Finland

1. Higher education in Finland

1.1 Finnish higher education system

In common with most northern European countries, Finland has a highly demarcated higher education system. On the one hand, there are 10 comprehensive, research universities and an additional five specialised technical or artistic universities focusing on a narrow range of subjects, for example, engineering, economics, the performing arts. On the other hand, there are currently 26 Universities of Applied Sciences (the number is affected by mergers and consolidation) that specialize in providing more practical, hands-on education.

All institutions are typically referred to as universities and they all have the ability to award bachelor-level qualifications. Universities award Bachelor degrees such as BSc and BA, whereas universities of applied sciences award Bachelor degrees in subjects, for example, BBA (business administration), BEng (engineering). An undergraduate degree from a university typically takes 3 years to complete and university of applied science degrees last between 3.5 and 4.5 years including work placements.

At Bachelor’s level, Finnish research universities tend not to teach any degrees in English. Of the approximately 150 Bachelor's degrees taught in English, fewer than 10 are at research universities.

While 150 Bachelor’s degrees might suggest quite a wide range of options for international students, in reality these English-taught degrees are often the same or similar programmes offered at multiple locations. 70% of the Bachelor’s degrees are in only four subjects: international business, nursing, ICT and tourism/hospitality. In contrast to many other countries, there is very little on offer in creative art and design subjects.

Finnish higher education does offer some unusual options that are not easy to find elsewhere. There are two options available for students wishing to embark on a maritime career as a sea captain. 

A new degree for 2017 in eSports Business offered at Kajani University of Applied Sciences is the first we have come across to address the growing computer-based competitive and recreational sport sector. Finland is at the forefront of what is sure to become a global phenomenon.

In general, it is fair to say that Finnish higher education only offers Bachelor’s level education in English in strategic areas where it is trying to encourage immigration (nursing) or in areas where the country’s competitive advantage is well established (maritime sector, eSports etc). There is certainly no indication that research universities will be offering widespread opportunities in English at Bachelor’s level although postgraduate education is now just as international as in most other northern European countries.

1.2 Entry requirements for Finnish universities

Universities in Finland are highly selective and often oversubscribed. Completion of secondary education at advanced level, equivalent to passing the exam at the end of Finnish upper secondary school, is the basic requirement for entry to Finnish universities and university colleges. If you have A levels you should be eligible for entry to a Finnish university although each university is free to determine its own requirements and you will need to contact each university directly to find out what these are. Additionally each university also has its own entrance exam.

The most common form of entrance exam is a written test, but when applying to subjects like visual arts, drama, or music, you may need to prepare a portfolio of your work, or you may be invited to an audition.

• in most cases, the entrance examinations are held in Finland, and those who are invited to the exams must personally travel to Finland to take the test.
• if you are applying to the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (polytechnics) it is sometimes possible to take exams in other countries.
• if you are applying to a Finnish University you need to be in direct contact with the Finnish university you are applying to in order to find out if you can take the examination in your home country.

You need to have your final secondary school results available by mid-July. This is before A levels, Highers and Irish Leaving Certificate results are known. This means that you might have to take a year between school and university. Students with the International Baccalaureate will be absolutely fine. It might be possible for Finnish universities to be flexible but you will need to discuss this with them directly.

1.3 Application process for Finnish universities

There is a centralised application platform for all Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences. This is the Studyinfo portal.

The application period for 2022 will be open from 5-19 January 2022.

For some universities of applied sciences you can apply directly (ie. not through Studyinfo) from January to April.

You can also apply in August-September for courses starting in January.

1.4 Accreditation and recognition in Finland

All Finnish higher education institutions are regulated by the Ministry of Education although they do have a fair amount of autonomy. There are no private universities in Finland except for Helsinki Business School.

Accreditation and recognition of Finnish qualifications is not a problem.

2. How much does it cost to study in Finland?

2.1 Tuition fees for Finnish universities

Finnish universities do not charge tuition fees for EU students but from 2018 they did introduce fees for non-EU nationals. This now includes British nationals. Fees are typically reasonable and there are quite generous scholarships and tuition fee waivers available for many degrees. It is likely that British students will find Finland relatively affordable from a tuition perspective.

2.2 Loans and grants in Finland

There is no national student loan or grant available to international students for the simple reason that there are no tuition fees for local students. The Finnish government is already providing free higher education and therefore is no need for it to provide further assistance. You will have to finance your living costs on your own but the overall cost of your studies will be lower than in many other countries.

2.3 Cost of Living

Even though studying in Finland is free you will still have to plan for anticipated cost of living.

In Finland, the general cost of living is relatively high. The average monthly living expenses for a student in Finland are approximately €800-1,000 (£750-900). This may vary a bit, depending on your study location in Finland – for example, accommodation and other living costs may be higher in the Helsinki metropolitan area and other larger cities.

As a student you can get discounts in student restaurants and cafeterias, public transport and national rail travel. Student housing with shared facilities is usually a low-cost accommodation option. For detailed information on the local student accommodation options available in different study locations in Finland, the related costs etc. you are best advised to contact your university in Finland. It is also advisable to try to arrange your accommodation as soon as you have an offer letter from your university as demand in the most popular student cities can be very high.

For more advice on housing please visit this website.

In the following table you will find an estimate of the monthly living costs for students.

Accommodation	€400
Food	€150-250
Transportation	€25-50
Mobile phones	€20-30
Social life	€80
Total	€800-900 (£700-800)

3. Student life in Finland

3.1 How do I get a visa to study in Finland?

As Finland is part of the European Union this is not required for EU nationals. You will need to register with the local authorities once you are resident in Finland but this is not a step you need to undertake in advance.

British nationals will have to apply for a visa.

3.2 On Arrival

EU nationals do not need a residence permit to stay in Finland, but they must register their residence after staying three months in Finland. The local police handle the registration, except for Nordic citizens, who register at a Register Office and present the Inter-Nordic Migration Form.

3.3 Opening a Bank Account

The student affairs office, your tutors, or your fellow students in Finland can assist you in this. To open an account, you need to visit the bank branch in person. Please remember to take all the necessary documents with you - including your passport for identification purposes. Please check beforehand with the bank which documents and certificates you will need - the requirements may vary slightly from one bank group to another.

The account types offered for daily banking do not usually differ from each other significantly, either in terms of their features or their service charges. When it comes to choosing your Finnish bank it may be the easiest solution to just pick one that has a branch office within a convenient distance from your student flat or your university, so that if you need to visit the bank in person it is always near.

3.4 Working in Finland

If you have an EU passport you can work while you are a student. British and other non-EU passport holders can work but only within specific limits dictated by the terms of their visa.

There are no restrictions on the amount of hours you can work. Your chances of finding a job will improve if you can speak Finnish in addition to English. It is not advisable to count on finding a part-time job to fit in alongside your studies but it is possible for you to do so if the opportunity should arise.

4. Which are the best universities in Finland?

1. University of Helsinki

2. Aalto University

3. University of Eastern Finland

4. University of Turku

 

Universities in Finland

• Laurea University of Applied Sciences - Turku

  City: Turku

• Vaasa University of Applied Sciences

  City: Vaasa

• Oulu University of Applied Sciences

  City: Oulu

• University of Oulu

  City: Oulu

• LAB University of Applied Sciences - Lappeenranta

  City: Lappeenranta

• LUT University of Technology

  City: Lappeenranta

• SAMK Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

  City: Pori

• Savonia University of Applied Sciences

  City: Kuopio

• SeAMK University of Applied Sciences

  City: Seinajoki

• Tampere University of Applied Sciences

  City: Tampere

• Tampere University

  City: Tampere

• Turku University of Applied Sciences

  City: Turku

• NOVIA University of Applied Sciences

  City: Vaasa

• NOVIA University of Applied Sciences - Turku

  City: Turku

• XAMK University of Applied Sciences

  City: Kouvola

• Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences Ylivieska

  City: Ylivieska

• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Vantaa

  City: Vantaa

• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Myyrmaki

  City: Myyrmaki

• Centria University of Applied Sciences - Pietarsaari

  City: Pietarsaari

• NOVIA University of Applied Sciences - Raseborg

  City: Raseborg

• Laurea University of Applied Sciences - Leppavaara

  City: Leppavaara

• Laurea University of Applied Sciences - Tikkurila

  City: Tikkurila

• Aalto University - Otaniemi

  City: Otaniemi

• Hame University of Applied Science (HAMK) - Mustiala

  City: Mustiala

• Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

  City: Pasila

• Arcada University of Applied Sciences

  City: Helsinki

• Laurea University of Applied Sciences

  City: Helsinki

• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

  City: Helsinki

• University of Helsinki

  City: Helsinki

• Humak University of Applied Sciences

  City: Helsinki

• Helsinki Business School (HELBUS)

  City: Helsinki

• University of the Arts Helsinki

  City: Helsinki

• XAMK University of Applied Sciences - Mikkeli

  City: Mikkeli

• Aalto University - Mikkeli

  City: Mikkeli

• Centria University of Applied Sciences

  City: Kokkola

• Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

  City: Jarvenpaa

• Aalto University

  City: Helsinki

• Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Porvoo

  City: Porvoo

• Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Vierumaki

  City: Vierumaki

• Hame University of Applied Science (HAMK) - Valkeakoski

  City: Valkeakoski

• Hame University of Applied Science (HAMK) - Hameenlinna

  City: Hameenlinna

• Hame University of Applied Science (HAMK) - Riihimaki

  City: Riihimaki

• Hame University of Applied Science (HAMK) - Forssa

  City: Forssa

• JAMK University of Applied Sciences

  City: Jyvaskyla

• KAMK University of Applied Sciences

  City: Kajaani

• Lapland University of Applied Sciences

  City: Tornio

• LAB University of Applied Sciences - Lahti

  City: Lahti

• Karelia University of Applied Sciences

  City: Joensuu