A quick search for popular study destinations will often include the European country of Finland. Finland is widely recognized for its education system, and the official Study in Finland portal describes the country as having one of the world’s top higher education systems. Rather than describing any national system as simply “the best,” it is more accurate to note that Finnish higher education is research-based, professionally oriented, and subject to national quality assurance.
Finland has a well-developed higher education system, but tuition-free education is only available under certain conditions. Students from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, while doctoral programs do not charge tuition fees regardless of nationality. In this article, we will look at what it is like to pursue a higher education program in Finland as an international student.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Finland
1. Universities
Universities, as opposed to universities of applied sciences, focus on scientific research and research-based education. They award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as postgraduate licentiate and doctoral degrees.
Universities offer programs across disciplines including the sciences, arts, humanities, education, and engineering. Finland has 13 universities, including the University of Helsinki and the University of Oulu. Finnish higher education institutions collectively offer hundreds of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs that may interest students planning to study in Finland.
2. Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of applied sciences, on the other hand, focus on professionally oriented education, practical learning, and close connections with working life. Finland’s 22 universities of applied sciences offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, including many programs taught in English. They do not award doctoral degrees.
Universities of applied sciences may also provide open higher education studies, professional specialization education, and vocational teacher education. Turku University of Applied Sciences and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences are examples of Finnish universities of applied sciences. Pursuing a degree at one of these institutions may be helpful for students who want to develop expertise in a particular industry and gain practical experience.
Types of Degree Levels in Finland
1. Bachelor’s Degree
The Finnish higher education system includes first-cycle bachelor’s degrees, second-cycle master’s degrees, and postgraduate degrees offered by universities. Applicants with a high school diploma or another qualification that provides eligibility for higher education may apply for a bachelor’s degree in Finland. After graduating, students may apply for master’s programs, but admission and study rights depend on the institution, degree structure, and program-specific requirements.
At Finnish universities, a bachelor’s degree is generally worth 180 ECTS credits and is designed to take three years of full-time study. Bachelor’s degrees at universities of applied sciences range from 180 to 270 ECTS credits and usually take between three and four and a half years. Some professional degree programs have different structures. For example, medical studies at the University of Eastern Finland form a continuous 360-ECTS program with a standard duration of six years, leading to a Licentiate of Medicine degree.
2. Master’s Degree
Students with a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification may apply for a master’s degree in Finland. Applicants to master’s programs at universities of applied sciences must also have at least two years of relevant work experience. Admission requirements vary by institution and program.
A master’s degree at a Finnish university is generally worth 120 ECTS credits and takes two years of full-time study. At universities of applied sciences, master’s degrees are generally worth 60 or 90 ECTS credits and are designed to take approximately one to one and a half years of full-time study, although programs intended for working professionals may be completed over a longer period.
One-year master’s programs are available in Finland. For example, Centria University of Applied Sciences currently lists the English-taught Master of Engineering in Cloud-Driven Artificial Intelligence as a 60-ECTS program with a planned duration of one academic year. However, Centria states that this program has no intake for the 2026–2027 academic year, so applicants should always check current availability.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland generally do not pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s studies in Finland. Students from outside these areas generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs unless they qualify for a statutory exemption or receive a university scholarship or tuition waiver.
3. Doctoral Degree
After completing a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification, students may apply for a doctoral or licentiate degree at a Finnish university. Doctoral programs do not charge tuition fees, regardless of nationality. However, doctoral funding is not automatic: students must normally arrange funding for their living expenses, although paid doctoral researcher positions, grants, and scholarships may be available.
Doctoral degrees are not offered by universities of applied sciences. A Finnish doctoral degree is generally designed to take about four years of full-time study. Universities such as the University of Eastern Finland offer doctoral programs across a range of disciplines.
After completing a master’s degree, students in certain fields may also pursue a licentiate degree. A licentiate is a scientific postgraduate degree that is narrower in scope than a doctorate. Its availability, structure, and requirements vary by university and field.
In conclusion, Finland’s higher education system has clearly defined institutional pathways, degree structures, and admissions requirements. Universities concentrate on research-based education, while universities of applied sciences provide professionally oriented programs with close connections to working life.
Finland is an attractive study-abroad destination for international students looking to pursue a recognized European qualification. You can find more information about studying in Finland on the Study in Finland page. To learn more about studying in Europe, start by checking the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
