Have you ever wondered which the most welcoming universities in Finland are? The purpose of this article is to list universities in Finland with relatively high estimated acceptance rates and provide a brief overview of each institution. Finnish universities generally do not publish a single institution-wide acceptance rate, so the figures below are estimates and may vary significantly by degree program and application round.
Finland has a well-developed higher education system. Students from Finland, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland generally do not pay tuition fees for bachelor’s or master’s degree studies. Most students from outside these areas must pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. However, degree programs taught in Finnish or Swedish and doctoral programs do not charge tuition fees.
Universities in Finland with High Rates of Acceptance
1. University of Eastern Finland
The first university on this list is the relatively young University of Eastern Finland. It was founded in 2010 following the merger of the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio.
This public university offers programs across a broad range of disciplines. It also offers several bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taught in English. Based on past admissions reports, its estimated acceptance rate is approximately 21%. However, admission competitiveness varies by degree program and application round.
2. Aalto University
Aalto University began operating in 2010 when the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki merged. The university is named after Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Its major academic fields include art, design, and architecture, business and economics, and science and technology.
Aalto offers several English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree options. Securing admission can be competitive, and the estimated acceptance rate is approximately 5% to 15%, depending on the study option and application round. The university publishes admissions statistics by study option, so applicants should review the figures and selection criteria for their chosen program.
3. University of Helsinki
Located in Finland’s capital, the University of Helsinki is the country’s oldest university. It was founded in 1640 and is also one of Finland’s largest higher education institutions.
The university offers bachelor’s programs in English as well as numerous international master’s programs. Applicants planning to study at the University of Helsinki should be aware that admission can be competitive. Its estimated overall acceptance rate is approximately 14%, although actual admission rates vary considerably by program and application route.
4. University of Oulu
Established in 1958, the University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary university with approximately 14,800 students across eight faculties. Its main campus is in Linnanmaa.
The university offers numerous international bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taught in English. It is also a strong option for students interested in Arctic and northern research.
One notable University of Oulu alumnus is Martti Ahtisaari, who served as president of Finland from 1994 to 2000 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. The university’s estimated acceptance rate is approximately 10%, although selectivity differs among programs.
5. University of Turku
Located in southwestern Finland, the University of Turku was established in 1920. It has eight faculties and more than 23,000 students, making it one of Finland’s largest universities.
The university offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in several fields. Students who do not speak Finnish can choose from a range of programs that are taught in English. Its estimated acceptance rate is approximately 5% to 10%, depending on the program and application round.
6. Tampere University
Located in Tampere, Tampere University was created in 2019 through the merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology. The university focuses on education and research in technology, health, and society.
The university builds on the academic traditions of its predecessor institutions. The roots of the University of Tampere can be traced to the Civic College, which was established in Helsinki in 1925.
Tampere University offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in several fields. It is a selective institution, with an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 5% to 10%. A previously reported estimate placed the rate at around 9%, but actual admission rates vary by program and year.
7. University of Jyväskylä
We conclude the list with the University of Jyväskylä. Located in the largest city in Central Finland, the university traces its roots to a Finnish-language teacher training seminary established in 1863. The seminary became a college of educational sciences in 1934, and the University of Jyväskylä began operating as a university in 1966.
The university offers a variety of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Admission can be competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 5% to 10%. The exact level of selectivity depends on the program and application round.
To increase your chances of admission, apply to a suitable range of universities in Finland and carefully check each program’s academic, language, and document requirements. You may also consider courses offered by institutions in other European countries.
These are established Finnish institutions offering a variety of degree options for international students. If you are planning to pursue your studies in Finland, you can find more information about Finnish universities and scholarship opportunities on the Study in Finland Page. If you are interested in studying elsewhere in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs for International Students.
