Finland is one of Europe’s most innovative and student-friendly destinations, known for its high-quality education system, cutting-edge research, and emphasis on sustainability and well-being. Each year, thousands of international students choose Finland for its modern campuses, safe society, and unique Nordic lifestyle.
From top universities like the University of Helsinki and Aalto University to applied sciences institutions offering practical career paths, Finland provides diverse English-taught programs in fields like technology, design, education, business, and health.
✨ Why Study in Finland?
🌍 High Global Standards – Consistently ranked among the best education systems in the world
🔬 Innovation & Research – Strong focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and emerging tech
🎓 Student-Centred Learning – Flexible, interactive teaching and low student-to-staff ratios
🏙️ Modern Student Cities – Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, Turku, and more
🗣️ English-Taught Degrees – Wide selection of bachelor’s and master’s programs taught fully in English
Studying in Finland combines world-class education with a high standard of living in a safe, sustainable environment. While tuition is free for EU/EEA students, international students from outside the EU are required to pay tuition — but generous scholarships help reduce the cost. Careful budgeting is essential to cover living expenses in Finland’s modern Nordic cities.
Tuition fees vary depending on the university, program level, and field of study. Non-EU/EEA international students typically pay:
Many universities offer early-bird discounts or partial/100% scholarships, especially for high-performing applicants.
The average monthly cost of living in Finland is around €700 to €1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle.
💡 Non-EU/EEA students must show proof of financial means: €560/month (~€6,720/year) when applying for a residence permit.
To study in Finland, non-EU/EEA students must apply for a student residence permit, which allows both full-time study and part-time work. Finland also offers post-graduation work and residence opportunities, making it a great choice for students looking to build a career in the EU.
💡 With a single permit, you can study and work part-time during your degree, and extend your stay to find a job or start your career after graduation.
🔎 More info: Finnish Immigration Service – migri.fi
⚠️ Note: Your job must not interfere with your studies, and the 30-hour weekly limit must be respected as an average over the semester.
Finland offers a 12-month post-graduation permit to find work or start a business.
🧾 Key Features:
🔗 More info: Work & Stay in Finland – migri.fi
📍 Staying compliant ensures a smooth path to professional life in Finland — and potentially, permanent residency down the line.
Finland is home to some of the most forward-thinking and research-intensive universities in Europe, known for their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and academic excellence. Finnish institutions consistently perform well in international rankings such as QS, Times Higher Education (THE), and the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU), especially in fields like technology, education, and environmental science.
🎓 Multiple Finnish universities are ranked among the Top 500 globally, offering over 500 English-taught degree programs and attracting international students from more than 100 countries.
If you're planning to study in Finland in an English-taught degree program, you must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. This is a core requirement for university admission, though not required for residence permit purposes. Finnish universities accept a wide range of international English tests, and many also recognise prior education in English as proof of proficiency.
🎯 Each university and program may have specific score thresholds and accepted tests, so always check the exact requirements early in your application process.
Many Finnish universities allow other ways to prove your English level:
✅ Completion of previous education in English:
University of Helsinki (Master's Programs)
Applying to universities in Finland is clear and well-organised. All bachelor’s and many master’s programs are applied through national online portals, making the process centralised and transparent. Some master’s programs require direct applications through the university’s own system.
🎯 The main intake is in September, but select programs (especially at universities of applied sciences) may offer January intake as well.
Start by exploring the Studyinfo.fi portal — Finland’s official platform for comparing and applying to English-taught programs. Consider:
Each institution and program has its own criteria. Typical requirements include:
Note: Some programs (especially UAS) may require an entrance exam or online interview.
📌 Always check each university’s official deadlines and entrance requirements — they can differ by program and field.
Finland offers a wide range of scholarship options to support international students — especially at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Although EU/EEA students usually study for free, non-EU/EEA students are subject to tuition fees, but generous scholarships offered by universities and government programs help reduce or even eliminate these costs.
💡 Many international students in Finland receive partial or full scholarships that cover tuition, and in some cases, living expenses — making Finland both affordable and high-quality.
These are the most common types of funding offered by Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). They’re awarded based on academic excellence or entrance exam performance.
Example Programs:
📌 These scholarships are usually offered automatically during the admission process — no separate application is needed unless stated otherwise.
Launched by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, this is a fully funded scholarship available to top non-EU/EEA applicants at selected universities.
Key Features:
Participating Institutions Include:
📝 Students are automatically considered when applying through the university’s application portal.
Though less common than university-specific aid, some international students receive funding from global or home-country sources:
🎯 These sources are often stacked with Finnish tuition waivers to cover full expenses.
📌 Most UAS scholarships are performance-based starting from the second year, unlike research universities, which offer upfront waivers.
📅 Apply early — many universities automatically consider early applicants for funding
📝 Write a strong motivation letter that aligns with your study goals and future plans
🎓 Highlight grades, achievements, and test scores in your application
🌍 Include relevant international experience or community engagement
🔎 Visit the university’s "Admissions" or "Scholarships" page for up-to-date eligibility and application instructions
Studying in Finland is more than just lectures and libraries — it's a balanced and meaningful experience rooted in equality, sustainability, and personal freedom. Finnish universities offer inclusive and innovation-driven campuses, while cities provide a clean, safe, and student-friendly environment for international learners.
🌍 With over 20,000 international degree students from 130+ countries, Finland is a welcoming destination where education meets quality of life.
Finnish universities emphasise well-being, creativity, and community. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and help shape campus life.
📍 Tip: Don’t miss your university’s orientation week — it’s the best way to make friends and get familiar with the Finnish study culture.
Housing is affordable and well-organised through student housing foundations in each city.
🏢 Student Housing Foundations (e.g. HOAS, TOAS, VOAS):
🏘️ Private Market Rentals:
📍 Student housing is limited in some cities — apply early through the relevant housing foundation.
Health services in Finland are reliable, high-quality, and accessible to students.
🔗 More info: Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS)
Finland is known for its strong emphasis on equality, safety, and accessibility.
📍 Tip: Many student guilds and clubs welcome international students — you don’t need to speak Finnish to join in!
💸 Revolut / N26 / OP Mobile – Banking & budgeting
🚌 HSL / Nysse / Waltti – Local transport in major cities
🛒 S-kaupat / K-Ruoka / Too Good To Go – Grocery shopping & surplus food deals
🍽️ Wolt / Foodora – Food delivery
📚 Frank App / Slice – Student discounts & digital student ID
🏡 HOAS / TOAS / Oikotie – Student housing and rental listings
☃️ Aurora / Foreca – Weather and winter planning
Working during your studies in Finland is a great way to gain experience, support your living expenses, and improve your chances of finding employment after graduation. International students are permitted to work within certain limits, and Finland also offers a dedicated post-graduation permit for job-seeking or entrepreneurship purposes.
💡 Part-time jobs and internships can help you build your professional network, improve your Finnish language skills, and transition into full-time employment after your studies.
International students with a student residence permit are allowed to work:
📍 Note: The 30-hour limit is an average across the semester — flexibility is allowed week to week, but the overall average must stay within legal bounds. No separate work permit is required if you already hold a valid student residence permit.
Many bachelor’s and master’s programs in Finland — especially at universities of applied sciences (UAS) — include mandatory internships or practical training as part of the degree.
📍 For non-EU students, internships must be arranged through the university to remain within residence permit conditions.
Finland offers a 12-month post-study residence permit for recent graduates to find employment or start a business.
📍 You do not need a job offer to apply — just a completed degree from a Finnish university.
Here are the most effective platforms and support tools:
📍 Tip: While not all jobs require Finnish, learning the language significantly improves job opportunities — especially outside Helsinki.
Graduating from a Finnish university doesn't have to be the end of your journey — Finland offers international graduates structured pathways to stay, work, and even settle permanently. Starting with the job-seeking or entrepreneurship residence permit, moving to work-based permits, and eventually to permanent residency, Finland’s system supports long-term career planning in Europe.
💡 Finland is especially attractive for graduates in ICT, engineering, health sciences, education, business, and sustainability, with many employers seeking international talent fluent in English and digital skills.
This 12-month post-study permit allows graduates to stay in Finland to search for work or start a business.
📝 Requirements:
🔗 More info: migri.fi – Job-Seeking Residence Permit
Once you secure a job contract, you can apply for a residence permit for work.
📍 The employer does not need to be licensed, but the job must align with your qualifications.
After 4 years of continuous residence with a valid permit, you can apply for the Continuous Residence Status (Type A) — a pathway toward long-term integration.
You may apply for Finnish citizenship (kansalaisuus)
🗝️ Requirements:
✅ Start job hunting 6–9 months before graduation
✅ Build your CV and network with Finnish employers via university career services
✅ Attend Talent Boost events, company visits, and hackathons
✅ Use platforms like:
📍 Don’t forget: learning basic Finnish (even A2–B1 level) significantly improves your chances of staying and advancing long-term.
Dive into Finland's vibrant culture and innovative academic scene, where tradition meets cutting-edge education in a unique northern setting.