Studying in Finland: an introduction
Finland’s strong focus on education, innovation and design makes it an ideal destination for students looking to study design, technology or engineering at university
Maryam Afshan
Finland is an excellent choice for international students who are interested in studying in a country with a high standard of living, low crime rate and stunning natural beauty.
The country has a strong focus on education, innovation and design, making it an ideal destination for students wishing to pursue fields such as design, technology and engineering.
Finland’s weather is characterised by cold and snowy winters, mild springs, warm and sunny summers and colourful autumns.
Studying in Finland: where to study
When choosing a course and a university, students should keep an eye out for Finnish language requirements – some programmes require proficiency in Finnish.
The following are the top 10 universities in Finland:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT
- University of Oulu
- Tampere University
- University of Turku
- University of Jyväskylä
- University of Vaasa
- Abo Akademi University
- University of Eastern Finland
All 10 universities feature in the top 600 of the THE World University Rankings.
How to apply
Prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Transcripts and diplomas
- Proof of English language proficiency (if necessary)
- Letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- CV or resumé
Submit your application through the university’s online portal or by post.
Pay the application fee, which typically ranges from €50 to €150.
Applying for a visa
Students who are not European Union/EEA citizens will need to apply for a student-residence permit via the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Prepare the following documents:
- Accepted admission letter from the Finnish university
- Proof of sufficient funds (about €6,720 per year)
- Health insurance coverage
- Police certificate (if required)
Submit your application to Migri online or by post. Then wait for Migri to process your application and issue a student-residence permit.
Funding and scholarships
1. Scholarships
All universities in Finland offers various scholarships for international students. These include:
- University of Helsinki Scholarship: awarded to international students applying to the University of Helsinki
- Aalto University Scholarship: awarded to international students applying to Aalto University.
2. Government funding
The Finnish government provides funding for international students through programmes such as:
- EDUFI Fellowship: funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture for doctoral students wishing to pursue a research programme in Finland.