Finland is a popular destination for international students. It is home to recognized universities and universities of applied sciences, beautiful scenery, a vibrant cultural environment, career opportunities, and a high standard of living. Finland has topped the World Happiness Report rankings since 2018.
Finland has 35 recognized universities and universities of applied sciences that offer more than 600 fully English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Tuition fees vary by institution and program. Non-EU/EEA students generally need to pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, with fees typically ranging from €8,000 to €20,000 per year. You can explore English-taught programs and review affordable universities in Finland before applying.
Here is some important information you need if you would like to study at the undergraduate level in Finland.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by university and degree program. Always check the program description on Studyinfo and the university’s admissions website for the complete list of eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines, and possible selection methods. The following table provides a general guide.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS | REQUIREMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Upper Secondary Qualification | Bachelor’s degree applicants generally need a high school diploma or another upper secondary qualification that makes them eligible to apply for higher education in the country where the qualification was completed. The Finnish matriculation examination is the final assessment for general upper secondary studies in Finland. It is not a university entrance examination. Depending on the degree program, the selection process may also include an entrance examination, an SAT score, an interview, or another program-specific assessment. |
| Transcript of Records and Supporting Documents | You may need to submit a transcript of records, a copy of your upper secondary certificate, and other supporting documents requested by the degree program. If a required document is not written in Finnish, Swedish, or English, an official translation may be required. Follow the document instructions in the Studyinfo program description and on the university’s admissions website. |
| Proof of Nationality and Residence Status | Your nationality and residence status may affect whether you need to pay tuition fees. Non-EU/EEA students generally need to pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. Tuition fees usually range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption based on their status, so always review the official fee instructions and research the tuition fees for your preferred university before applying. |
| Application Fee, If Applicable | Applicants who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland generally need to pay a €100 application fee when applying to higher education in Finland, unless an exemption applies. Check the official Studyinfo application-fee guidance for your circumstances. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Finland has more than 600 fully English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at recognized higher education institutions. You can explore courses taught in English and compare programs on Studyinfo.
Non-native English speakers typically need to provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English qualifications. Required scores and possible exemptions vary by degree program and institution. Review the official program description before relying on a general IELTS requirement or TOEFL score.
Students enrolled in English-taught degree programs can complete their studies in English and generally manage daily life in English. However, learning Finnish or Swedish is strongly recommended. Local-language skills can help you feel more connected to the community and improve your employment prospects in Finland.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Application periods depend on the degree program. The main joint application for English-taught programs starting in the autumn is usually arranged in January. A limited selection of programs may also be available in a September joint application for studies starting in January. Finnish- and Swedish-taught programs have a spring joint application, and some programs use separate or rolling admissions with different schedules.
Check the application deadline for each program carefully. In a joint application, you can apply to up to six degree programs with one application form. Separate applications have their own procedures and schedules. You may receive more than one admission offer, but you can accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree in Finland per academic term.
Step 1. Research Preferred Courses and Universities
Prospective bachelor’s degree applicants should be aware that Finland has two types of higher education institutions.
The first type is the university. Universities focus on scientific research and provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Examples include the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. You can also explore public universities in Finland.
The second type is the university of applied sciences, or UAS. Universities of applied sciences offer professionally oriented higher education with an emphasis on hands-on learning, industry connections, and real-world problem-solving. Examples include JAMK University of Applied Sciences and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Before starting your application, research your preferred university and degree program carefully. You can explore programs in different subject areas, including engineering, computer science, business, and nursing. Each study program has its own eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines, and possible selection methods. Review the official admissions information before applying.
Step 2. Apply Using the Studyinfo Portal
Studyinfo is Finland’s official application portal. It is maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The portal provides information about degree programs, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.
You do not need to register or log in to submit an application. During a joint application, you can apply to up to six degree programs with one application form. Upload the required documents and submit your application by the deadlines stated in the official program descriptions.
Some universities also use separate applications or rolling admissions. Application periods, document requirements, and procedures vary by program. Check the Studyinfo program description and the university’s admissions website carefully.
Step 3. Process Any Post-application Documents or Processes
After submitting your application, you may be asked to take an entrance examination, submit additional documents, provide a test score, or attend an interview. The selection method depends on the degree program. Review the official program description on Studyinfo and follow any instructions sent by the university.
Admission-result dates and confirmation deadlines vary by program and institution. Accepted students receive instructions explaining how to confirm their study place. Make sure you respond by the stated deadline. Remember that you can accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree in Finland per academic term.
We hope that this article was helpful. If you are planning to study in Finland, check out our Study in Finland guide for more information. It includes helpful tips for first-time international students. You can also explore the available programs for international students and learn more about studying abroad.
