Finland is home to some prestigious universities. Located in Northern Europe, it is bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia. The main language is Finnish but Swedish is also spoken in the country and used for teaching. Finland is one of the popular destinations for international students. There are more than one hundred universities in Finland providing programs in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Read more about how to study, work and live in Finland.
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is used in Finland’s higher education system to determine how many credits are earned. There are around 40 higher education institutions in the country, divided into universities and applied sciences (UAS.).
In Finland, there are three different types of degrees awarded by higher education consisting of a Bachelor’s degree which is a professional or academic bachelor’s degree that takes three years (180 ECTS credits) which all students can select from a wide range of courses offered at undergraduate studies. It takes 1 to 2 years for a master’s degree (60 or 120 ECTS credits) and a doctorate (Ph.D.) for students who have completed a post-graduate degree. It takes four years to complete a doctorate in Finland.
It can be fun studying in Finland. Apart from its quality education, the country is also good for outdoor activities; almost every institution of higher learning in Finland, have their students engage in extra-curricular activities for students to have a swell time studying in Finland.
Do wish to study in Finland? Here are some fun facts about studying in Finland.
Why study in Finland?
• Cheap tuition fee
Finland has one of the lowest tuition fees in Europe. The tuition is free for Nordic nations but international students outside the EU member countries will need to pay tuition offered at a cheap cost. Additionally, Finland is a relatively cheap country to study and live in. Student living cost is between 500 EUR to 700 EUR monthly.
• Reputable universities
Universities in Finland are highly respected with at least seven of its universities consistently making the lists of top 500 universities in the world with a plethora of programs to study at different study levels. Also, any degree obtained from its universities or universities of applied sciences is recognized all over the world.
• Welcoming people
Finland is one of the most visited countries for international students. It is known for being very friendly to international students. No matter the location of your school, there is a high reception from the locals. You can move freely as an international student, also work if eligible.
How to study in Finland: Application process
1. Find a program
To study in Finland, you begin the application process by choosing a study program from the university but most times is it done through the Studyinfo.fi portal – that’s where you usually also apply online.
2. Check the program and university requirements
The selected program may have specific admission requirements; do well to gather them early and know that every document is important.
3. Arrange the admission requirements
Each university or UAS has its admission criteria and a list of documents students must provide, but there are required documents always requested by most Finnish tertiary institutions. The documents to provide include the following.
Official translations for all documents in Finnish, Swedish, or English
Copy of your high school diploma or International Baccalaureate certificate
An admission exam
High school grades transcript
Minimum English language test results
4. Submit your application
Finnish applications can be made on this official page at Studyinfo.fi. There are two sorts of applications, and which one you use is determined by the degree program to which you desire to apply. They are:
Separate Application and Joint Application.
With a joint application, you can apply to six different study programs all at once. You apply directly to a study program at an institution if you submit a separate application. Each study program or institution has its own application form, and there is no limit to how many study programs you can apply to.
5. Apply for a study visa
Once you’ve received your offer letter from your chosen school, you can now apply for a Finnish study visa. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you don’t need to apply for a study visa.
For Non-EU students, here are the study Visa requirements for Finland
A valid passport ID
Copy of admission letter from the school
Proof of funds to study in Finland
Proof of health insurance cover
Top universities in Finland
Aalto University
Åbo Akademi University
University of Eastern Finland
University of Helsinki
University of Jyväskylä
University of Lapland
University of Oulu
Tampere University
University of the Arts Helsinki
University of Turku
University of Vaasa
Applied universities
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences
Hanken School of Economics
Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
HUMAK University of Applied Sciences
JAMK University of Applied Sciences
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
Karelia University of Applied Sciences
Novia University of Applied Sciences
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Application period in Finland
Bachelor’s degree applications are due in January.
Late November/early December is the time to apply for university master’s programs, and mid/late January is the time to apply.
Tuition fee: Is Finland tuition-free for international students?
Fee payment in Finland depends on the country where the student is from. International students from Non- EU countries pay the tuition fees in Finland and the fee differs between universities.
Non-EU/EEA students studying in Finland are required to pay tuition fees to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s level program in English. It can cost between 5000 EUR to 17,000, but Doctorate programs are usually tuition-free.
For non-EU/EEA students who are required to pay tuition fees, Finnish higher education institutions offer a variety of funding options. When you apply for admission, you normally apply for a university scholarship at the same time.
As for EU countries, it is tuition-free at public Finnish universities but students may be required to pay exam fees.
Cheap Universities in Finland
1. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
3. Savonia University of Applied Sciences
4. Novia University of Applied Sciences
5. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences
6. Lahti University of Applied Sciences
Are there scholarships in Finland for international students?
Yes, there are funding options for EU and Non-EU students. To apply for a scholarship, take note that every university and university of applied sciences (UAS) has its scholarship program. Normally, you apply for a university scholarship at the same time as you apply for admission. Here are Popular scholarships in Finland.
University of Helsinki Scholarships for International Student
Protein Science International Masters Scholarship at University of Oulu Finland
UNU-WIDER Visiting Ph.D. Fellowship for International Researchers
United Nations University – WIDER Ph.D. Internships for International Students
Finland Government Scholarships for International Students
Are there English-taught programs in Finland?
Yes, while the main languages of instruction in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, there are also a handful of programs available in English. To study in English in Finland, here is a list of Finnish Universities offering study programs taught in English:
Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
Eastern Finland University.
Centria University of Applied Sciences. …
HAMK University of Applied Sciences.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
What are the English exams accepted by Finnish universities?
Every institution in Finland takes the IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PBT, and almost all accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), Cambridge ESOL’s Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or Cambridge ESOL’s Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) (CAE).
Study and work in Finland
International students with a study permit in Finland are permitted to work part-time that must not surpass 25 hours a week. Please note that students can only work in jobs that are connected to their field of study. Working hours are not limited to 25 hours during breaks/holidays.
Stay back in Finland after graduation
Finland allows international students to remain in the country for a specific time after completing their degree in the country. To go about this process, a special authorization is necessary for students who wish to stay back and look for a job after their studies in Finland.
International students who want to stay back in Finland can apply for a job that would enable them to get their residency permit. If you want to stay back in Finland, you can apply for a one-year residence permit extension after graduation with this, you are allowed to remain in Finland while looking for work. You must apply for this extended residence permit while your student residence permit is still in effect.
You can apply for a work-based residence visa in Finland once you’ve found a job in Finland. However, if, you find a full-time job after graduation, you’ll have to work for at least four years before applying for permanent residency. This permit has a one-year maximum validity and is non-renewable once it has been used. Students who are unable to find employment will be forced to return to their country.
Conclusion
Finland offers quality education which its universities are rated among the best in Europe. There are universities and universities of applied sciences. To apply for admission in Finland, there is a central application portal which is made through Studyinfo.fi. International students can study in Finland in English, Finnish or Swedish and, after completing your studies in Finland, you can stay back for one year to look for a job. Students are advised to apply for a post-study permit before their study permit expires.
Check the Finland Immigration Services on https://migri.fi/en/home for more information.