Euro
Currency
The education system in Finland is considered one of the best in the world. The Finnish system is far more advanced than any education system in the West. Addressing challenges such as unemployment, migration to other countries, and other socio-economic obstacles, Finland has always focused on its education system to serve as the foundation of economic growth. Vocational training and upskilling are introduced at a young age and the teaching methodology and curriculum at the higher education level ensure that students engage in applied learning which is poured back into the economy and fuels its growth.
The Finnish higher education system focuses on individual growth and, apart from academic qualifications, also places a higher emphasis on an individual’s personality development. Its focus on research and applied education creates a better environment for learning than in most countries. The country has universities as well as high-quality polytechnics which are categorised as university of applied sciences. In fact, universities in Finland are ranked among the best in the world and are globally recognized and respected. Institutions such as the University of Helsinki, University of Turku and Aalto University feature prominently and consistently in Global University Rankings, whether it is the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Finland hosts students from all around the world, countries such as the United States, India, Russia, China, Brazil and many other European countries have seen an increase in students opting to study in Finland for both undergrad and postgrad degrees. Typically, the undergrad programs in Finland are conducted over three years whereas a master’s program would be for a duration of two years.
Finland is known for its higher education and training systems; it is among the most innovative and sustainable countries in the world, with one of the world’s healthiest learning ecosystems. Studying in Finland opens promising avenues for international students.
It is recommended that students aspiring to study abroad take a deep dive into the entire journey, from the preparation, the courses and the admission process, to the paperwork and the visas.
| Courses in Finland | Avg. Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Business, Administration & Law | 4,500- 15,000 |
| Engineering | 6,000 - 18,000 |
| Information & Communication Technology | 8,000- 18,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | 5,000 - 15,000 |
| Health & Welfare | 6,000- 18,000 |
Avg Living costs / per year
8,100 - 18,960
Avg Tuition Fee/Year
Undergraduate Programme: 5,000 – 18,000
Post Graduate Programmes: 4,000 – 18,000
Indian students
1,000+
International students
20,000+
Avg graduate
incomes / Year
67,000
Migration possibility
YES
Intakes
September
Scholarships Available
YES
BWhat makes Finland a leading study destination?
Finland is respected globally for its higher education system, valued by academicians around the world. The education system not only provides high quality education but what sets it apart from the rest is that it is accessible to all. While providing the flexibility to students to choose subjects that they are truly interested in, the system also focuses on individual development. The Finnish higher education system ensures that learning just happens for the sake of learning but to add value to an individual and, through them, to the society.
International Students
Finland has been gaining popularity as a study destination for International students over the last few years. According to latest reports, the number of international students studying in Finnish universities is slightly over 20,000. Over the last couple of years, students from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Non-EU countries such as India, China, Brazil and Russia have also been heading to Finland to pursue their higher education. The tuition fees for international students is similar to that in other European countries.
Universities in Finland
Finland is known for its innovations around the world – particularly in software and technology. Nokia phones, operating systems such as Linux and even mega-popular games such as Angry Birds have all originated out of Finland. Science and technology programs have been some of the strongest programs that the country’s universities offer, and these programs continue to attract international students every year. The Finnish higher education space provides high-quality education across streams. The education sector in Finland is known for its quality research and constant additions to its knowledge bank. Along with the regular universities there is also the University of Applied Sciences or the polytechnics. These institutes are of high quality and equip students with the skills to immediately adapt to the workforce in Finland.
Students who wish to study in Finland also get the benefit of working part-time. During academic sessions, a student can work part-time for a maximum duration of 25 hours per week. During semester breaks, there is no restriction on the number of hours of part-time work. Often, this helps an international student to manage his/her living expenses.
A high-quality education system combined with a rich culture and opportunities to build a fruitful career make studying in Finland an attractive option.
Universities in Finland are considered among the most reputable in the world. The tuition fees per academic year is similar to other European Universities. Finland offers high quality programs across disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The fees for international students pursuing these programs can range from anywhere between €4,000 - €8,000.
International students from Non-EU regions looking to study in Finland often try and avail the scholarships that are available. Most universities have some scholarships that are available to international students at both the undergraduate and the postgraduate level. There are other financial aids that are offered by host nations of international students. It is advisable that students do explore and apply for these options as there is a lot of competition for these scholarships.
International students coming from various countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China and other Non-EU countries have increased in the last few years. Students see the value of the higher education system in Finland and that is a primary reason that a high cost for some programs such as medicine does not prove to be a deterrent.
For international students who belong to the EU, higher education is mostly free in Finnish universities. But if the student belongs to a Non-EU region, they will need to pay the fee charged by the universities. These can often be managed by the many scholarships that are offered by the same universities. The cost of education in a Finnish university is nothing compared to the high quality of education, innovative teaching style, and facilities offered by the Finnish universities.
The teaching style and curriculum ensures that students can hone their skills of collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to learn new things. The emphasis is particularly placed on the aspect of the student being able to adapt to work life right after they finish their education. Finnish universities try to imbibe skills in students that help them solve real life problems. Finnish universities have evolved on the principle that education is a process and not something transactional, this philosophy has helped them develop such high-quality institutions that universities across the globe look at them for inspiration and innovation.
The education system in Finland does not restrict a student’s journey to one particular discipline, the areas of study within a program would more often than not include real life scenarios, aspects etc that we deal with in our daily lives both at a micro and macro level. This helps students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Finnish higher education system encourages students to innovate and solve real-life problems. Not only is Finland known for its innovation but it is also ranked the happiest, it has people from different countries and cultures and it is one of the safest places in the world with a high quality of living.
International students studying in the UK often work part-time or take up internships and volunteer work, this helps them to build their professional profile and also network. This eventually proves to be valuable when looking for a job once the education is complete. Finland is an attractive proposition for students looking to pursue their higher education in Europe.
One of the main concerns of International Students looking to study in Finland is regarding the medium of teaching. Universities in Finland along with University of Applied Sciences or in other words polytechnics offer programs in all fields in both the undergraduate and postgraduate level in English. International students have over more than 500+ programs to choose from, which includes doctoral level programs as well.
The 20,000+ international students who are studying in Finland not only are spread across various disciplines but also hail from different countries such as the United States, China, India, United Kingdom etc. Almost all these students are pursuing programs that are taught in English and are extremely comfortable with the mode of teaching and the structure.
The cost of living in Finland is like other European countries. The cost of accommodation varies based on the city as well. Helsinki and Tampere are slightly more expensive cities to live in compared to cities like Oulu, Pori, Lappeenranta, and Jyvaskyla. The cost of accommodation in Helsinki would start at about €900 per month and can go up to €1,580 depending on the type of accommodation and the location, accommodation around the city centre is usually expensive. Other areas such as Oulu and Pori, students can find accommodation that can range anywhere between €600 - € 1,100. There are also single room accommodations available for students that are much cheaper, since there is a lot of demand for such accommodations, the availability can always be challenging.
Eating out regularly can prove to be expensive, so students mostly buy groceries and cook. A basic meal at an affordable restaurant for one person can range from €8 - €14. Combo meals or meals inexpensive restaurants can go up to €60. Buying groceries from a store or supermarket can range anywhere between €200 - €250 per month.
Other costs that the students will incur would be internet, mobile, student supplies etc., these are usually very reasonably priced, and students can budget approximately €100 - €125 per month for these expenses.
The average monthly expenses for a student can range from €700 - €1,500. Living in Finland will cost an international student almost the same as living in most European countries.
Finland is becoming a popular choice for students to study and eventually settle abroad because of its quality of life. When planning to study in Finland it is important to know about the different types of visas available and the rights that they give, this helps students plan ahead. For any course that has a duration of more than 90 days, international students will need to get a student visa. This visa will allow international students to study and
work in Finland part-time for the duration of the visa.
On a student visa, students can work for not more than 25 hours a week and they also have to ensure that the part-time jobs are related to their fields of study. However, during the session breaks there are no restrictions on the number of hours.Once a student is nearing the end of the program there are two options available for a student, the first option is to apply for a residence permit to find a job in Finland, this visa is valid for one year but cannot be renewed once the time frame is over. In case the student is able to get a job before their study visa gets over, the student can then submit a residence permit application basis of employment in Finland, this visa will be valid for four years or the duration of the employment contract, whichever is shorter of the two.
According to the Finnish immigration services, students who are looking to live permanently in Finland, they need to be staying in Finland for a duration of 4 years (on their residence permit) and there cannot be a break in between. International students can then apply for their permanent residence but they need to keep in mind that this must be done three months before the expiry of their residence permit.
According to the latest census data the population of Finland is under 6 million and a major portion of this population is close to the retirement age. This aspect has created a shortage in the labour market in the last couple of years and it is now extending to the service sector as well.
Growing sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, logistics and hospitality are going to create a lot of jobs in future, but there is not a sufficient skilled talent pool to meet this demand.
The occupational barometer is a service in Finland that provides information on sector shortages and immediate job requirements in Finland. The data is extremely useful in tracking employment trends and it helps students to get a better understanding of the job market.
According to the latest data published on the occupational barometer website, there has been a shortage of skilled professional in the following areas:
