Universities in Finland for Masters: Fees, Eligibility & Living Cost

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Universities in Finland for Masters
Article Summary
  • Universities in Finland for masters are known for globally recognised degrees, English-taught programmes, and a strong focus on innovation, research, and practical learning.
  • Top Finnish universities offer a wide range of master’s programmes in fields like technology, business, data science, sustainability, and social sciences, with transparent eligibility and admission processes.
  • With moderate tuition fees, a reasonable cost of living, and a safe, student-friendly environment, Finland continues to be a preferred study destination for international postgraduate students.

Thinking about pursuing your master’s degree in a country known for innovation, research, and academic excellence? Universities in Finland for masters offer globally recognised programmes that combine strong academic learning with practical, research-based training.

With many English-taught programmes in areas like technology, business, data science and sustainability, Universities in Finland for Masters are a popular choice for students looking for strong career opportunities. In this blog, you will learn about top universities, fees, eligibility and living costs to help you plan your studies in Finland easily.

Why Choose Finland for a Master’s Degree?

Finland is also known for its safe society, excellent quality of life, and student-friendly environment. Apart from strong academics, students choosing Universities in Finland for Masters benefit from a balanced lifestyle, easy access to public services, and a supportive international community. Below are the main reasons to choose universities in Finland for Masters:

  • English is widely spoken on campuses and in daily life, making communication easy for international students
  • Finland follows a future-oriented approach to education, especially in digital innovation, sustainability and emerging technologies
  • The country offers a safe and well-organised public transport system for easy travel
  • Finland provides a calm and secure environment, which is ideal for focused study
  • Students can enjoy a healthy lifestyle with access to nature, lakes, forests and outdoor activities throughout the year

Also Read: IELTS Requirements by University in 2026 [Updated List]

List of Top Universities in Finland for Masters

Choosing the right university is an important step when planning your higher studies, and many Finnish universities for international students offer a supportive campus environment and globally recognised qualifications. Below is the list of universities in Finland for Master’s:

UniversityQS World University Ranking 2026Approx. Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)
Aalto University=114EUR 12,000 – EUR 15,000
University of Helsinki=116EUR 13,000 – EUR 18,000
University of Oulu342 EUR 10,000 – EUR 12,000.
University of Turku366 EUR 10,000 – EUR 12,000 est.
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT)=397  EUR 9,000 – EUR 13,500 est.
Tampere University=423EUR 8,000 – EUR 12,000 est.
University of Jyvaskyla498  EUR 8,000 – EUR 12,000 est.
University of Eastern Finland=604 EUR 8,000 – EUR 12,000 est.

Note: Exact fees vary by specific master’s programme and may change annually; students should check individual university websites for precise amounts.

We have already shared the list of top universities in Finland for masters above. To help you understand them better, here is a short overview of each university, highlighting its main strengths and key areas of study.

Aalto University

Aalto University is one of Finland’s leading institutions for engineering, technology, business and design. It is known for its strong focus on innovation and close collaboration with industries. Many master’s programmes are taught in English and follow a practical, project-based learning approach. The university also supports entrepreneurship and start-ups, making it ideal for students interested in applied learning and innovation.

University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is the largest and oldest public university and one of the leading universities in Finland for masters. It offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programmes in science, social sciences, environmental studies and data science. The university is highly research-oriented and provides access to advanced research facilities and global academic networks. It is a strong choice for students aiming for research and academic careers.

University of Oulu

The University of Oulu is well known for its programmes in technology, information systems and health sciences. It offers several English-taught master’s degrees and focuses strongly on digital innovation and future technologies. Students benefit from modern laboratories, industry-linked projects and a supportive learning environment, especially in technical and engineering fields. It is a good option for students exploring technical fields at Finland universities for masters.

University of Turku

The University of Turku is a multidisciplinary public university offering master’s programmes in business, economics, natural sciences, medicine and humanities. It is recognised for its research-driven teaching and international learning environment. The university provides good academic guidance and encourages international collaboration through research and exchange opportunities.

Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology (LUT University)

LUT University specialises in technology, sustainability and business education. It is particularly known for programmes related to energy systems, environmental technology and digital transformation. Most of its master’s programmes are taught in English and focus on solving real-world industry and sustainability challenges through applied learning.

Tampere University

Tampere University is a modern and interdisciplinary institution among the top universities in Finland for masters.It offers English-taught programmes in engineering, health sciences, business, social sciences and technology. The university encourages cross-disciplinary learning and research collaboration. Students gain both academic and applied skills through project-based learning. 

University of Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä is known for its strong focus on education, psychology, information technology and sports sciences. It offers English-taught master’s programmes and provides a supportive academic environment. The university is especially popular among students interested in education and social science-related fields.

University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland offers master’s programmes in environmental sciences, health sciences, education and business studies. It focuses on interdisciplinary research and sustainable development. Students benefit from personalised academic guidance, modern learning facilities and a strong research culture across its campuses.

Also Read: Cheapest Universities in London: Affordable Options for International Students in 2026

To help you understand what you can study after choosing from the universities in Finland for Masters, we have listed some of the most popular and in-demand master’s programmes preferred by international students across key study areas. Below are the details of popular master’s programmes in Finland by study field:

Study FieldProgrammeUniversity
Engineering and TechnologyComputer ScienceUniversity of Helsinki
Engineering and TechnologyElectrical EngineeringAalto University
Engineering and TechnologySustainable Energy SystemsLUT University
Business and ManagementInternational BusinessAalto University
Business and ManagementEconomicsUniversity of Turku
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceData ScienceUniversity of Helsinki
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceMachine Learning and Artificial IntelligenceAalto University
Environmental and Sustainability StudiesEnvironmental Change and Global SustainabilityUniversity of Helsinki
Environmental and Sustainability StudiesSustainability ScienceLUT University
Education and Social SciencesEducation and LearningUniversity of Oulu
Education and Social SciencesSocial SciencesUniversity of Eastern Finland

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Finland

To apply to universities in Finland for Masters, students must generally meet the following requirements:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree that qualifies for master’s-level study
  • Academic background related to the chosen field
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Programme-specific requirements such as portfolios, entrance tests or interviews (for some courses)
  • For UAS master’s programmes, relevant work experience is usually mandatory.

Cost of Living in Finland for Master’s Students

According to official estimates, students studying at universities in Finland for Masters should plan a monthly budget of around EUR 700 to EUR 900. This usually covers basic expenses such as accommodation, food, local travel, study materials and personal costs. Students also need to show proof of enough funds when applying for a residence permit in Finland.

Application Process for Masters in Finland

All applications to universities in Finland for Masters are submitted through the national application portal. Step-by-step application process includes the following: 

  1. Search programmes on the official portal Studyinfo.fi
  2. Check programme-specific eligibility criteria
  3. Prepare all required documents
  4. Submit the application online
  5. Pay the application fee (if applicable)

Commonly required documents

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • English language test scores
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Passport copy

Choosing from the many well-ranked universities in Finland for Masters gives international students access to high-quality education, strong research exposure and globally recognised degrees. With a wide range of English-taught programmes, transparent admission processes and excellent student support, Finland remains one of the most reliable and attractive destinations for postgraduate study in Europe.

This blog covers everything you need to know about the universities in Finland for master’s degrees. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on affordable study abroad. Thank you for reading!

FAQs

Are all Master’s programmes in Finland taught in English?

No. Many programmes are offered in English, but some are taught in Finnish or Swedish. Always check the language of instruction before applying.

Is a master’s degree free in Finland?

No, a master’s degree in Finland is not free for most international students. Students from outside the EU or EEA usually pay tuition fees, which generally range from EUR 8,000 to EUR 18,000 per year, depending on the university and programme.

What GPA do you need for Masters in Finland?

There is no fixed GPA requirement for a master’s degree in Finland. Most universities usually expect a good academic record, often equivalent to around 60 to 70% or a GPA of about 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the programme.

Is IELTS compulsory for Finland?

IELTS is not compulsory for all students applying to Finland. However, most English-taught master’s programmes require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some universities may waive it if you completed your previous education entirely in English.

Is Finland good for masters?

Yes, Finland is a very good choice for a master’s degree. It offers high-quality education, globally recognised universities, modern teaching methods and strong research opportunities. Finland is also safe, student-friendly and provides many English-taught programmes for international students.

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