Study in Finland | 5 Things you need to know before studying here!

Finland was home to over 1,785,100 students during the academic year of 2020. Many students across the globe are considering Finland for its unique opportunities and rich cultural heritage. Located in Europe, the country is filled with beautiful architecture, impeccable landscapes, and fascinating ways of living. Other popular countries for higher education include New Zealand, Italy, and Germany. 

There are several benefits to pursuing education in countries, such as Finland. From the excellent quality of life to significant earning opportunities, studying in Finland can be a good choice to make. 

Discover 5 important things you need to know to study in Finland! 

1. The educational system in Finland 

In addition to its beauty, Finland is a country with an excellent educational system in place. There are also some very reputed universities that have campuses here. Moreover, there are a plethora of specialization options for students to choose from, such as medicine, business, and engineering.

Finland’s educational system has a prominent division into two distinct categories. These are-

• Polytechnic Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences 

Polytechnic universities are practical-oriented and prepare international students for careers in the Applied Sciences and related fields. 

• Universities 

Universities are more research-based and train students in conducting studies with systematic methodologies and systems. 

Students often complete programs from both universities and polytechnic schools, to gain all-rounded knowledge and skills. The network of educational institutions in the country includes 13 universities and 23 polytechnic universities. 

All of the study programs are systematically organized into a module plan and course assessments. Most aspirants who want to study in Finland found that many of the Masters’s level programs offered are available in English. 

Students from EU/EEA countries seeking higher education can complete their training free of charge, provided they meet certain university-level criteria. 

2. Top universities 

Finland is recognized for its excellent universities that offer a wide range of programs for students to choose from. Some of the top universities in Finland include- 

• The University of Helsinki 
• LUT University 
• Aalto University 
• University of Turku 
• University of Eastern Finland 
• Abo Akademi University 

Each of these universities has an exemplary teaching style. The higher education system in the country encourages students to develop interdisciplinary skills as compared to specializing in a single discipline.

3. Cost of studying 

The tuition fees for some of the most popular universities in Finland are- 

The University of Helsinki- Tuition Fees – EUR 13,000 to EUR 18,000 per year. 

Aalto University- Tuition Fees- EUR 12,000 to EUR 15,000 per year. 

Abo Akademi University- Tuition Fees – EUR 8000 to EUR 12,000 per year. 

• If a student is a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the European Union (EU), they do not have to pay any tuition fees.
• Students who are not from the EEA, EU, or Switzerland are recognized as international aspirants who want to study in Finland. 
• Tuition fees are applicable for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Doctorate programs, on the other hand, are usually free.
• The cost of studying in Finland varies depending upon the university selected. 

4. Application requirements 

To be admitted to an English-medium program in Finland, students need to demonstrate proficiency in the language. 

Some of the English test scores accepted by universities in Finland include-

• TOEFL iBT 
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 
• Cambridge ESOL’s CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) 
• Cambridge ESOL’s CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) 

The scores for IELTS and TOEFL iBT will be mentioned on the official website of the university for students who want to study in Finland. Meeting the required score will bring the aspirant one step closer to securing admission in their program.

5. Visa Processes 

Students will require a Finnish residence permit to complete their program. This can be done by filling the online application and booking an appointment with the Finnish embassy or consulate. 

Processing of a Finnish residence permit takes between 1 to 3 months. Students are also required to apply for their student visa alongside the residence permit. 

Some of the documents needed for a Finland student visa include-

• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of funds 
• Details of tuition fee payments 
• Valid passport 

Key Takeaways 

• Aspirants seeking higher education opportunities in Finland should give it a serious thought! 
• Located in Europe, this country has excellent healthcare and educational system in place. Students have gained several benefits from being a part of these systems. 
• There are several opportunities for students who study in Finland to develop a wide range of interdisciplinary skills. This helps in holistic growth and development. 
• The tuition fees are affordable and free for students from the EA/EEA regions. 

We hope you found this blog informative and will consider studying in Finland. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also get in touch with us if you have any doubts. 

Liked this blog? Read: Top amazing reasons why you should study in Italy!

FAQs 

Q1. How many international students apply to study in Finland annually?

Answer – As of 2021, 10,000 international students apply to Finland’s education programs annually. 

Q2. How are admissions usually conducted for higher education institutions in Finland? 

Answer – Admissions are based on the GPA scored in entrance exams. 

Q3. Which is the largest university in Finland? 

Answer – The largest university in Finland is the University of Helsinki.