Home to the happiest nation on Earth and considered the safest place in the world, where even lost wallets are returned to their owners, Finland is a country in Northern Europe with a population of 5.52 million, making it one of the least populated countries in Europe. Interestingly, despite the small population size, Finland has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world, at almost US$50,000.
If you’re planning to study and earn a degree instructed in the English language at any Finnish University, you will most probably have to take an internationally recognized English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL. This is part of the requirement during your admission process and the required IELTS scores differ for each university.
Now, let’s talk about the IELTS scores required by Finnish universities. We hope that this will help you prepare for your admission process and explore your university options!
Can International Students Study in Finland Without an IELTS?
The answer is yes! International students can study in Finland without an IELTS test result under certain conditions. Firstly, if you come from an English-speaking country like the United States, you can be exempted from providing an English proficiency result.
Secondly, if your previous academic program or degree is taught in the English language. So if you’re not from an English-speaking country but you finished a degree in an English school, you can enroll in a Finnish university, just make sure to present a certificate or any proof.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements in Finnish Universities
International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an internationally recognized English proficiency exam that non-native English speakers are required to take to prove their level of proficiency in English. It was established in 1989 and is co-managed by the British Council. IELTS is composed of four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. An IELTS result is denominated in bands from 1 to 9 with an increment of 0.5. Besides, an IELTS report card is valid only for two years. The test is offered up to four times a month and up to 48 times a year. Today, more than 1,200 test centers in more than 140 countries offer IELTS test-taking facilities.
Most universities in Finland offering degree programs in the English language require IELTS test scores, although the minimum IELTS band requirement varies with each university. Let’s take a look at some of these universities and their IELTS band requirements.
1. University of Helsinki
Founded in 1640, and located in the capital city, the University of Helsinki is one of the most prestigious universities in Finland. It is also the oldest and largest university in Finland, with an administrative staff spanning over 10,000 members and a student body comprising almost 37,000 students. The University of Helsinki has an acceptance rate of just 14%. The university offers multiple degree programs in the English language, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels.
2. Aalto University
Aalto University was an ambitious undertaking by the government of Finland. The university was established in 2010 by merging three prestigious Finnish universities namely, the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Today, it is the second-largest university in Finland, with an endowment fund of more than €700 million. Besides, the university’s student body comprises more than 17,000 students. The university particularly specializes in three major areas: engineering, business studies, design, and architecture. To submit your application to this university in Finland, you need at least a 6.5 IELTS Band.
3. Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT
The Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT was founded in 1969. The university envisioned unique degree programs that were created by merging business studies and technology. Since 2015, the university has consistently ranked among the top 600 universities in the world by QS World University Ranking. Today, almost 5,000 students are pursuing their degrees at LUT University, including online master’s degrees.
4. Tampere University
Although established in early 2019, Tampere University is one of the premier public universities in Finland. It was a product of the merger of two major universities, namely, Tampere University of Technology and the University of Tampere. Currently, it has 20,700 students pursuing degrees at undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. This institution offers 34 master’s programs and two bachelor’s programs in English.
The university has been ranked as one of the top 300 global universities. Besides, Tampere University offers degree programs in social sciences, business and economics, art and humanities, computer science, engineering and technology, and physical and health sciences. This university in Finland requires at least an IELTS Band of 6.5.
5. University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland was founded in 2010 as a result of the merger of two previously independent universities. Home to 15,000 students and 2,500 staff members, the University of Eastern Finland is one of the largest Finnish universities. The university offers degrees in more than 100 programs, making it one of the most versatile universities in Finland.
6. University of Jyvaskyla
The University of Jyvaskyla is a research university in Finland and was established in 1934, although it traces its origins to the much older Teacher Training College (founded in 1863). The university is home to some 15,000 students and 1,500 academic staff members. It is one of the most famous in Finland, with an acceptance rate of just 10%.
7. University of Oulu
The University of Oulu is one of the premier universities in Finland, situated in the city of Oulu. Founded in 1958, the university is home to almost 14,000 students and 3,000 staff members. The university offers master’s degree programs in 21 areas of study. Besides, the university has consistently ranked as one of the top 400 universities globally.
We hope that this article on IELTS Band Requirements at Finland Universities was helpful! If you want to check other English proficiency exams that are accepted in Finland, go over our English Language Proficiency Exams page for more information!
Feel free to also check out the Programs in Europe for more information on study courses that are available in Europe and the Study in Finland Guide for more details on becoming an international student in Finland.
