over 60 study options that allow you to join a vibrant student body of over 10,000 students.
The university’s employment rate is over 80% within a year of graduation. As an applied university in the country, Turku University of Applied Sciences is part of 200 ongoing development projects that students could participate in and gain experience from. There are both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to pick from across disciplines like management, engineering, healthcare, and more.
4. Åland University of Applied Sciences
Located on the Swedish-speaking island of Åland, an autonomous piece of land in the Finnish archipelago, the Åland University of Applied Sciences is one of the most popular universities in the country. Though it’s one of the smallest, and decidedly the smallest on this list, this university is known for its programs in maritime studies, economics, and technology.
Of the master’s degree programs offered here, only a few are offered entirely in English. The majority of courses at this university are conducted in the Swedish language.
5. Laurea University of Applied Sciences
Established in 1992, as Espoo-Vantaa Polytechnic, the university is better known by its current name thanks to its international recognition. The institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and other educational programs across a wide range of disciplines like nursing, business management, and information technology.
Laurea University of Applied Sciences has six campuses in the Greater Helsinki region in Finland. Exchange students and trainees are widely accepted at this prestigious university.
6. Tampere University of Applied Sciences
- Location: Tampere, Finland | Medium of Instruction: English, Finnish
With a wide range of English-taught programs, Tampere University of Applied Sciences is a recognized multidisciplinary educator in Finland. The university offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs in fields disciplines like management, engineering, and natural sciences.
Both institutions have a combined student body of 21,000 students and 4.000 plus staff members from over 80 countries across the world. The university’s distinguished excellence is in its teaching and research opportunities that are well-integrated into the global market, thanks to its international collaborations with other universities and organizations.
7. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences
Located in the city center of Seinäjoki, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences is one that’s ranked as the top university of applied sciences in the country based on several student questionnaires in the past. In recent years, the institution has been actively invested in “internationality”, with added emphasis on integrating into the international environment through partnerships and exchange programs.
Out of the 5000+ students studying here, 10 percent are of international origin. The student body is distributed across the 21 bachelor’s degree programs and 13 master’s degree programs they offer. Only a few programs are offered in English, for which applicants with IELTS are accepted.
FAQs about Studying in ‘University of Applied Sciences’ in Finland
What is the Difference Between a ‘University’ and a ‘University of Applied Sciences’?
Universities are one of the two types of higher education institutions you’d find in Finland. University education is founded mostly on theoretical concepts with an added emphasis on scientific research and research-backed education. Universities in Finland offer programs in all bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. There are 13 universities in Finland.
Different from a university, Finnish universities of applied sciences focus on imparting practical knowledge to students through vocational training and a practical research-based approach to education. As programs offered at applied universities are more industry-faced, students who are looking for a faster entry into the industry often prefer following a program at a university of applied sciences. Finland has 22 universities of applied sciences offering programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Universities of Applied Sciences might be helpful for disciplines of study that require a practical approach. The listed institutions are some of the top picks among international students that could help with accelerating your entry into your industry of choice.
These are some of the top institutions not just in Finland but also in Europe for international students interested in pursuing their studies in a European country. To learn about other Finnish universities and related educational support opportunities, head on over to Study in Finland! If you are unsure where to begin your educational journey, you can explore your options by checking out the Available Programs in Europe!
