Study in Finland

Finland has universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Universities emphasise scientific research and research-based education; UAS institutions focus on professional education, applied research and working-life needs.

The Ministry of Education and Culture's branch includes 13 universities and 22 UAS. Åland UAS and Police University College operate outside that branch, and the National Defence University is under the defence administration.

Study in Finland reports around 600 English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. Use Studyinfo.fi for the current list and exact intake.

A university is research-led and can award doctorates. A UAS is professionally oriented, works closely with employers and emphasises applied research and development. Both award bachelor's and master's degrees under their respective rules.

Many autumn-start programmes use a January joint application. A smaller set may use a September joint application for January starts, while separate or rolling applications follow programme-specific dates.

Search the programme and submit the application through Studyinfo.fi using the stated joint or separate application route. Always check the institution's own admissions page too.

You can apply to up to six programmes with one joint-application form. The exact selection and deadlines depend on the application round.

You normally need an upper-secondary or high-school qualification that gives eligibility for higher education in the country where it was completed, plus any programme-specific criteria.

A relevant bachelor's degree is required. The programme may also set subject, grade, language, test, interview or portfolio requirements.

Yes. Study in Finland states that UAS master's applicants need two years of relevant work experience in addition to a bachelor's degree; verify the programme's exact definition and timing rules.

Non-native English speakers typically prove proficiency using evidence accepted by the programme, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge. Required scores and exemptions vary.

Applicants from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland are generally required to pay a €100 fee when applying to bachelor's or master's studies. Check Studyinfo for current exemptions and payment instructions.

You can receive more than one offer, but you may accept only one Finnish higher-education study place per academic term.

EU/EEA students generally study without tuition fees. The fee rules most commonly affect non-EU/EEA students in English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.

Typical tuition for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes is €8,000–€20,000 per year. The exact amount and payment schedule are programme-specific.

Yes. Finland does not charge tuition for doctoral programmes regardless of nationality, but doctoral students must arrange funding for their living costs.

Individual institutions may offer competitive tuition-fee waivers, partial scholarships or discounts. There is no general Finnish government scholarship for bachelor's or master's study, and living costs are normally not covered.

Plan approximately €900–€1,200 per month for ordinary living expenses, depending on city, housing and lifestyle. This is higher than Migri's €800 monthly minimum.

A single room in a shared student flat typically costs around €200–€380 per month. Private rentals and more private housing options usually cost more.

Apply as soon as your admission is confirmed. Demand is particularly high around the start of the academic year, and housing is not automatically guaranteed.

Non-EU/EEA students usually need a residence permit for studies lasting more than 90 days. Apply after receiving admission and follow Migri's current instructions.

Migri requires at least €800 per month. For one year, the first-permit applicant normally needs €9,600 available, plus funds for unpaid tuition where applicable.

Migri lists €600 for an electronic first application and €750 for paper. Lower first-permit fees apply to minors. Always confirm current fees before payment.

Migri's current estimate is one month in most first-permit cases and three months in a minority of cases, with a legal maximum of three months. Apply early and complete identity verification promptly.

Student permit applicants must generally hold private insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses unless they have an accepted basis such as eligible Kela, EHIC or GHIC coverage. Check Migri's current rules.

A student residence permit allows paid work in any field for an average of 30 hours per week. Degree-related internships or thesis work can be outside the limit when they meet Migri's credit-related conditions.

Do not build your financial plan around a future job. Employment can be difficult to find, especially without Finnish or Swedish, and part-time income is unlikely to cover both tuition and all living costs.

English is widely usable in study and much of daily life, but learning Finnish or Swedish improves integration and can be important for employment after graduation.

Family members may apply for residence permits, but the family must satisfy current financial and document requirements. Family housing can be limited, so check Migri and local housing guidance early.

After completing a degree in Finland, you may apply for a permit to look for work or start a business for up to two years. The permit has funds, timing, fee and eligibility conditions and does not guarantee a job.