finland
Looking for masters or PhD scholarships in Finland for international students?
You just found it. Finland universities currently offer over 400 bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes taught in English.
Doctoral study and research options are available, too. Most of the bachelor’s degree programmes taught in English are offered by universities of applied sciences (UAS), whereas most of the master’s programmes taught in English are offered by universities.
How to Apply to Study in Finland
Applying for degrees studies in Finland is done online at Studyinfo.fi.
There are two main application periods a year for studies commencing in autumn:
Applications for bachelor’s programmes are made in January
Applications for university master’s programmes are made between late November/early December and mid/late January.
Some degree programmes may also have additional application periods outside the main application window.
For example, some individual degree programmes may offer a January study start option, to which applications would usually be open in September.
Requirements
When applying for bachelor’s programmes, you usually need to hold such school-leaving certificates that make you eligible to apply for higher education in your home country.
When applying to a Finnish Higher Education Institution, you will need your upper secondary school certificates, even if you have completed some higher education studies after that.
For master’s level admissions, you need to have completed a university-level bachelor’s degree, or equivalent. If you are an eligible applicant, you may be required to complete an entrance exam or an interview.
If English is not your first language, you may need to demonstrate your English proficiency level.
IELTS and TOEFL are the most commonly accepted options, but many institutions also offer others. Remember to check any possible English proficiency test exemption rules with the institution you are applying to.
After the application period and any entrance exams are over, the insitution you’ve applied to will process your application and make a final admission decision. Once you have been accepted as a student, you will receive an official letter of admission from the institution in question.
Remember to follow the guidelines given by your institution to confirm your study place.
Cost of Studying in Finland
If you are from outside the EU/EEA area, you are required to pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s level programmes which are taught in English.
Some exceptions may apply. On doctoral level tuition fees are not charged, regardless of your nationality.
Remember that if you are required to pay tuition fees, you are also eligible to apply for the institution’s scholarships.
Check the available scholarship options with the university you’re applying to. In addition, we have provided you with a list to start from.
University students are required to pay an annual student union fee, which is approximately €80 – €100.
When you join your local student union you get a student card entitling you to discounts in places like student restaurants and when using public transport.
Cost of Living in Finland
You are usually also required to independently cover your everyday living costs.
Monthly living expenses for students (including food, accommodation, travel, insurance, etc.) are around €700 – €900, depending on where you live and your personal living habits.
Living costs are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.
Scholarships in Finland of International Students
We have put together a comprehensive list of scholarships in Finland for international students.
Be sure to bookmark this page because we will be reviewing it from time to time.
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