Study in Finland – A Complete Guide

Table of contents

• Introduction- Study in Finland Overview
• Why Study in Finland
• Finland Education System
• undergraduate study in Finland for international students
• masters study in Finland for international students
• Apply to study in Finland
• cost of study in Finland for international students
• requirements for study in Finland
• study in Finland without ielts
• Finland scholarships for international students
• List of schools to study in Finland
• Work and study in Finland
• Conclusion

10 Reasons why Finland has the Best Education System in the World

Study in Finland Overview

When it comes to high quality education, Finland is one of the first countries that comes to mind.  A Nordic country with a population close to 5.5 million, Finland has managed not only to keep up with educational progress, but also to excel at setting a global standard.

Member of the European Union and home to 39 institutions of higher education, Finland is a good option for students from all over the world.  An egalitarian society where knowledge and lifelong learning are highly valued, Finland offers an excellent social environment to foster their learning and personal growth.

For an international student, life in Finland is reinforced by the comfort offered by high-level infrastructure and technology, the safety of living in one of the safest countries in the world and the enjoyment offered by nature with four different seasons. They have His unique taste.

Finland is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world and, as a result, almost everyone participates in ecological ways.  Nature is an integral part of the Finnish lifestyle for a very simple reason: it is everywhere.

In Finland, the bustling city life meets scenes of peaceful nature within walking distance.  The towns and cities host activities for all seasons and offer many opportunities to explore or relax.

Higher education institutions have an international mentality and there are over 400 English-speaking degree programs available throughout the country.  Largely funded by the state, the institutions offer high quality education that is accessible to all.  The campuses balance natural environments with high-tech facilities for all students to enjoy.

Being a student in Finland has many advantages.  From high-tech laboratories to well-stocked libraries, university campuses are equipped with all the facilities that students eager for knowledge need.  A degree from one of the world-class Finnish higher education institutions is your first natural step to pave the way for a great career in your field, be it academic or more practical sectors.

Finland education system

Education in Finland is an educational system, in Finland, which consists of daycare programs (for infants and young children) and a one-year “preschool” (or kindergarten for six-year-olds);  a compulsory basic elementary school of nine years (beginning at age seven and ending at sixteen, or upon receiving the graduation diploma);  post-compulsory general secondary academic and vocational education;  higher education (university and university of applied sciences);  and adult education (for life, continuous).  The Finnish strategy to achieve equality and excellence in education has been based on the construction of a comprehensive school system financed with public funds without selecting, tracking or transmitting students during their common basic education.  Part of the strategy has been to disseminate the school network so that students have a school near their homes whenever possible or, if this is not feasible, p.  in rural areas, to provide free transportation to more dispersed schools.  Special inclusive education within the classroom and instructional efforts to minimize poor performance are also typical of Nordic education systems.

There are two sectors in tertiary education: traditional universities and universities of applied sciences. Admissions are based on the final high school GPA, the final high school exam (the abitur) and college entrance exams.  The selection process is completely transparent, based on merit and objective; there are no application trials, there are no human factors in the selection, there is no underrepresented minority support (except the pre-established quotas for Swedish speakers) and there is no weight in extracurricular activities.  In addition, entrance exams are rarely long multiple choice exams, and instead consist of a smaller number of longer and more complicated questions that are supposed to evaluate more than memorization and rapid resolution of mechanical problems.  Therefore, the selection process is very different from that of many other countries.

The focus for the universities is in research, and they give theoretical education too.  In many programs it is expected to graduate with a master’s degree, without a separate admission process between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  The universities of applied sciences focus more on responding to the needs of the world of work and participate in industrial development projects.  The nature of research is more practical and theories apply to advanced problem solving.  For example, doctors are university graduates, while registered nurses and engineers graduate from universities of applied sciences.  (However, universities also grant degrees in Nursing Science and Engineering.) Vocational schools and universities of applied sciences are governed by municipalities or, in special cases, by private entities.  (As an exception to the rule, the Police School is governed by the Ministry of Interior).  All Finnish universities, on the other hand, were owned by the state until 2010, after which they separated from the state in foundations or public law corporations.  A bachelor’s degree lasts between three and four years.  Depending on the program, this may be the point of graduation, but it is generally only an intermediate step towards mastery.  A bachelor’s degree in a university of applied sciences (a polytechnic degree), on the other hand, takes about 3.5–4.5 years.  Polytechnic degrees are generally accepted as lower university degrees.

WATCH: These Will Be the Hottest Careers by 2027

Graduates of universities and universities of applied sciences can continue their studies applying to master’s programs in universities or universities of applied sciences.  After bachelor graduates have completed three years of work experience in their field, they are qualified to apply for masters programs at universities of work-oriented and research-oriented applied sciences.  Graduates of lower university degrees are also qualified to apply, but with additional studies.  The master’s program in universities of applied sciences takes two years and can be carried out together with regular work.  After the master’s degree, the remaining degrees (Bachelor and Doctor) are available only at universities.  All master’s degrees qualify their beneficiaries for postgraduate studies at the doctoral level.

The equivalence discussed above is only relevant when applying for employment in the public sector.

In universities, membership in the student union is mandatory.  Student unions in universities of applied sciences are equally recognized in the legislation, but membership is voluntary and does not include special medical care for university students (which is organized and funded in part by student unions).  Finnish students are entitled to a student benefit, which can be revoked if there is a persistent lack of progress in studies.

 Some universities offer professional degrees.  They have additional requirements in addition to simply completing the studies, such as demonstrations of proficiency in practice.  An example of such a degree is, medical degree.  A Bachelor of Medicine can perform clinical work under the supervision of senior medical staff.  The Bachelor of Medicine is not equivalent to the bachelor’s degree in other fields, but to a master’s degree.  For this reason, no bachelor thesis is required unlike other fields.  Therefore, the equivalent of a doctor in the sense of the USA.  UU.  It is not called “doctor”, but license.  The research doctorate, which is equivalent to a doctorate in medicine, is called “Doctor of Medicine.

After the master’s degree, there are two other graduate degrees: an intermediate graduate degree, called a Bachelor’s degree, and the PhD.  A Bachelor’s degree program has the same amount of theoretical education as a Doctor, but his thesis work has fewer requirements.  On the other hand, the requirements for a doctoral dissertation are a bit higher than in other countries.

  The most typical Finnish doctorate is Doctor of Philosophy. However, the universities of technology grant the title of Doctor of Science (Technology).

Undergraduate Study in Finland for International Students

A Finnish university degree consists of 180 ECTS credits, and it takes approximately 3 years to achieve a full-time study pace.  As a general rule, students admitted to universities automatically obtain study rights for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

There is only a small selection of English degree programs available at Finnish universities.  Most undergraduate programs are offered in Finnish or Swedish.  Be sure to check the language skills requirements and proof of language proficiency before submitting your application.

ALSO WATCH: 10 Countries You Can Study Abroad Without IELTS or TOEFL + Universities

Undergraduate degree programmes usually include:

• basic and intermediate studies in major and minor subjects
• language and communication studies
• other studies
• work practice and
• A final thesis (Bachelor’s thesis).

The universities are responsible for planning the content and structure of the degrees. Furthermore, the student may plan their own study contents rather independently, as long as they include the compulsory studies and follow the overall structural guidelines.

The universities’ student services and the faculties’ own international co-ordinators offer guidance for foreign students.

Eligibility

To be qualified to apply for a degree program at a university, you must have completed one of the following criteria:

• the Finnish matriculation examination taken at the end of the general upper secondary school
• vocational qualifications of three years or more in duration
• the International Baccalaureate
• European Baccalaureate
• Reifeprüfung
• a Finnish upper secondary professional qualification or an additional or specialized professional qualification as a skill-based qualification, or a comparable prior qualification
• those foreign qualifications that provide eligibility to enter the university in the country in which they are granted.

Student selection is based on grades or an entrance exam, or both.  Be sure to check the specific admission criteria in the study program descriptions.

Masters studies in Finland for international students

You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to apply for a master’s degree program.  To be eligible to apply for a UAS master’s program, you must also have obtained at least 2 years of work experience in the field in addition to having a bachelor’s degree.

University master’s degrees require 2 years of full-time study, which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.

  The UAS master’s degrees take between 1 and 1.5 years to complete and add between 60 and 90 ECTS credits.


Apply to study in Finland

In Finland, member universities offer a wide range of master’s programs that qualify you for life.Before applying, explore programs and universities to choose what you want to study.  The application periods are normally from November to January of each year.

CHECK THE ELIGIBILITY AND LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The next step is to verify the specific requirements of the program;  Be sure to do it well in advance.  All degree programs require a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent (minimum) three-year university degree in relevant fields of study and sufficient English language skills.  Especially doing language tests can take time.  Always check the university website for the specific admission requirements of the program, which are also listed in the program descriptions when you complete your application.

PLAN YOUR FINANCES

Remember to make a realistic plan to finance your studies.  As an international student, you are usually required to cover your daily expenses independently, such as food, lodging, insurance, etc.  If you are a non-EU student, you must generally pay the tuition fees.  Keep in mind that universities offer scholarships, which can cover both tuition and living expenses.

Top 10 Unpopular Scholarships in Europe for International Students

 APPLY DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD

The application periods for our member universities are usually between November and January of each year.

Be sure to always check the specific application periods of the university and the admission requirements.

To apply to study, complete the online application at www.studyinfo.fi.  Please note that you can leave your graduation certificate after the application period if you have not graduated before the end of the period.

Scholarship applications will be made at the same time and through the same portal.

APPLY FOR YOUR RESIDENCE PERMIT

Congratulations!  Once you have been accepted, be sure to start your visa application and residence permit process immediately, as they may take time.  It is also useful to check the requirements to enter the country in advance.

  GET STARTED

All ready!  Now is the time to get to know your university, student association, tutoring activities and future hometown.  Most importantly, book your flights and accommodation.  Then pack your bags and head north.  Welcome to Finland!

Cost of study in Finland for international students

Can you study in Finland for free?  How high are the tuition fees?  Are there scholarships for international students?  Discover:

Can you study for free in Finland?

Yes, you can!

If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss country, you can study in Finland for free; You do not have to pay any tuition.

If you are not from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you count as an international student.  Most international students have to pay fees, but there are some exceptions, always ask your school for exception conditions.

 Who has to pay the tuition fees to study in Finland?

Tuition fees at universities in Finland only apply to international students, that is, students from a country outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland.  Tuition fees apply to full-time students in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs;  but doctoral programs are generally free.

However, not all international students have to pay tuition fees.  Exchange students from other countries do not pay tuition in Finland (although they may have to pay in their home country).

There are also some exceptions for those already in Finland under certain conditions;  If you already have a permanent or fixed-term residence permit, or an EU Blue Card, it is likely to be exempt from fees.  In addition, anyone who chooses to study in Finnish or Swedish, unlike a degree taught in English, is exempt from tuition fees.

The official website of the Finnish government has more detailed information on what applies to your situation in Studyinfo.fi.

If you have to pay the tuition, you may still be eligible for a scholarship.  More details below.

How much does it cost to study in Finland?

So how expensive is studying in Finland, if you have to pay?  That depends on the institution: each university sets its own rates, and they also differ from one program to another.  In the table below, we have compiled the ranges of what some of the largest Finnish universities charge their international students.  Expect to pay at least 6,000 euros per year, and up to 18,000 at the prestigious University of Helsinki:
 

University	Tuition fees
Aalto University	12,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
Åbo Akademi University	8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
Arcada University of Applied Sciences	6,000 to 9,000 EUR per year
Haaga-Helia UAS	8,500 to 9,500 EUR per year
Hanken School of Economics	12,500 EUR per year
Helsinki Metropolia UAS	10,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
University of Eastern Finland	8,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
University of Helsinki	13,000 to 18,000 EUR per year
University of Oulu	10,000 to 13,000 EUR per year
University of Tampere	8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
University of Turku	8,000 to 16,000 EUR per year

When calculating the costs of your stay abroad, remember that these amounts only cover tuition fees; they still do not include a room or anything other than campus services.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes, there are various funding opportunities for students who wish to study abroad in Finland.

The most direct forms are university scholarships.  Each Finnish university offers a range of scholarships to international students.  These are based largely on academic merit, and there are often fees for each degree program.  Some scholarships grant a complete fee waiver, others may reward you with a percentage deduction for tuition, for example, 50% tuition waiver.

When you start applying for Finnish universities, be sure to find out about the scholarship options available at each school and apply on a timely basis.

The requirements for studying in Finland

• First cycle studies (bachelor’s degree)

If you have successfully completed upper secondary education in one of the signatory countries of the Lisbon Convention, you have a valid drop-out certificate and qualify for higher education studies in your home country, you may also qualify for higher education studies in  Finland.  However, you are asked to demonstrate your level of English.  In some cases, you are also asked to take additional qualification courses.

• Second cycle studies (master’s degree)

If you are applying for a master’s degree program at the university in Finland, you must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent equivalent.

• Third cycle studies (PhD)

In the case that you apply for doctoral studies at the University of Finland, you must have a relevant diploma or master’s program.

English language requirements

• EU students

If you are an EU student, you may be exempt from the English language test at most Finnish polytechnics and universities, provided you present a certificate of your language skills.

• Non-EU students

If English was not the language of instruction of your previous studies and you are not a student from another state of the European Union or the EEA, you must demonstrate your English language skills with one of the following:

• IELTS: a minimum score of 5.5
• TOEFL: 550 paper-based test / 213 computer-based test / 79-80 Internet-based test

The Finnish Enrollment Exam

Upon completion of high school studies, Finnish students take the enrollment exam.  The purpose of this exam is to verify the level of maturity and knowledge of the students.  Upon passing the enrollment exam, students can apply for higher education studies.

If you have not completed or passed the university entrance exams in your home country and wish to apply for undergraduate studies in Finland, you may need to take the Finnish enrollment exam.

Not sure if you have to take the Finnish enrollment exam?

If you are not sure if you should take the Finnish enrollment exam to qualify for higher education studies in Finland, we recommend that you contact the university or polytechnic you are interested in and ask about your specific situation.

Do you have any questions about the Finnish enrollment exam?

You can contact the Enrollment Exam Board of Finland through the following email address: [email protected].

Minimum qualification requirement to access higher education studies in Finland

When applying for a place of study at a university or polytechnic in Finland as an undergraduate student, your grade point average from previous studies or the results you get on the entrance exams will determine whether or not you will be admitted.  Therefore, always check with the university or the polytechnic of your choice about the minimum qualification to pass that you must meet.

Study in Finland without IELTS

All we try to do on this platform is to give valid information that will benefit students who are reading them. And to the best of our knowledge we have not come across any information that consolidate the question student ask about study in Finland without IELTS. Therefore, till further notice we don’t have any information on how to study in Finland without IELTS. But it is important it is important that you visit this website as often as possible to know when information like this comes up.

Finland scholarships for international students

Each year, the Government of Finland offers a large number of scholarships to international students, especially those from developing countries.  In addition to that, several universities grant scholarships to foreign students with outstanding results in previous academic history.  If you have a good score in IELTS / TOEFL / GMAT / SAT, in terms of university or department requirements, you are more likely to be awarded scholarships of up to 100 in your tuition fees.

From the beginning of the academic year beginning in autumn 2017 onwards, non-EU / EEA students in Finland are subject to tuition fees in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs taught in English.  Universities will also have new scholarship options to offer non-EU / EEA students admitted to undergraduate programs with tuition fees.  Each higher education institution will decide its rates and scholarships independently, but the annual rates will vary approximately between € 8,000 and € 25,000, and all institutions are expected to offer scholarships to support students participating in a paid degree program.

List of schools in Finland

Here is a list of the schools in finland:

No	Name	Established date	Type	Location	Students	Administrative staff
1	University of Helsinki	1640	Public	Helsinki	34,833	8,000
2	Åbo Akademi University	1918	Public	Turku ,and Vaasa	5,500	1,300
3	University of Turku	1920	Public	Turku, Pori	19,488	3,319
4	University of Jyväskylä	1934	Public		14,492	2,583
5	University of Oulu	1958	Public	Oulu	14,221	2,852
6	University of Vaasa	1968	Public	Vaasa	5,048	498
7	University of Lapland	1979	Public		4,349	633
8	University of Eastern Finland	2010	Public	Joensuu and Kuopio	15,000	2,800
9	Aalto University	2010	Public	Espoo and Helsinki	18,116	4,424
10	Tampere University	2019	Public	Tampere, Pori and Seinäjoki[12]	20,600	3,550

No	Name	Established date	Type	Location	Students	Administrative staff
1	Hanken School of Economics	1909	Public	Helsinki, Vaasa	2200	130
2	Lappeenranta University of Technology	1969	Public	Lappeenranta	4900	893
3	National Defence University	1993	Public	Helsinki	850	350
4	University of the Arts Helsinki	2013	Public	Helsinki	1993	729

Work and study in Finland

  Working part-time not only allows you to have more financial freedom, but also gives you a great opportunity to better understand Finnish and Finnish working life.  As I had my share of struggle when it comes to looking for work in Finland, I thought this publication would provide future students with a better understanding of part-time work while studying in Finland.

  While working as an International Student Ambassador for the University of Finland, I was often asked questions related to part-time work and internship opportunities in Finland for international students.  Some of the most frequently asked questions were whether it is possible to find a part-time job without speaking Finnish and, if so, how to do it.  Let me present the options!

  Working while studying full time

According to Migri, international students have the right to work without restrictions if the work is related to their studies.  Students can also work in other jobs, but only for 25 hours per week (part-time) on average during the academic year and work full-time without restrictions during the holidays.

That means that if you can find a part-time job that fits your study schedules, it is entirely possible to keep a part-time job while studying full-time.  It is very common for students to work less hours during the school year, then work full time during the summer and vacations.

Depending on the jobs and personal situations, some students may work enough to finance their daily expenses.  However, as recommended by Study in Finland, you should not rely entirely on the income of part-time jobs and the possibility of finding one.

Conclusion

For an international student, life in Finland is reinforced by the comfort offered by high-level infrastructure and technology, the safety of living in one of the safest countries in the world and the enjoyment offered by nature with four different seasons  They have His unique taste.

Finland is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world and, as a result, almost everyone participates in ecological ways.  Nature is an integral part of the Finnish lifestyle for a very simple reason: it is everywhere.

Finland is in the race to becoming one of the best places for international students to study. With the drastic improvement in there academics and the excellent structure of their education system have in recent years been attracting numerals international students to the country. If you’re an international student and you want to study in Finland, I’m here to encourage you that it is a good idea. And you can equip yourself with the right information like the one in this content which included almost everything that pertains to studying in Finland.

Hope this content was helpful, do well to leave us a comment in the comment section and we’ll be glad to offer information you’d need.