Home to many respected universities and colleges, Finland is known for its high-quality education, high standard of living, and distinctive natural and cultural attractions. Finland is a Nordic country whose capital is Helsinki. In the 2026 World Happiness Report, Finland ranked as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. Finland’s 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences welcome more than 30,000 international students and offer more than 600 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
What makes studying in Finland attractive to international students? Important factors include the quality of education, personal safety, student services, academic independence, and the availability of English-taught programs. Costs vary considerably by institution, program, and city. Non-EU/EEA students usually pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, although universities may offer scholarships and tuition fee waivers.
Read on to learn what you need to know about studying in Finland and planning your academic journey.
How to Plan for Your Studies in Finland
Education System in Finland
Finland has a dual higher education system consisting of research-oriented universities and professionally oriented universities of applied sciences. Finnish institutions emphasize academic independence, research, innovation, and student-centered learning.
Higher education in Finland includes bachelor’s, master’s, licentiate, and doctoral degrees at universities. Universities of applied sciences offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees with an emphasis on professional skills and connections to working life.
Students generally have flexibility when planning their studies and selecting elective subjects. Programs may be taught in Finnish, Swedish, or English. International applicants can find hundreds of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs through the official Studyinfo portal.
According to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and the official Study in Finland service, Finland’s higher education system includes:
- Total number of universities: 13
- Total number of universities of applied sciences: 22
- English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs: more than 600
- International students: more than 30,000
Choosing a University in Finland
Choosing the right Finnish university and study program is an important decision. Applicants should compare program content, admission criteria, tuition fees, scholarships, location, teaching methods, and career opportunities. The following are five examples of Finnish universities that offer programs for international students; the list is not a ranking:
Although Finnish higher education institutions receive substantial public funding, an institution’s legal status does not by itself determine the tuition charged to an international student. Tuition liability generally depends on the applicant’s citizenship or residence status, the level of study, and the language of the program. Admission selectivity also varies significantly by program and year.
Choosing a Study Program in Finland
When selecting a study program, consider your academic interests, career goals, previous qualifications, and the program’s admission requirements. You should also review the curriculum, teaching format, internship opportunities, tuition fees, and language of instruction.
Finnish institutions offer programs in fields such as business, engineering, nursing, information and communication technology, education, the natural sciences, and the arts. You can explore additional subjects to study in Finland. The universities of applied sciences place particular emphasis on professional skills and practical connections to working life.
The table below summarizes the usual duration and structure of Finnish higher education degrees.
| Degrees | Duration and Structure |
|---|
| University bachelor’s degrees | Typically 3 years of full-time study. |
| Universities of applied sciences bachelor’s degrees | Typically 3.5 to 4.5 years and generally include professionally oriented studies. |
| University master’s degrees | Typically 2 years of full-time study after a bachelor’s degree and usually include a thesis. |
| Universities of applied sciences master’s degrees | Typically 1 to 1.5 years. Applicants generally need a suitable higher education degree and at least 2 years of relevant work experience. |
| Licentiate degrees | Postgraduate university degrees completed after a master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Availability, requirements, and duration vary by discipline and university. |
| Ph.D. programs | Doctoral studies usually take approximately 4 years of full-time study and include an original doctoral dissertation or equivalent research work. |
How to Finance Your Education in Finland
Finland is a relatively expensive country in which to live, so international students should prepare a realistic budget covering tuition, housing, food, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses. Below is a guide to financing your education in Finland.
Tuition Fees in Finland
The cost of studying in Finland depends on your nationality or residence status, degree level, institution, and program. Applicants should always confirm the current program-specific fee through Studyinfo or the university’s official website.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not pay tuition for Finnish bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Students from outside the EU/EEA usually pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs unless they qualify for a statutory exemption. Universities may offer competitive scholarships or tuition fee waivers, but students should not assume that a scholarship will cover all tuition or living expenses.
The following ranges reflect current general guidance for international students:
- English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs: generally no tuition for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens; typically €8,000 to €20,000 per year for tuition-fee-liable non-EU/EEA students
- Doctoral programs: no tuition fees, regardless of nationality, although doctoral students must finance their living expenses
Fees vary by institution and program. For example, the University of Helsinki currently charges €13,000 per academic year for its English-language bachelor’s programs and €13,000, €15,000, or €18,000 for its English-taught master’s programs, depending on the program. You can also review program-level information for Oulu University of Applied Sciences, the University of Turku, and the University of Helsinki. Always confirm the current fee on the institution’s official website before applying.
Cost of Living in Finland
Living expenses in Finland depend on the city, type of accommodation, and individual lifestyle. Scholarships usually focus on tuition and should not be assumed to cover everyday living expenses.
The official Study in Finland service recommends budgeting approximately €900 to €1,200 per month for food, accommodation, transportation, and other daily expenses. Helsinki is generally more expensive: the University of Helsinki estimates that students may need approximately €1,000 to €1,300 per month or more. The actual cost of living in Finland will depend on each student’s housing arrangements and spending habits.
Important expenses to include in your budget are:
- Accommodation: a room in a shared student apartment typically costs approximately €200 to €380 per month nationally, while private apartments and housing in major cities can cost considerably more
- Food and transportation: costs vary by location and habits and should be included within an overall monthly budget of approximately €900 to €1,200
- Study-related expenses: books, a computer, printing, student organization fees, and other materials may not be included in tuition
- Residence-permit funds: the Finnish Immigration Service currently requires students applying for a residence permit to have at least €800 per month, or €9,600 for the first year of studies
- Personal expenses: clothing, telephone service, recreation, and unexpected costs should also be included in your budget
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Finland? Students applying for a residence permit generally need acceptable insurance unless they have qualifying coverage, such as a valid European Health Insurance Card, UK Global Health Insurance Card, or Kela card. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, insurance for studies lasting less than two years must generally cover medical expenses up to at least €120,000. For studies lasting at least two years, it must generally cover pharmaceutical expenses up to at least €40,000. Insurance prices vary by provider, age, coverage, and duration, so there is no single official premium.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences may offer scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and early-payment discounts to tuition-fee-liable students. These awards are competitive, and many cover only part of the tuition fee. The official Study in Finland service states that there is no general Finnish government scholarship program for international bachelor’s or master’s degree students.
1. Official Bachelor’s and Master’s Scholarship Guidance
- Eligibility: depends on the individual university and is generally aimed at non-EU/EEA students who are required to pay tuition
- Coverage: varies by institution; awards may include partial or full tuition waivers or early-payment discounts, but usually do not cover living expenses
2. University of Helsinki Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: highly qualified applicants who are liable to pay tuition and are applying to an eligible international master’s program
- Coverage: competitive scholarships may provide a 50% or 100% tuition fee waiver; living costs are generally not covered
3. Aalto University Excellence Scholarship
- Eligibility: selected high-achieving applicants who are liable to pay tuition
- Coverage: a limited number of scholarships are awarded as 100% tuition fee waivers; students must finance their living expenses separately
4. Tampere University Scholarships
- Eligibility: selected tuition-fee-liable applicants to eligible bachelor’s and master’s programs
- Coverage: for students admitted in 2026, a limited number of scholarships cover 50% of tuition for the program’s duration; eligible fee-paying students who do not receive a scholarship may qualify for a €2,000 first-year early-payment reduction
How to Apply to Finnish Universities
Below is a guide for international students preparing to apply to Finnish universities.
Admission Requirements
Before selecting a discipline or degree program, review its eligibility rules, academic prerequisites, selection methods, language requirements, and document deadlines.
Each Finnish university sets program-specific admission criteria. Requirements may vary significantly by degree level, institution, field, and application route. Applicants should rely on the program description in Studyinfo and the university’s official admissions page.
General eligibility usually includes the following:
- For a bachelor’s program, a high school diploma or other qualification that provides eligibility for higher education in the country where it was completed
- For a university master’s program, a suitable bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- For a university of applied sciences master’s program, a suitable higher education degree and generally at least two years of relevant work experience
- Completion of any program-specific prerequisite subjects or academic qualifications
- Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction, which may be Finnish, Swedish, or English
- Completion of any required entrance examination, aptitude test, interview, portfolio, SAT, GMAT, GRE, or other selection method
- Payment of the application fee, where applicable; applicants from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are generally charged a €100 higher education application fee
Required Documents
The documents required depend on the program and application route. Applicants should submit only the documents listed in the official application instructions and observe all deadlines for attachments. Commonly requested documents may include:
- An online application submitted through Studyinfo or the application system specified by the university
- An official copy of the diploma or degree certificate that establishes eligibility
- An official academic transcript
- A copy of a valid passport or other accepted identity document
- Proof of English-language proficiency, when required, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge B2 First (FCE), Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)
- A curriculum vitae, if required
- Results from a program-specific examination, such as the SAT, GMAT, or GRE, if required
- A statement of purpose, motivation letter, or personal statement, if required
- Letters of recommendation, if required
- A portfolio, audition, or project sample, depending on the program
Application Deadlines
Application periods in Finland depend on the program and application route rather than the applicant’s nationality. Residence-permit processing is a separate step that begins after admission, so non-EU/EEA applicants should still apply early and prepare their finances and documents in advance.
The table below summarizes the usual application routes. Always confirm the exact dates in Studyinfo and on the institution’s official website.
| Application Route | Usual Timing | Typical Study Start |
|---|
| Main joint application | Usually held in January | August or September of the same year |
| Autumn joint application | Usually held in late August or September | January of the following year; only a limited number of English-taught programs are normally available |
| Separate or rolling applications | Dates vary by institution and program | Varies by program |
General Admission Steps
Planning your application carefully can help you avoid missing a deadline or required document. The steps below provide a general overview, but applicants must follow the instructions for their chosen program.
- Choose your university and program
- Check the eligibility rules, selection methods, deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarship conditions
- Prepare the required documents and arrange any necessary translations or legalizations
- Complete the online application through Studyinfo or the system specified by the institution
- Pay the €100 application fee if it applies to you
- Submit all required attachments by the stated deadline
- Apply for an institutional scholarship or tuition fee waiver, if available
- Complete any required examination, interview, or portfolio assessment
- Review the admission result and accept your study place by the stated deadline
- Apply for the appropriate residence permit or residence registration after admission
Remember that these are only general requirements and application steps. Check the specific instructions for the bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program to which you plan to apply.
How to Obtain a Student Visa in Finland
Finland distinguishes between a short-stay visa and a residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students who will study in Finland for more than 90 days usually need a residence permit for studies. You may apply after receiving official admission from an eligible Finnish educational institution. For shorter stays, you may need a visa depending on your nationality.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a residence permit, but they must generally register their right of residence if they stay in Finland for more than three months. Nordic citizens follow a separate registration procedure. Non-EU/EEA students should review the current Finnish Immigration Service study-permit instructions before beginning their student residence permit application. A permit for degree studies may be granted for the full duration of the studies if all requirements are met.
Required Documents and Application Process
The Finnish Immigration Service provides an application-specific checklist. Common requirements for a first residence permit for studies include:
- A valid passport, a compliant passport photograph, and a color copy of the passport’s personal-data page
- A certificate of acceptance or attendance from the Finnish educational institution
- Proof of sufficient financial resources: at least €800 per month, including €9,600 for the first year when the studies last one year or longer
- Evidence that tuition has been paid, that sufficient funds are available to pay it, or that a scholarship covers it
- A certificate of acceptable insurance coverage
- Any additional documents requested for the applicant’s individual circumstances
The general application process is:
- Read the official requirements and collect the required documents
- Complete the application through the Enter Finland online service or submit a paper application
- Pay the residence-permit application fee: the fee for an adult’s first study permit is €600 for an electronic application or €750 for a paper application
- Book an appointment at a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity and present original documents
- Monitor your application and respond promptly if the Finnish Immigration Service requests additional information
How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Finland
Moving to another country involves practical and emotional preparation. The following steps can help international students prepare for their arrival in Finland.
Arrange Accommodation
Arranging accommodation is one of the most important preparations for an international student. Student housing is often less expensive than private-market housing, but availability can be limited, particularly near the beginning of an academic term. Apply to local student housing providers as early as possible, compare several options, and carefully review the lease, deposit, utility charges, location, and transportation connections before accepting an offer.
Pack Essentials
When moving abroad, make a list of the items you will need immediately after arrival. These may include seasonally appropriate clothing, prescription documentation, electronic devices and adapters, personal items, and important travel and admission documents. Check your airline’s baggage rules and avoid packing items that can be purchased affordably after arrival.
Familiarize yourself with the Town/city
Before arriving, learn about your neighborhood, public transportation, grocery stores, health services, campus facilities, and the distance between your accommodation and university. University orientation materials, municipal websites, maps, student organizations, and current students can provide useful local information.
How to Study and Live in Finland
Student life in Finland can offer international students academic independence, active student organizations, and opportunities to experience Finnish culture and nature.
Adjusting to a different climate, language, culture, and cost of living can take time. The following are some common considerations for international students in Finland.
Challenge 1: Get ready for the climate in Finland
Finland is a Nordic country with cold and dark winters, although conditions vary significantly between southern Finland and the far north. Prepare for changing temperatures, snow, ice, limited winter daylight, and the need for suitable layered clothing. Finland’s forests, lakes, Baltic coastline, and northern landscapes also provide many opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Challenge 2: Language barrier
Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Approximately 85% of the population speaks Finnish as a native language, while approximately 5% speaks Swedish. Many people also speak English, and it is generally possible to manage English-taught studies and everyday activities in English. However, learning Finnish or Swedish can make daily life easier and improve your employment prospects after graduation.
Challenge 3: Socializing with the Finnish locals
Communication styles differ between cultures. Finnish communication is often direct, and quiet pauses are not necessarily considered uncomfortable or negative. Joining student organizations, language courses, hobby groups, volunteering activities, and university events can help you develop friendships with Finnish and international students.
Challenge 4: High cost of living
The cost of living in Finland can be high for students, especially in Helsinki and other major cities. The official recommendation is to reserve approximately €900 to €1,200 per month, with a potentially higher budget in Helsinki. Apply for student housing early, use student discounts, prepare meals at home, and avoid relying on uncertain income from part-time work to finance your studies.
Challenge 5: Feeling homesick
Homesickness is a common experience when moving abroad. Maintain contact with family and friends, establish a daily routine, participate in campus activities, and seek help from your university’s student support or health services when needed.
Can You Work in Finland After Graduation
International graduates may pursue employment opportunities in Finland, but finding a suitable job is not guaranteed. Opportunities depend on the graduate’s qualifications, work experience, language skills, professional network, field, location, and current labor-market conditions. Learning Finnish or Swedish can significantly improve employment prospects.
After completing a degree in Finland, a non-EU/EEA graduate may apply for an appropriate residence permit. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, the main post-study permit options are:
- Graduates who have found a job, started a business, or begun another qualifying economic activity may apply for a permit based on a degree completed in Finland.
- Graduates who have not yet found a job may apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. This permit can be granted for a maximum of two years and may generally be requested no later than five years after the study permit was valid.
Labor shortages and job availability vary by occupation, region, and year, so applicants should use current information from Job Market Finland, Work in Finland, and EURES rather than relying on a fixed list of in-demand jobs. Regulated professions such as nursing and medicine also require the appropriate recognition, licensing, and language skills. Graduates can seek advice from university career services, attend career fairs, complete internships, build professional networks, and register with official employment services.
Finland offers high-quality education, English-taught degree options, academic independence, student services, and opportunities to experience a distinctive Nordic society. Prospective students should carefully compare programs, tuition fees, scholarships, living costs, admission requirements, and residence-permit rules before applying.
We hope this article has provided useful information about studying in Finland. For more tips and articles about the country, visit our Study in Finland page. If you are interested, you can also explore our Available Courses for International Students!
