Study Abroad > Study in Finland
Why Study in Finland

Education System in Finland
Finland's education system has been recognized as one of the most successful systems in the world. The government agencies running Finnish schools are made up of educators, not business people, military leaders, or other professions. The country's education system produces top-tier students, and it has created an education system that works for everyone.
Finland's education system is based on early childhood education and care, pre-primary education, basic education, general upper secondary education, vocational education, higher education, and adult education.
Finland's higher education system includes universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities focus on conducting scientific research and providing education based on it, whereas universities of applied sciences offer more practical education aimed at responding to the needs of the labour market.
Finland has a high graduation rate, with 93% of students graduating high school and 66% of high school students going on to further education, including college or vocational courses. Finland spends about 30% less per student than the US, the UK, Japan, and Germany. Finland's education system is based on trust in its teachers and provides ample time for children to enjoy their childhood and prepare for school. It is a publicly-funded system run by educators at all levels of government
Intakes
Popular Programs
Finland offers a range of English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programs in universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) across the country, with more than 500 options available for international students. UAS programs are known for their professionally-oriented curriculum on the bachelor's and master's levels.
For those seeking preparatory programs to help gain admission to undergraduate studies in Finland, Pathway to Finland offers study programs to help reach the necessary skill level for university admission.
Tuition and Living costs
Level of Education | Tuition Fees per year |
---|---|
Bachelor's Degree | € 8,000 to € 9,700 per year |
Master’s Degree | € 9,500 to € 10,000 per year |
The cost of living in Finland varies depending on the city and region, with larger cities being more expensive than smaller towns. On average, international students should budget around 700-900 EUR per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses.
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses, and the cost of a single room in a student dormitory can range from 250 to 500 euros per month, while private apartments can cost up to 800 euros per month. Many universities offer student housing at lower rates.
International students who are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries are required to have a valid health insurance policy, and the cost of insurance can range from 50 to 80 euros per month. Additionally, students are advised to budget for expenses such as textbooks, leisure activities, and travel.
Scholarships
There are several scholarships available for international students in Finland. One of the best scholarships in Finland for international students is the Aalto University Scholarship Program, which is a merit-based award for selected non-EU/EEA students per degree program. It has two types, category A which covers 50% of the tuition fee, and category B, which covers 100% of the tuition fees.
In addition, there are other scholarships available for international students, such as the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, which provides scholarships for Doctoral level studies and research, the University of Helsinki Scholarships, which are merit-based and cover tuition fees and living expenses, and the EDUFI Fellowships program, which provides post-graduate level scholarships for research and studies at Finnish universities.
Moreover, many Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences offer their own scholarships for international students. For example, the University of Helsinki offers a range of scholarships for non-EU/EEA students, including the Helsinki Scholarship Programme, the University of Helsinki International Master's Scholarship Programme, and the CIMO Fellowships. It is recommended to check with the individual universities or universities of applied sciences to see what scholarships are available for international students
Student Accommodation
International students in Finland have a variety of options for student accommodation.
One option is student housing offered by universities and student housing foundations. There are also private accommodation options available, such as renting an apartment or sharing a flat.
The cost of living in Finland can be high, and students should carefully consider their options and budget when choosing their accommodation. Some universities in Finland also offer assistance with finding accommodation, so students are advised to check with their study institution about this.
Entry Requirements for Admissions
Documents for Admissions
International students in Finland may be eligible for a post-study work visa after completing their studies. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, students who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in Finland can apply for a temporary residence permit for job-seeking for up to one year. During this time, they can work in Finland and search for a job that is related to their field of study. If they find a suitable job, they can apply for a longer-term residence permit for employment. PhD graduates can apply for a residence permit for scientific research or employment.
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