Top Courses to Study in Finland 2024: Vocational Courses, Short Courses, Universities

Finland is a Nordic country that is known for its high-quality education, innovation, and social welfare. It has also been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, and also as one of the best countries for higher education. If you are looking for a study-abroad destination that offers a unique culture, beautiful nature, and various academic opportunities, Finland might be the perfect choice for you. In this blog, we will explore the top courses to study in Finland in 2024, along with the tuition fees, the top universities, the available scholarships, the admission requirements, and the application process. Read on to learn more!

Why Choose Finland To Study?

If you’re considering studying abroad in 2024, here’s why Finland should be at the top of your list:

Top-Ranked Education System

To begin with, Finland consistently ranks among the top performers in global education rankings, boasting a unique system that prioritizes critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Free tuition at public universities for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for international students are additional draws.

Affordable and Accessible 

Compared to other European countries, Finland offers relatively lower tuition fees and living costs, making it a financially viable option. Also, the 400+ English-language programs make it easier for international students to integrate.

Innovation Hub 

Home to Nokia and Supercell, Finland is a hub for technological advancement and fosters a spirit of entrepreneurial thinking, ideal for future-proof careers.

Nature Paradise

Breathe in the fresh air and explore breathtaking landscapes from archipelagoes to forests, experiencing the Finnish connection to nature that inspires creativity and wellness.

Best Courses to Study in Finland in 2024 (With Tuition Fees)

Finland is one of the few European countries that does not charge tuition fees for EU/EEA students. For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fees vary with the degree program and the institution, but they are generally lower than in many other countries. 

The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s program is around EUR 6,000 per year, and for a master’s program is around EUR 8,000 per year. Some programs may have higher or lower fees, so it is advisable to check the exact amount with the university or UAS of your choice.

Now that you’re sold on the Finnish dream, let’s dive into the top courses you can pursue in 2024:

Course	Universities	Annual Tuition Fee
Computer Science & IT	Aalto University, University of Helsinki	EUR 15,000-25,000
Business Administration	Tampere University, Hanken School of Economics	EUR 18,000-20,000
Sustainable Forestry & Wood Technology	University of Eastern Finland, Aalto University	EUR 12,000-18,000
Renewable Energy Engineering	LUT University, Aalto University	EUR 15,000-22,000
Early Childhood Education & Care	University of Helsinki, University of Turku	EUR 10,000-12,000
Tourism & Hospitality Management	Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences	EUR 10,000-15,000
Design & Media	Aalto University, University of Tampere	EUR 18,000-25,000

Courses to Study in Finland: Top Universities 

Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS) that offer various degree programs in English, from bachelor’s to doctoral level. These universities also rank globally and are known for their unique system that prioritizes critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Here are some universities with their global rankings offering top courses to study in Finland:

University	QS World Ranking 2024
University of Helsinki	57
Aalto University	135
University of Turku	229
Tampere University	325
LUT University	651-700

Available Scholarships

Finland offers several scholarships for international students to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The universities or UAS usually grant these scholarships on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Some of the scholarships are full scholarships that cover the entire tuition fee and provide a monthly allowance, while others are partial scholarships that cover a percentage of the tuition fee or provide a one-time grant. 

Given below are some popular scholarships for students to aid their studies in Finland:

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefits
Finnish Government Scholarships	Excellent academic record, non-EU/EEA resident	EUR 8,000 – 15,000 per year
Erasmus+	EU/EEA or partner country nationality, academic progress	EUR 300 – 800 per month
Fulbright Scholarship	US citizenship, strong academic record	Full tuition and living expenses
Academy of Finland Scholarships	Research-oriented, PhD studies	EUR 2,000 per month

Admission Requirements

While the admission requirements may vary for each course, here are some general criteria that students must satisfy:

For bachelor’s programs

• Complete secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) 
• Good grades in relevant subjects. 
• Lastly, clearing the university entrance exam or submitting a motivation letter, (varies with the program).

For master’s programs 

• Completed Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field 
• A good academic record. 
• Research proposal, a portfolio, or a CV, depending on the program.

English Language Requirements

For both bachelor’s and master’s programs, you need to prove your English language proficiency by scoring at least 

• IELTS – 6.0
• TOEFL – 80
• PTE – 54

Note: You can find the specific admission requirements for each program at Studyinfo.fi or the websites of the universities or UAS of your choice.

How to Apply?

The application process for all the courses to study in Finland is the same. Here’s how to apply:

• Choose your program and university
• Then, check the application deadlines and requirements
• Prepare application documents (transcripts, test scores, CV, etc.)
• Further, apply online through the university portal
• Wait for the offer and acceptance letter
• Lastly, apply for a student visa to Finland

Career Scope

Finland boasts a strong and stable economy with an expected GDP growth of 1.9% in 2024. Further, this indicates ongoing demand for skilled labour across various sectors. STEM graduates will find ample career options in technology, engineering, research, and development. Specific areas like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and automation are particularly promising. 

Graduates with skills in international business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship can find many opportunities in established companies and startups. Moreover, professionals with expertise in education, communication, psychology, and public administration will be needed in various sectors.

FAQs

Related Reads:

Cheapest University in Finland for International Students 2024	Study In Finland At The University of Helsinki
Masters Programs in Finland	Best Business Schools in Finland
Why Finland’s Education System is the Best in the World?	All You Need to Know About Part-Time Jobs in Finland for International Students

We hope that this blog gave you a complete overview of the top courses to study in Finland in 2024. Lastly, subscribe to Leverage Edu to get regular updates on courses and destinations to study abroad. Thank you for reading!