Cheapest University in Finland for International Students 2024

Situated in Northern Europe, Finland shares borders with Sweden and Norway to the west and north, respectively, and with Russia to the east. The nation has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, and boasts a population of 5.5 million. The capital and largest city, Helsinki, is home to 1.5 million residents. International students find it easy to adapt to the Finnish environment when pursuing their studies. In this blog, we will talk about the cheapest university in Finland.

When considering tuition-free universities in Finland, Germany, or Norway, it’s crucial to thoroughly explore and assess the various options to ensure they align with your educational and personal objectives. Additionally, examining the cost of living in these countries is advisable to effectively plan your budget.

Also Read: Finland Education System

Why To Study in Finland?

There are several compelling reasons to consider studying in Finland:

High-Quality Education: Finland is renowned for its top-notch education system. The country consistently ranks high in global education assessments, offering programs that emphasize innovation, research, and critical thinking.

English-Taught Programs: Many universities in Finland offer a wide range of programs taught in English, making it accessible for international students who may not be proficient in Finnish or Swedish.

Safe and Inclusive Environment: Finland is known for its safety and inclusivity. The society is tolerant, and the country consistently ranks high in global safety indices, making it an ideal place for international students.

Research Opportunities: Finland is at the forefront of research and development. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects across various disciplines.

Tuition-Free Education for EU/EEA Students: Students from EU/EEA countries can enjoy tuition-free education in Finnish public universities, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality education without significant financial burdens.

Strong Economy and Employment Opportunities: Finland has a stable and prosperous economy. Completing a degree in Finland can open doors to various employment opportunities, especially in industries related to technology, engineering, and innovation.

Social Welfare System: Finland’s social welfare system ensures that students have access to various services, including healthcare. This contributes to an overall sense of well-being for students during their studies.

International Networking Opportunities: Studying in Finland provides an excellent opportunity to build a global network. Interaction with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds can broaden perspectives and create valuable connections for future endeavours.

Cheapest University in Finland 

Here are some of the cheapest universities in Finland:

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee Range: from €12,000/year (Undergraduate)

The Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, commonly known as DIAK, stands out as the most cost-effective option for international students in Finland. Recognized as one of the country’s major contributors to social work personnel, DIAK provides education in areas such as social work, health care, diaconal work, and interpreting. Operated as a private institution, it is primarily owned by diverse church organizations and foundations. Although affiliated with the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland, DIAK maintains a welcoming environment for students of various faiths, beliefs, and nationalities, with no requirement for adherence to a specific faith.

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee Range: from €7,000/year (Undergraduate) | from €11,000/year (Graduate)

Situated in the quaint town of Kajaani in the heart of Finland, Kajaani University stands as a university of applied sciences. Despite its small size, both in terms of campus and town, the university has garnered significant acclaim for its exceptional success. The Ministry of Education and Culture recognizes Kajaani University for providing the best education in Finland. In 2019, it achieved the highest student satisfaction rate among all Finnish universities, a feat that is expected to enhance its popularity and draw students from both Finland and beyond.

Kajaani University offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs primarily in Finnish. However, there are also select programs available in English, including four bachelor’s programs—International Business, Sports and Leisure Management, Tourism, and Esports Business—as well as a master’s program in International Business Management.

Novia University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee Range: from €10,000/year (Undergraduate) | from €15,000/year (Graduate)

The Novia University of Applied Sciences has established campuses in four towns across Western Finland. Established in 2008 through a merger, this affordable Finnish university provides primarily Swedish-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. However, there are also a few programs available in English, predominantly within the fields of Technology and Engineering.

Novia’s primary objective is to motivate and educate future entrepreneurs by imparting valuable skills that enable them to conceptualize and actualize their ideas. Complementing the study programs, Novia facilitates various internship opportunities for its students, a benefit derived from the university’s strong collaboration with local companies.

Centria University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee Range: from €9,500/year (Undergraduate) | from €10,000/year (Graduate)

The Centria University of Applied Sciences is situated in three towns within the Ostrobothnia region of Finland. A core focus of the university is internationalization, leading to the introduction of three bachelor’s degrees in English: Business Administration, Engineering, and Health Care, along with a master’s degree. Despite its current size, the university has ambitions for expansion in the coming years, with a major priority being the attraction of more international students to facilitate this growth. 

Arcada University of Applied Sciences

Tuition Fee Range: from €9,500/year (Undergraduate) | from €11,000/year (Graduate)

The Arcada University of Applied Sciences is based in the capital of Finland – Helsinki and is owned by the Arcada Foundation. Most of the programs are carried out in Swedish, but there are also 3 bachelor’s and 4 master’s programs available in English. Aside from degree programs, there is also a large number of specialized courses for working professionals. Arcada offers programs in various fields, including business, nursing, data analytics, and more. There is a large number of Swedish students at the university, and the English programs are also very popular with international students and is one of the cheapest university in Finland.

Also Read: Finland Student Visa

Free Universities in Finland

Here is a list of some top Finnish universities offering tuition-free Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs for students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland:

• University of Helsinki
• Aalto University
• University of Turku
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Oulu
• Tampere University
• University of Eastern Finland (note: charges tuition for a few degrees)
• Åbo Akademi University (note: charges tuition for a few degrees)
• LUT University
• University of Vaasa

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We hope this blog helped you with finding the cheapest university in Finland. For more information on study abroad destinations or processes, feel free to reach out to Leverage Edu. Sign up for a 30-minute free counselling session to start your study abroad process today!