Finland is a popular destination for study abroad, and there are many reasons why. Besides its top-caliber education, the country’s universities offer support for international students’ academic and social adjustment. Finland also offers distinctive natural scenery, so studying there can bring memorable experiences beyond the classroom.
For domestic and international degree-seeking students who want to pursue a career in computer science, here is a list of notable universities in Finland.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Finland
1. University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and largest academic institution. Founded in 1640, it operates across four campuses and 11 faculties and has a community of about 40,000 students and employees.
As a major computer science institution in Finland, the University of Helsinki offers study options at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. At the bachelor’s level, international students can consider the English-taught Bachelor’s Programme in Science, which includes a Computer and Data Science study track. The program comprises 180 ECTS credits and can be completed in three years; the degree includes a bachelor’s thesis as part of the final-stage studies.
The master’s program in Computer Science is offered in Finnish, English, and Swedish. It comprises 120 ECTS credits over two years and includes three study tracks: algorithms, networks, and software. The degree includes 80 credits of advanced studies, including a 30-credit master’s thesis, and 40 credits of other studies. Students who want to continue into research can apply to doctoral studies; the University of Helsinki’s Doctoral Programme in Science includes computer science as one of its discipline areas.
2. Tampere University
Tampere University is another excellent choice for computer science-related studies. Among the newest universities in the country, it was established in 2019 after the merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology. It has about 23,200 students and 4,200 employees. The university is spread across three campuses in Tampere and also operates in university consortia in Pori and Seinäjoki.
For bachelor’s-level studies, Tampere offers the English-taught Computing and Electrical Engineering degree route, which leads to a Bachelor of Science (Technology) and Master of Science (Technology). The planned duration is 3 + 2 years, with 180 + 120 ECTS credits. The three bachelor’s majors are Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, and Computational Data Analysis; graduates can continue directly to selected master’s options at Tampere University without reapplying.
At the master’s level, Tampere University offers English-taught specializations in Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering, such as AI-native Software, Data Science, Human-Technology Interaction, Information Security, Signal Processing and Machine Learning, and Statistical Data Analytics. These master’s degrees generally comprise 120 ECTS credits and two years of full-time study.
For doctoral studies, Tampere’s Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences offers the Doctoral Programme in Computing and Electrical Engineering. The target time for full-time doctoral studies is four years, while part-time studies may take longer.
3. University of Oulu
The University of Oulu is among Finland’s major public universities for technology and computer science. Founded in 1958, it has eight faculties, about 14,800 students, and around 4,300 employees. Its two campuses are Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas.
The university offers an English-taught bachelor’s and master’s path in Computer Science and Engineering. The bachelor’s and master’s route is designed as 3 + 2 years of study, and students can focus on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Applied Computing, Computer Engineering, and Cyber Security during the master’s phase.
If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree at another university, you can apply for the English-taught Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering. The program leads to a Master of Science (Technology), takes two years, comprises 120 credits, and is taught on campus. Students can choose or mix the four orientations: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Computing, Computer Engineering, and Cyber Security. After the master’s degree, students interested in research can explore doctoral training opportunities through the University of Oulu Graduate School.
4. Aalto University
Aalto University, based on its Otaniemi campus in Espoo, is a strong option for students interested in computer science in Finland. Through the School of Science, Aalto offers an English-taught Master’s Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences with a Computer Science major. The 120 ECTS, two-year program includes major studies, electives, and a 30 ECTS master’s thesis, with study tracks such as Algorithms and Theory, Big Data and Large-Scale Computing, Secure Systems, Quantum-Aware Software Systems, and Web Technologies, Applications, and Science. Aalto also offers doctoral study opportunities through its Doctoral Programme in Science.
For students interested in the gaming sector, Aalto also offers an English-taught Game Design and Development major within the same Computer, Communication and Information Sciences master’s program. This 120 ECTS, two-year program combines technical and creative coursework and is connected to Finland’s game industry.
Beyond academics, Aalto provides an international and student-centered environment. Its programs encourage interdisciplinary study, and students can shape their degrees through majors, minors, electives, projects, and thesis work. With its research orientation, ties to technology and gaming companies, and campus community in Espoo, Aalto remains a strong choice for computer science students in Finland.
What Current Students / Alumni of Aalto University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Abdur Rahman
Master’s in Computer Communication Information Systems (Communication Engineering) | He describes coursework covering communication, cloud computing, and networking, with practical applications and collaborative assignments in multicultural teams. His classes were conducted in English. | He enjoyed the spacious campus and student life, particularly the Vappu celebration. He also describes learning to stay positive through Finland’s harsh winters. |
Abid Afridi
PhD in Electrical Engineering (Wireless Communications)
Research: resource allocation and network slicing in non-terrestrial networks | His doctoral research focuses on resource allocation and network slicing in non-terrestrial networks, providing a specific example of networking research within electrical engineering. | He reports enjoying his time at Aalto and appreciating the work-life balance. |
Thinh
Master’s in Computer Science
Specialization: Game Development & Computer Graphics | He reports that the courses in his computer science program are conducted entirely in English and that he has experienced no academic language barrier without Finnish. | Peer advice services helped him with moving to and living in Finland. He enjoyed student associations, cultural events, and activities connecting international and local students, and felt welcomed. |
5. University of Turku
The University of Turku is one of Finland’s major universities and a strong option for computer science-related studies. Founded in 1920, it has eight faculties and four independent units, with more than 23,000 students and over 4,000 staff members. Education is mainly concentrated on three campuses: Turku, Pori, and Rauma.
The Department of Computing provides education in Computer Science, Information Technology, Biomedical Engineering, and Health Technology. Its study themes include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Interaction Design, Mixed Reality and Gamification, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
For English-taught bachelor’s-level study, the University of Turku offers a Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology. It comprises 180 ECTS credits for the bachelor’s degree, with a direct path to a 120 ECTS master’s degree. At the master’s level, the ICT program offers tracks such as Cyber Security, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Cryptography, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics. Doctoral research opportunities are available through the Doctoral Programme in Technology, where Department of Computing research themes include Computer Science and Information and Communication Technology.
6. University of Jyväskylä
The University of Jyväskylä offers computer science in Jyväskylä, Finland, through its Faculty of Information Technology. Its degree structure distinguishes Computer Science from Information Systems and engineering-oriented computing. Students can study software development and computational computing, while separate international master’s programs provide specialized routes in areas such as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science comprises 180 credits and is listed as Finnish-taught. Its curriculum develops programming, algorithmic, and mathematical skills alongside an understanding of computer systems. Students learn to design and implement software, evaluate solutions, and communicate technical work. The language listing matters for international applicants, since an English study-guide page does not mean the degree itself is taught in English.
The 120-credit MSc in Computer Science is also listed as Finnish-taught, with Software Development and Computational Computer Science specializations and a 30-credit thesis. English-taught alternatives include two-year master’s programs in Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing. Doctoral study is offered through Information Technology, with a formal Computer Science and Engineering field.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Jyväskylä Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Kanykei
Joint Master’s in Brain and Data Science (NeuroData)
Finnish study period at Jyväskylä | She describes NeuroData as combining computer science, statistics, psychology, and health sciences, with her track focused on interpreting brain imaging data for cognitive research. She reports English instruction and no academic language difficulties. | She found student benefits particularly helpful in Finland. Street signs and grocery labels occasionally caused difficulties, which she managed with translation tools. |
Arna
MSc in Brain and Data Science (NeuroData)
Finnish study period at Jyväskylä | She reports learning both neuroscience and computer science through NeuroData. English was the main language of instruction, and she experienced no significant language barriers during her studies. | She found Finland the most expensive country in her study journey, but appreciated affordable, comfortable dormitories in the city centre and discounted student meals. |
7. LUT University
LUT University, formally Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT, has campuses in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. Its main computing degree routes are organized around Software Engineering in the LUT School of Engineering Sciences. These programs apply computer science to software systems, digital services, and the design and development of complex applications.
Undergraduate options include Software Engineering and the English-taught Software and Systems Engineering program, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Technology. The latter comprises 180 ECTS credits over three years and covers programming, algorithms, data structures, networks, usability, and cybersecurity. Its currently published page describes a Lahti-based partnership route with Sathyabama, with applications through the home university; other undergraduate routes have their own arrangements.
The two-year, 120-ECTS Master’s Programme in Software Engineering leads to an MSc in Technology. It includes requirements engineering, software architectures, quality assurance, practical company assignments, and a research thesis. Doctoral study in Software Engineering is available within the Doctoral Programme in Engineering Science, preserving the university’s software-engineering focus.
What Current Students / Alumni of LUT University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Prachi
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD)
Finnish study period at LUT | She describes studying software engineering alongside sustainability and the development of digital solutions for environmental and social goals. Her courses were conducted in English, so she experienced no academic language difficulties. | — |
Daniela Fajardo
MSc in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Finnish study period at LUT | She describes the Finnish portion of her software engineering program as emphasizing sustainability and green technology innovation. Instruction was in English, and she experienced no academic language barrier. | She found student cities in Finland more financially manageable than Amsterdam and everyday English communication easy. She wished she had learned more local-language basics before arriving to build deeper connections. |
Rosheen Naeem
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Second semester at LUT | She studied software engineering through a program examining the environmental footprint of software systems and ways to reduce it. Instruction remained in English, and she reports no difficulties following her studies. | She found Finland slightly more expensive than Italy, but relatively affordable accommodation helped keep her living costs manageable. |
Hiba
Joint Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD)
Second semester at LUT | She describes her Finnish semester as using alternative teaching methods to explore sustainability within software engineering. Instruction remained in English throughout the joint program. | She found Finland more expensive than Italy but cheaper than the Netherlands. Looking back, she wished she had devoted more time to activities and enjoying each location beyond her studies. |
8. Åbo Akademi University
Åbo Akademi University offers computer science in Turku, Finland, within its Faculty of Science and Engineering. The subject covers programming, algorithms, distributed systems, web and cloud computing, and data security. Its teaching emphasizes analyzing the architecture, reliability, quality, and security of computer-based systems, alongside developing software and computational solutions.
Undergraduate study includes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with Computer Science available as a major subject. Students can shape their education through elective courses and a minor chosen from the university’s subject offerings. The major connects theoretical computing with practical software development and the design of reliable software-intensive systems; Computer Engineering is a separate study route.
The English-taught Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology lasts two years and comprises 120 ECTS credits. Its Computer Science specialization, offered in Turku, leads to an MSc in Computer Science and emphasizes computational data analytics and digital solutions. Doctoral study in Computer Science is available within Science and Information Technology, normally requiring three to four years, a dissertation, and 30 credits of research studies.
What Current Students / Alumni of Åbo Akademi University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Lameya
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First two semesters at Åbo Akademi | She reports studying an English-taught program combining artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering, with no academic language barriers during her Finnish study period. | She found everyday communication in English straightforward in Finland. However, housing and daily expenses were noticeably higher than during her subsequent period in Italy. |
Juan Carlos Pichardo
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year study at Åbo Akademi | His first year focused on data science and machine learning within a program connecting these subjects with software engineering. He reports that all his classes were conducted in English. | He appreciated affordable student housing and convenient cycling and public transport, although groceries and dining out were costly. Looking back, he wished he had connected more with local people beyond his classmates. |
Motunrayo Ibiyo
MSc in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
Finnish study period at Åbo Akademi; second year in Italy | She reports that her EDISS classes were conducted in English, apart from language courses, enabling her to follow her software systems studies without changing the language of instruction between countries. | She experienced no communication difficulties in Finland because English was widely spoken. |
Kaf
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year study at Åbo Akademi
Program started August 2024 | He studied data science, intelligent systems, and software engineering in EDISS. He reports English instruction and no academic language difficulties during his studies. | He found everyday communication in English smooth in Finland, but considered Nordic living costs relatively high. He wished he had managed his time better and travelled more. |
Shihabur
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year study at Åbo Akademi; subsequently a doctoral researcher there | His first year covered data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and included a research project with Volvo. He valued this foundation before pursuing a computer vision specialization in Spain and later returning to Åbo Akademi for doctoral study. | He found communication in Finland easy because people readily switched to English. Groceries were expensive, but student benefits made housing and transport affordable. |
Mira
Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year study at Åbo Akademi; second year in Spain | She describes EDISS as connecting software engineering and data science, including machine learning and deep learning, with the first year taught in Turku. She reports that the program was conducted in English. | She found Finland convenient without Finnish or Swedish and appreciated student discounts and affordable accommodation. Initially, communicating daily in a foreign language and adjusting to different accents was tiring. |
Saad Waseem
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year study at Åbo Akademi
Joint program: 2022–2024 | He reports English-taught EDISS coursework and recommends learning Finnish because some internship and research opportunities require basic local-language skills. He also wished he had developed stronger collaborations with industry partners during the joint program. | He found Finland more affordable than Sweden, highlighting student housing, inexpensive university lunches, and practical budgeting information from local student organizations. |
Sarosh
Joint Master’s in Engineering of Data-Intensive and Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)
First-year coursework at Åbo Akademi; later returned to Finland for thesis work | He took data science, AI, machine learning, embedded AI, parallel programming, GPU programming, autonomous systems, and cloud computing. A year-long project on explainable AI for medical imaging involved two external professors and produced findings published at the Medical Imaging with Deep Learning conference. | Student discounts on housing, transport, and cafeteria meals made Finland more affordable for him than Italy. He generally found English sufficient at the university, student events, and government offices. |
FAQs: Computer Science Studies in Finland
How Much Does it Cost to Study Computer Science in Finland?
For EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, regular degree studies at Finnish public universities are generally tuition-free. Non-EU/EEA students usually pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, with current fees typically ranging from €8,000 to €20,000 per year depending on the university and programme. Doctoral programmes do not charge tuition fees. For example, the University of Oulu currently charges €10,000 per academic year for non-EU/EEA students in its Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering. In addition to tuition, students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, student union and healthcare fees, books, and other living costs.
We hope this article will encourage you to pursue computer science in Finland. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
