The University of Helsinki is one of Finland’s best-known higher education institutions. Based in Helsinki, the country’s capital, it was founded in 1640 and is Finland’s oldest and largest institution of academic education and research. The university has 11 faculties, several independent research-oriented institutes, and more than 31,000 students.
When an international student applies to a Finnish university, one of the first concerns is the cost of studying and living in Finland. Living abroad can be expensive, so careful financial planning is essential. Below, we examine the main expenses to consider when planning to enroll at the University of Helsinki.
Study Costs at the University of Helsinki
Study costs at the University of Helsinki depend on the degree level, program, language of instruction, and the student’s citizenship or residence status. The figures below reflect official information available in July 2026, but applicants should check the university’s current fee pages before applying.
Application Costs
Since January 1, 2025, applicants who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland generally must pay a one-time national application fee of €100 when applying to bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in Finland. Doctoral and Erasmus Mundus programs are excluded, and applicants in certain citizenship or residence categories are exempt. The fee is collected through the national Studyinfo portal, and application-fee waivers are not available. Application periods vary by degree level and admission route, so applicants should check the current instructions for their chosen program.
Tuition Costs
Tuition is not automatically higher for every international student. Fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs generally apply to students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who do not hold a qualifying tuition-fee exemption based on their Finnish residence status. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and students with certain exempting residence permits or statuses do not pay these tuition fees.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
The University of Helsinki offers English-taught bachelor’s programs in Science and Liberal Arts and Sciences. Tuition for students who are liable to pay fees is €13,000 per academic year. The Bachelor’s Programme in Science covers mathematics and statistics, physics, chemistry, and computer and data science. The Bachelor’s Programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences combines subjects from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and agriculture and forestry. The university’s admissions pages currently state that admission scholarships are not available to applicants to these bachelor’s programs.
Master’s Tuition Costs
The University of Helsinki offers a wide range of English-language master’s degree programs in fields such as science, the humanities, agriculture and forestry, education, law, social sciences, health, pharmacy, and biological and environmental sciences. Depending on the program, annual tuition for fee-liable students is €13,000, €15,000, or €18,000. Fees in joint programs may differ. Eligible fee-liable applicants can also apply for competitive 50% or 100% tuition-fee waivers when applying to a master’s program. These waivers are limited and do not cover living expenses. Additional information is available in this overview of master’s scholarships.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
As of 2026, the University of Helsinki Doctoral School has 14 doctoral programs. The university does not charge doctoral researchers tuition, regardless of nationality. However, receiving the right to pursue a doctoral degree does not automatically include funding, and doctoral researchers must normally cover their living, accommodation, and research-related expenses unless they receive a salaried position, grant, or other funding. A doctoral degree can generally be completed in four years of full-time study.
Other Academic Costs at the University of Helsinki
Books and Miscellaneous
Students can use the Helsinki University Library’s printed and electronic collections. Books can be borrowed with a physical or digital library card, and students are not normally charged for standard borrowing, although overdue fines and replacement charges may apply. Many textbooks, journals, and other academic resources are also available electronically through the library.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, bachelor’s and master’s degree students must pay an €85 Student Union membership fee. In 2026, students covered by the Finnish Student Health Service must also pay a healthcare fee of €35.35 per academic term. Students with qualifying social security coverage from certain European countries are exempt from the healthcare fee.
Accommodation and Transportation
Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their accommodation. Because Helsinki has relatively high housing costs, accommodation is a significant expense. The university estimates that student housing normally costs between €450 and €800 per month.
Eligible full-time students who live permanently in the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority area can receive a 40% discount on season tickets. A 30-day student season ticket costs between €44.30 and €89.20, depending on the travel zones selected. Eligible students can activate the discount through the HSL app using My Studyinfo or obtain it on an HSL card. Separate rules apply to exchange students, while doctoral students are not eligible for HSL’s student discount.
Living Expenses
Living costs in Helsinki, particularly housing costs, are relatively high but broadly in line with the EU average. For a first residence-permit application for studies lasting at least one year, the Finnish Immigration Service currently requires students to have at least €9,600 for living expenses, equivalent to €800 per month. Students must also have sufficient funds for any unpaid tuition fees. The €9,600 minimum is generally considered a very tight budget for living in Helsinki.
The University of Helsinki estimates that a student’s monthly living expenses are usually between €1,000 and €1,300 or more, depending on housing costs and spending habits. In addition to rent, students should budget at least €450 per month for necessities such as food, communication, and transportation.
Studying at the University of Helsinki requires careful financial planning. The university offers competitive tuition-fee waivers to eligible master’s applicants, but these awards are limited and do not cover living costs. Students should also research external scholarships in Finland that may help with their expenses.
We hope this article has helped you understand the costs of studying at Finland’s oldest and largest university. You can find more information on the Study in Finland Page. If you are interested, explore the Available Programs for International Students!
