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Finland ranks #1 for its higher education according to the World Economic Forum. The North European country attracts students worldwide with its top-notch universities, cutting-edge research, and stunning natural beauty. So if you have made up your mind to pursue your research, this blog will be your one-stop guide to pursuing your PhD in Finland in 2024. We will look at the country’s top universities, best PhD programs, scholarships, entry requirements and application process. So, lace up your boots, prepare for an intellectual expedition, and let’s unravel the secrets of securing your dream PhD in Finland!
| Types of PhD | National Doctoral Programmes (funded, multi-institutional) Standard Research PhD (tailor-made) |
| Tuition fees | Free for all international students (including non-EU) |
| Funding | National Doctoral Programmes generally cover salary and research costs Standard Research PhD – depends on specific projects and supervisors Scholarships and grants available from national agencies and universities |
| Academic Year | September to June |
| Entry requirements | Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution Excellent academic record Research proposal and CV for Standard Research PhD |
| Duration | 4-5 years |
| Research areas | Science, Technology, Social sciences, Humanities) |
Also Read: Study in Finland for Indian Students
This Blog Includes:
Why Pursue a PhD in Finland in 2024?
Finland is one of the most popular choices for international students to pursue a PhD. The #1 reason is that Finnish universities don’t charge a dime for tertiary education from any of its learners, international or otherwise. Its capital is also one of the safest cities in the world, with its breathtaking natural beauty and high living standards for students.
The majority of Finnish people speak English and the universities also offer numerous programs in the English language. Moreover, international students can extend their visas post studies to search for work. Let’s go ahead and explore the country’s top institutes offering research opportunities
Top Universities Offering PhD in Finland
Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities for applied sciences (UAS). The former offers PhD in Finland supporting academic research and providing higher study opportunities based on the same. The latter, however, carries out applied R&D in activities that promote a specific industry. Given below is the list of top institutes offering research
| University | QS World Rankings 2024 | Specialization |
| Aalto University | =109 | PhD in Technology and Engineering, Business and Management, Arts and Design |
| University of Helsinki | 115 | PhD in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health and Medicine, Humanities |
| University of Oulu | =313 | PhD in Natural Sciences |
| University of Turku | =315 | PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities, Health and Medicine, Natural Sciences |
| Tampere University | =436 | PhD in Arts and Humanities |
Also Read: Study In Finland At The University of Helsinki
PhD in Finland: Program Structure
There are 2 types of PhD in Finland that students can enrol for a standard research PhD and a national doctorate program. In the national doctorate program, each discipline has an associated doctoral program across all the Finnish universities. These doctorates are generally fully funded.
A standard research PhD, however, has a structure similar to a normal doctorate. You put a research proposal before a committee and pursue it independently by funding it yourself.
The duration of a PhD in Finland is 4 years, with the academic year starting on 1 August and lasting until 31 July every year. Students usually have 2 semesters in autumn and spring, but they might have a third semester in the summer as well, depending on the course they are pursuing their doctorate in.
Tuition Fees and Funding
While the Bachelor and Masters programs might charge tuition fees from international (non-EU) students, PhD in Finland is currently tuition-free for all. But there are living expenses of EUR 700-1,250/month that students have to bear (varies for every Finnish city). There’s also a student union fee ranging from EUR 80-100 that doctoral candidates must pay to their institute.
Also Read: Masters Programs in Finland
Scholarships for PhD in Finland
Even though PhD in Finland is completely free, there are some scholarships you can avail of as an international student to reduce your living costs there. Some of them are as follows with their eligibility and benefits:
| Scholarship/Grant | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) Fellowships | Open to PhD students from all nationalities | EUR 1,900/month for 3-12 months |
| Fulbright Grants | For US students | EUR 1,000-1900/month for 9 months |
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to pursue a PhD in Finland, students need to fulfil the following criteria. These are some general entry requirements that doctoral candidates must meet. For more program-specific information, you must check the university’s official website.
- A Masters degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institute.
- Language Proficiency tests: English (IELTS, TOEFL) or Finnish (YKI).
PhD in Finland without IELTS
Students can also pursue a PhD in Finland without IELTS through the following mediums:
- Previous degrees obtained from English-medium institutions.
- Standardized tests like TOEFL or PTE.
- Research publications or presentations in English.
- An interview in English by the university admissions committee.
Documents Required
Doctoral candidates need to have the following documents translated into Finnish and submitted during the application process for their PhD:
- Academic Transcripts from your previous institutions
- Degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Letter of Motivation
- Research proposal
- 2 Reference letters
- Statement of purpose/ Personal statement
Also Read: Finland Student Visa
Application Process
Unlike other countries that advertise research projects, students must apply to a graduate school for a PhD in Finland. These schools offer multiple doctoral programs to students, who can choose a field of study to conduct their research. You should contact the university directly in advance to find out more about the programs they offer. After that, fill out the application form and submit it to the chosen institute along with the documents mentioned above.
Future Scope
Universities also fund students as doctoral candidates under a contract during their PhD in Finland. They receive a salary with social security benefits like other members of staff. In return, doctoral students assist the university by teaching undergraduates, demonstrating within labs or doing administrative work. Other roles and responsibilities are specified in the student’s contract and vary for each institute.
FAQs
Ans. You can find your perfect PhD program through these resources:
University websites
National research databases (TUTKAS) – lists ongoing research projects across the country.
Academic networks and societies
Ans. Although Finnish is the official language, the country offers most PhD programs in English, especially in science and technology fields. Universities often offer intensive Finnish language courses for international students who wish to learn the language during their studies. However, some humanities and social science programs require Finnish proficiency due to the nature of their research.
Ans. Yes, international students in Finland can legally work part-time (up to 25 hours per week) during their studies. This is a great way to gain practical experience, supplement your income, and blend into Finnish society. Universities often have student job boards or career centres that can assist you in finding suitable part-time work opportunities.
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We hope that you got a complete understanding of pursuing a PhD in Finland as an international student in this blog. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu to explore more courses and destinations to study abroad. Thank you for reading!
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