Finland has set a global standard in education, providing top-notch higher education programs for students from around the world. Offering multiple opportunities for students to get international exposure and to utilize their policy of tuition-free education, Finnish institutions are among the most international student-friendly universities in Europe.
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Finland does not only mean tuition-free and high-quality education but also an intensive and captivating learning experience. With readily available access to high-level infrastructure and technology, world-class research opportunities are available for students who pursue higher education in the Nordic country. In this article, we explore the key information required to apply for a doctoral program in Finland.
Is It Expensive to Study Ph.D. in Finland?
Enticingly enough, following a high-quality industry-specific Ph.D. program in Finland is entirely tuition-free! Finland is one of the few countries that offer free or extremely cheap doctoral opportunities. Regardless of your nationality, Finnish universities offer English-taught doctoral programs entirely free of charge.
During your stay in the country for your Ph.D. which could be up to 4 years, you may also get a fixed stipend to manage your living expenses. What’s more? Ph.D. students can make use of their industry links to further their research skills in the industrial environment of their choice. Expatriates from the EU, EEA, and Nordic nations can also benefit from the ability to work during their stay in the country.
Admission Requirements When Applying for a Doctoral Degree
You might find that applying for a doctoral program in Finland is quite different from applying for a Ph.D. in other countries. As opposed to applying for advertised projects, applicants are required to directly submit their application to a graduate school at an institute that lists a doctoral program of interest. If a suitable Ph.D. program isn’t listed, then you could contact the relevant department at the chosen university to enquire about further options. Of the different requirements that you might need to fulfill upon application, here are some common ones that you might need to look out for:
1. Proof of a Master’s degree or an equivalent
Proof of previous academic records in a relevant field of education is a common prerequisite for many Ph.D. programs. This includes all academic transcripts and graduation certificates. Depending on your university’s requirements you might have to translate your documents into Finnish and have them approved by a lawyer.
2. Curriculum Vitae
Your CV details your eligibility to undertake research in your field of education. Be sure to include all relevant educational qualifications and previous work experience that might help bolster your application. List, in addition, relevant transferable skills and experiences with similar past projects that you’ve been part of.
3. References
Naming non-related references, regardless of whether it was required or optional, is sure to help get your application ahead. Along with your application, you may add at least two references. These may be previous academic members of staff, professionals, or previous employers.
4. Relevant Travel Documents
As a student from out of the country, you will require either a student visa or a residence permit along with a passport and/ or any other document of identification to support your stay in the country. These requirements may vary depending on whether you are from an EU, EEA, or Nordic nation.
Apart from these, there might be other requirements such as proof of funds, health certificates, and insurance that might be required depending on the program and university of your choice. For instance, take a look at the diverse application requirements for the Hanken School of Economics and the University of Helsinki.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Doctoral Programs
Most Ph.D. programs in Finland are taught in Finnish, English, or Swedish. Requirements may vary depending on your choice of subject and university. For Finnish-taught programs, you will have to meet the intermediate or advanced level proficiency in the Finnish National Certificates of Language Proficiency at the time of application.
For programs taught in English, universities generally accept English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. The minimum required score is again, entirely dependent on the outlined requirements in your specific course of choice and the university. Relevant language requirements would be detailed in official university pages. For example, the University of Helsinki requires you to certify your proficiency in the Finnish, English, and/ or Swedish languages as per the requirements of your course. At Tampere University, either a Finnish or English language proficiency certification is accepted depending on the requirements outlined in your particular program guidelines.
Steps to Apply for a Doctoral Degree in Finland
Applying for a doctoral program at a Finnish institution might slightly be different from elsewhere in the world. It is highly encouraged to contact the university directly before applying for your Ph.D. to educate yourself on the offerings. Here are some steps you might need to check off along the way:
Step 1. Directly contact your chosen university
As stated previously, before applying to a program that you deem fit for you, it’s always considered best practice to call a few universities directly and inquire about the opportunities they have to offer. Make sure to request information about the medium of instruction, duration of the course, and other specifics.
Step 2. Prepare and submit your documents on time
While some universities readily accept applications from postgraduates year-round, other universities might have a specific application window during which they entertain applicants for Ph.D. programs. Make sure you stick to the deadline and submit your best application. Ensure your academic records, statement of purpose, and other certifications are submitted as per the requirements. Required documents are often listed on the university websites. For example, the University of Tampere expects students to submit a CV, a motivation letter, a preliminary study plan, and other legal and non-legal documents upon application.
Step 3. Stay informed of interviews and examinations
Remember that you are up against a lot of competition when you are applying to a Finnish university for a Ph.D. To ensure only the best lot out of the crowd gets in, universities might hold interviews as part of their selection process. As an international student, you might be able to participate in the interview over the Internet.
Pursuing a Ph.D. program in Finland might be a dream come true for many. Finnish education is both top-notch and cost-efficient, ensuring a return on investment that would reflect highly on your resume. If you are planning to study in this country, check out the Study in Finland page for more articles and tips! You can also check out other Available Programs in Europe if you are still undecided about what course to take!
