Study in Finland - Universities, Courses, Fees & Visa

Study in Finland - Universities, Courses, Fees & Visa

Gain internationally recognised degrees and unlock global career pathways

Why Finland?

From Aalto University (ranked #114 globally) to the University of Helsinki - and as the world's happiest country for nine years running - Finland blends Nordic academic excellence with an unmatched quality of life, all at tuition fees lower than Sweden, Norway, or the UK.

World's #1 Happiest Country

Finland topped the World Happiness Report for nine consecutive years (2026), providing students with the world's best quality-of-life environment.

Top-Ranked Research Universities

Aalto University ranks #114 QS 2026; University of Helsinki ranks #115 QS 2026. Nine Finnish universities feature in QS World University Rankings 2026.

Tuition-Free Doctoral Programs

PhD programs are tuition-free regardless of nationality. Bachelor's and master's tuition ranges €6,000-€18,000/year.

Work 30 Hours Per Week During Studies

International students can work up to 30 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays - no separate work permit required.

Schengen Access Across 27 Countries

A Finnish student residence permit provides access to all 27 Schengen countries and recognition across 49 EHEA countries.

Tech and Innovation Hub

Home to Nokia and Rovio; features a strong startup ecosystem with world-class internship opportunities in Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu.

Top Universities in Finland

University of Turku campusRanking #315

University of Turku

Turku, Finland

Min. IELTS Required6

Aalto University campusRanking #113

Aalto University

Helsinki, Finland

Min. IELTS Required6

The University of Helsinki campusRanking #117

The University of Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

Min. IELTS Required6

University of Oulu campusRanking #313

University of Oulu

Oulu, Finland

Min. IELTS Required6

University of Jyvaskyla campusRanking #446

University of Jyvaskyla

Jyvaskyla, Finland

Min. IELTS Required6

Top Courses to Study in Finland

MSc Industrial Engineering and Management

Aalto University

MSc Industrial Engineering and Management

2 Years | Master's

Master of Science International Business Management

University of Oulu

Master of Science International Business Management

2 Years | Master's

MSc Engineering Materials Science

Tampere University

MSc Engineering Materials Science

2 Years | Master's

Bachelors Health Care Nursing

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences

Bachelors Health Care Nursing

3.5 Years | Bachelor's

MSc Engineering Physics

Aalto University

MSc Engineering Physics

2 Years | Master's

Intakes in
Finland 2026-27

Finnish universities primarily run two intakes: September (main intake) and January (limited programs). Applications for the main intake are submitted in January via studyinfo.fi.

Autumn / Fall Intake

September - October 2026

Closed

Spring Intake

January - February 2027

Applications Open — Apply Now

Autumn / Fall Intake

September - October 2027

Plan Ahead

Cost of Studying in Finland

Tuition fees and living costs vary by institution and location. Many universities offer 50-100% tuition waivers to high-achieving international students.

Program Level

Public University (Undergraduate)€6,000 - €12,000
Public University (Master's / Postgraduate)€8,000 - €18,000
Private University / Specialist UAS€10,000 - €25,000
MBA (Aalto, LUT, Hanken)€15,000 - €35,000
PhD / DoctoralTuition-free for all nationalities

* Many universities offer 50-100% tuition waivers to high-achieving international students. EU/EEA students pay no tuition at public universities.

Average Monthly Living Costs

Helsinki / Espoo€900 - €1,400 / month
Tampere€700 - €1,000 / month
Turku€700 - €1,000 / month
Oulu€650 - €950 / month
Jyvaskyla€650 - €900 / month
Lappeenranta / Lahti€600 - €850 / month

Cost Of Living

Finland is more affordable than the UK, Australia, Sweden, and Norway. Helsinki and Espoo have higher rents, but Oulu, Tampere, and Lappeenranta offer significant savings.

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LowHigh

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Scholarships to Study

Finland offers tuition waivers and scholarships for international students at its top-ranked universities.

50%–100% tuition fee waiver

Bachelor's and Master's Scholarships

Non-EU/EEA international students applying for English-taught bachelor's or master's programs in Finland

€1,500/month (3–12 months)

EDUFI Fellowship

Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from outside Finland conducting research at Finnish universities

25%–100% tuition fee waiver

Aalto University Scholarships

Non-EU/EEA international students admitted to Aalto master's programs; based on academic merit

Travel grant + allowance

Nordic Council Scholarships

Nordic and Baltic country students for exchange within Nordic region

Popular cities in Finland

Helsinki

Helsinki

12+ Universities | 217+ Courses

Espoo / Vantaa

Espoo / Vantaa

45+ Courses

Tampere

Tampere

150+ Courses

Turku

Turku

70+ Courses

Oulu

Oulu

80+ Courses

Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä

120+ Courses

How to get your Finland Student Visa

A step-by-step guide to the Finnish Residence Permit for Studies. Aalto University and University of Helsinki provide visa guidance.

  1. 01

    Receive University Offer

    Get an admission letter from a Finnish university.

  2. 02

    Apply Online via EnterFinland

    Submit your application on the EnterFinland portal and pay the €350 fee.

  3. 03

    Prepare Financial Proof

    Demonstrate financial capacity of €560/month (€6,720/year).

  4. 04

    Submit Biometrics and Documents

    Visit the Finnish embassy to submit fingerprints, photograph, and supporting documents.

  5. 05

    Await Decision

    Processing takes 4-8 weeks.

  6. 06

    Travel to Finland

    Register with the local authorities upon arrival.

€350

Visa Success Rate

4-8 Wks

Visa Application Fee

30 Hrs

Average Processing Time

2 Yrs

Graduate Route (PSW) Visa


Required Documents

Academic transcripts

Proof of English Language Proficiency Test Score

Valid passport

Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

Letter of Motivation/Statement of Purpose

Program-Specific Documents (If required)

Application Fee Receipt (for non-EU/EEA applicants)

Find best Student Accommodation in Finland

On a Budget or something with a view? We've got you!

Still exploring your options?

Frequently
Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our programs and services

Non-EU/EEA international students pay €6,000-€18,000 per year for bachelor's and master's programs at public universities. Private universities and specialist programs may charge up to €25,000/year. Doctoral programs are tuition-free. Monthly living costs range €650-€1,400 depending on location.

Most Finnish universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 for English-taught programs. TOEFL iBT (79-92), PTE Academic (56-62), and Duolingo are also accepted. Some universities waive requirements for students entirely educated in English.

Yes. International students in Finland can work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays and semester breaks, all under the student residence permit. No separate work permit is required.

Most Finnish universities require 60-70% aggregate for undergraduate programs. Competitive programs in engineering, medicine, or business at top universities may require higher scores. Admission also depends on university-specific entrance exams, portfolios, or statements of purpose.

Finland is globally renowned for Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration (including MBA), Architecture, Design, Education, Environmental Sciences, and Healthcare. Aalto University is ranked 8th globally for Art and Design (QS 2025). Finland also leads in education research and teacher training.

Leading institutions include Aalto University (#114 QS 2026), University of Helsinki (#115 QS 2026), University of Turku, Tampere University, University of Oulu, LUT University, University of Jyvaskyla, and Hanken School of Economics. Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences.

After graduating, international students can apply for a two-year post-study job-seeker residence permit, allowing them to live in Finland and seek employment. This converts to a work-based permit once employment is secured. Finland's tech, engineering, healthcare, and green energy sectors offer strong opportunities for skilled graduates.
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