Universities in Finland and Tuition
Finland, like the rest of the Nordic countries, is famed for its academic excellence and unique culture. It is not only a fantastic study abroad option for anyone searching for a unique Nordic experience, but it is also home to some of Europe’s greatest universities and has been awarded the happiest country in the world for the second year in a row in 2019. Before we go ahead and share a list of universities in Finland, let’s talk about the admission process, tuition and cost of living.
Finland’s unique geographical location, sandwiched between Western and Eastern Europe and bordering Sweden, Norway, and Russia, has had a significant impact on the country’s cultural expression, and the country now offers visitors a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge trendiness. Finland runs well thanks to good governance, social innovation, and functional solutions in business, industry, and people’s daily lives. Finland is so safe and functional that if it weren’t for the unique Finns, it would be dull. Finland’s pristine natural beauty and landscapes are unparalleled and a source of both wonder and adventure, making your experience unforgettable. With harsh winters and gorgeous summers, Finland’s pristine natural beauty and landscapes are a source of both wonder and adventure, making your experience unforgettable.
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Education in Finland
Universities and universities of applied sciences are the two categories of higher education institutions in Finland (UAS). Universities are the only institutions that provide doctoral programs.
There are 13 state-owned universities in Finland, all of which focus on scientific research and provide students with a higher theoretical education. Local towns and commercial entities govern UASs, which are centered on learning practical skills and participating in industry development projects. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is used to measure the amount of higher education credits in Finland, as it is in many other European nations.
Higher Education in Finland
Bachelor’s degree: 3 years (180 ECTS credits) of study leading to a professional or academic bachelor’s degree. Students receive both core instruction in the chosen discipline and a comprehensive general education.
1-2 years for a master’s degree (60 or 120 ECTS credits): Provides specialized content while enabling for the scientific research process to be further developed.
Doctoral degree (PhD): In Finland, a PhD degree normally takes four years to complete. Furthermore, they may be ready-made PhD programs, or a student might inquire about doctoral study alternatives with the department of interest. Universities are the only institutions that award PhDs.
Apply to Study in Finland
Applications are normally submitted online, either directly to the university or through University Admissions Finland, a centralized admissions agency (UAF). Deadlines vary, but the main application period for courses beginning the following fall is November-January. It is also possible to apply for classes commencing the following spring at various polytechnics in August-September, but only for a limited number of programs. You may be required to pass an entrance examination in addition to showing your academic credentials.
Select a program.
Begin by selecting a degree program that is appropriate for you. You may look up various possibilities on the Studyinfo.fi website, which is also where you normally apply online. There are many English-taught degree programs available in Finland. There are degrees available in a variety of topics across disciplines, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Finland, on the other hand, is known for a wide range of programs in science, engineering, and innovation.
Prepare the necessary paperwork
Each university or UAS has its own set of requirements and documentation, although the following are some of the most frequent forms that are required by all universities:
- Copies of qualifications documents that have been finished or are about to be finalized
- Official translations in Finnish, Swedish, or English for all documents
- Original diplomas and approved translations are required.
Once you begin your online application, universities will give you a detailed list of required documents. Keep in mind that all documents must be written in one of Finland’s official languages or in English, and if English is not your first language, you may be requested to take an English proficiency exam before finalizing your admission to any of the universities in Finland.
Specific Admission Requirements should be checked.
Specific paperwork may be required depending on the university. Always check the university’s website for exact admission requirements, and if you have any problems, contact the university’s Admissions Services.
In the case of Finland, make sure to double-check the official application dates, as they can differ from one institution to the next. You may also be required to demonstrate your English language proficiency, which may necessitate scheduling a TOEFL® or IELTSTM test.
Send in your application!
Studyinfo.fi, the official website for Finnish applications, is where most applications are made. There are two sorts of applications; which one you use is determined on the degree program to which you are applying:
Joint Application
Separate Application
With a joint application, you can apply to six different study programs all at once. You apply directly to a study program at an institution if you use the separate application. Each study program or institution has its own application form, and there is no limit to how many study programs you can apply for.
Languages in Finland
Finnish and Swedish are the two national languages of Finland, and both are taught in university classes. It may also be possible to enroll in English-taught courses, however this is more prevalent at the graduate level than at the undergraduate level. If you are studying in English, it is strongly advised that you learn at least basic Finnish to assist you with daily living while in the nation.
Polytechnics, rather than traditional universities in Finland, offer many of the English-language undergraduate courses. These institutions, sometimes known as ‘universities of applied sciences,’ offer full degrees with a more vocational orientation.
Lahti University of Applied Sciences, for example, offers an English-taught nursing degree; Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences offers English-taught information technology and media engineering courses; and HAMK University of Applied Sciences offers an English-taught bachelor’s degree in construction engineering.
However, if you wish to complete a full undergraduate degree in Finland, you must be able to study in either Finnish or Swedish for the bulk of topics. You might also study in Finland for a shorter length of time, for example, as part of a summer school or an exchange program; in these circumstances, there are more English-led choices.
Tuition Fees
Previously, all students, regardless of country, were entitled to free tuition. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees have now been implemented by the Finnish government. These students must pay at least €1,500 (US$1,800) per year. Depending on your course, you’ll likely pay between €4,000 and €20,000 (US$4,800 – 24,500).
Non-EU students who are pursuing a PhD or a course offered in Finnish or Swedish are exempt from paying tuition. You can study for free if you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
Universities in Finland
University of Helsinki
The Institution of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is Finland’s oldest university. It has been in Helsinki since 1829, but it was previously known as the Royal Academy of Turku and was located in Turku, Finland’s oldest settlement. The University of Helsinki is now Finland’s top-ranked university, ranking tied 102nd in the world.
With over 32,000 students, the university is not only Finland’s oldest and highest-ranked higher education institution, but also the country’s largest. It includes eleven faculties and eleven research centers, and degrees are offered in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Aalto University
Aalto University, which is also in the city, is Finland’s second-highest-ranking university, now ranked 137th in the world. The university was established in 2010 as a result of the merger of three previous institutions: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and Helsinki University of Art and Design. The Finnish government wanted to build a new university that would serve as an example of innovation and a symbol of high-quality education. Approximately 12,100 pupils are currently enrolled.
University of Turku
The University of Turku is Finland’s second-largest university, with little over 20,000 students enrolled. The university’s main campus is located in Turku, Finland’s southwest, but it also includes faculties in Rauma, Pori, and Salo. The University of Turku was founded in 1920 as a result of more than 22,000 citizen donations. It emphasizes international collaboration and provides a number of master’s and doctoral programs in association with universities in other countries.
University of Jyväskylä
The University of Jyväskylä was formed in 1934 and is descended from the first Finnish-speaking teacher training institution, which was created in 1863. Around 15,000 students are enrolled in the university’s six faculties. It is still known for its teacher-training programs and is regarded as the country’s leading university for education programs. The University of Jyväskylä is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the category of education and training, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017.
University of Eastern Finland
Eastern Finland University is now ranked 451-460 in the globe. It was founded in 2010 when the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio merged. More than 15,000 students are now enrolled in one of the university’s four faculties. The University of Eastern Finland, which has a strong research reputation, has a large network of international collaborators and frequently participates in international initiatives. The university’s main campuses are in Joensuu and Kuopio, with additional facilities in Savonlinna, all in the country’s south-east, in the region traditionally known as Eastern Finland.
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Work and Study
Student jobs are an important component of a student’s life and experience before joining the labor market. Most institutions, likewise, allow students to work part-time in the evenings or on weekends. Furthermore, the majority of students look for job during the summer, from June to late August.
Students from Nordic or EEA countries do not require special permission to work in Finland. Other overseas students with a study permit can work within specific parameters if the employment is part of the degree’s practical training or if part-time work does not exceed 25 hours per week.
The best tip for finding the best jobs in the city where you will live is to take initiative and network. Furthermore, distinct customs for obtaining a job may exist in Finland, and it is necessary to become acquainted with them in order to have a higher chance of landing a job.
If you’re looking for a job, the career services at Finnish institutions should be your first stop. Universities in Finland have strong ties to the business sector and can give overseas students with the greatest possible introduction.
Accommodation and Living Expenses
The Nordic countries are generally considered costly compared to other cheaper European destinations, but you will find there are plenty of benefits and discounts to be had as a student living in Finland.
When studying abroad, it’s important to plan your budget carefully and consider living expenses, what kind of accommodation you’ll have, how much travelling you plan to do and whether you will try and find part-time work.
There are two types of accommodation in Finland: student or private housing. Renting privately can become expensive, especially in the main cities.
Fortunately, student housing is very accessible and staying at a university dormitory or student residence hall is an option in many institutions in Finland, so make sure to contact your university about their housing opportunities.
Monthly living expenses for students (including food, accommodation, travel, insurance, etc.) are on average around €700 – €1,000, depending on where you’ll be living and your personal habits, and are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.
Fortunately, your student residence permit will allow you to work for up to 25 hours per week. Most Finnish universities provide career services for international students —they’re available to lend a hand during your job search, whether you’re looking for a student job or a full-time position after you graduate.
We hope this article on list of universities in Finland will be of benefit to you.
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