Studying at University in Finland: A Comprehensive Guide

Finland is a country neighboring Russia, Norway, and Sweden, renowned for its education system that captures the attention of the world. The capital city, Helsinki, speaks Finnish and Swedish as its official languages, but English is also widely spoken across the country. The quality of education and living conditions make Finland an attractive choice for international students. This guide provides essential information for those wishing to study at a university in Finland, covering universities, admission requirements, costs, and details about living in Finland.

Overview of Finland’s Education System and Universities

Finland’s education system is extensive and multifaceted. Compulsory education starts at age 7 and continues until 18, comprising preschool, basic education, and advanced secondary education. After completing compulsory education, students can choose to pursue higher education by applying to universities or universities of applied sciences. The country offers two types of higher education institutions: state universities and universities of applied sciences.

Although relatively young compared to other European countries, Finland’s universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, seven Finnish universities rank in the top 500 worldwide:

• University of Helsinki: Ranked 104th
• Aalto University: Ranked 112th
• University of Turku: Ranked 295th
• University of Jyväskylä: Ranked 358th
• University of Oulu: Ranked 377th
• Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology: Ranked 414th
• Tampere University: Ranked 414th

State universities in Finland are free for citizens of Finland, the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Students from other countries, however, are required to pay tuition fees for English-language programs, which typically range between 5,000 and 15,000 euros.

Universities in Finland and Popular Programs

Universities in Finland offer programs in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Given that English is widely spoken in Finland, there are numerous English-language programs available for international students. Below are some prominent universities and their notable programs:

University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and most prestigious university, established in 1829. It is also one of the founding members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). The University of Helsinki offers various master’s programs, but currently has only one bachelor’s program available in English: the Bachelor’s Program in Science.

Applicants to the University of Helsinki must provide SAT or similar standardized test scores and demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL.

Aalto University

Aalto University, located in Helsinki and Espoo, was founded in 2010 through the merger of three institutions specializing in different disciplines. Named after the famous architect Alvar Aalto, the university aims to provide a multidisciplinary educational and research environment. Aalto University is known for its strong engineering and design programs.

Notable English-language programs offered at Aalto University include Built Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and School Services.

University of Turku

The University of Turku, established in 1920, is one of the oldest universities in Finland. It features eight faculties, including Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Science, Social Sciences, Technology, and the Turku School of Economics.

The university offers English bachelor’s programs, particularly in Teacher Education and Early Childhood Education. Additionally, various master’s programs are also available in English.

Costs of Studying at a University in Finland

Universities in Finland charge tuition fees for non-EU international students. These fees vary depending on the institution and program, generally ranging between 5,000 and 15,000 euros annually. Below are some tuition fees for notable universities:

• University of Helsinki: The annual tuition fee for the Bachelor’s Program in Science is 13,000 euros.
• Aalto University: The annual tuition fee for international bachelor’s programs is 12,000 euros.
• University of Turku: The annual tuition fee for English-language bachelor’s programs is 10,000 euros.

Many universities offer scholarships for international students based on academic excellence or financial need, which can partially or fully cover tuition costs.

Living in Finland as a Student

Finland is one of the world’s top-ranking countries in terms of quality of life and offers diverse living options for international students. The cost of living in Finland is average compared to other European countries. Below are some details regarding the cost of living in Finland:

• Food: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Finland costs around 12 euros on average.
• Grocery Prices:
  • 1 loaf of bread: 2.1 euros
  • 1 liter of milk: 1 euro
  • 1 kilogram of rice: 2 euros
  • 12 eggs: 2.1 euros
  • 1 kilogram of chicken: 10.1 euros
  • 1 kilogram of cheese: 7 euros
  • 1 kilogram of tomatoes: 3 euros
  • 1 kilogram of potatoes: 1 euro
  • 1 kilogram of onions: 1.4 euros
  • 1.5 liters of water: 1.4 euros
• Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass costs 58 euros.
• Rent: The average rent for a studio apartment in the city center is 715 euros, while the average rent for a studio apartment outside the city center is 572 euros.
• Accommodation Options: Student dormitories and apartments provided by universities range from 300 to 900 euros per month.

The average monthly living cost for a student in Finland is estimated to be around 809 euros.

Applying to Universities in Finland and Required Documents

International students wishing to apply to universities in Finland must prepare the following documents:

• Valid Passport: A color copy of all pages of your passport and passport-sized photos as required by Finnish authorities.
• Residence Permit: Before entering Finland, students must obtain a residence permit. A university acceptance letter must be provided when applying for a residence permit.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Students must prove they have a minimum of 6,720 euros annually to cover living expenses. This can be in the form of a bank statement, scholarship certificate, or sponsorship letter.
• Health Insurance: Every international student must have health insurance to study in Finland.

Processing of applications by the Finnish Immigration Service typically takes about a month. It is recommended to apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying in Finland

Studying in Finland offers various advantages and disadvantages. These are detailed below:

Advantages

• High Quality of Education: Finnish universities provide excellent education through modern teaching methods and highly qualified academic staff. This ensures graduates have the skills to compete internationally.
• Student-Friendly Environment: Finland offers an international atmosphere that helps students adapt easily. The variety of English programs and the widespread use of English make international students feel comfortable.
• High Quality of Life: Finland ranks among the top countries in the World Happiness Report. With its safe environment, clean nature, and well-developed social amenities, Finland offers a high quality of life for students.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Universities offer several scholarship options for international students. Scholarships can reduce or even completely cover tuition fees.

Disadvantages

• High Living Costs: The cost of living in Finland can be higher compared to other European countries. Rent and daily expenses may pose significant financial burdens on students.
• Harsh Climate: Finland has cold winters, which can be challenging, especially for students from warmer climates.
• Language Barrier: Finnish and Swedish can be difficult languages for international students. Although English is widely used, knowing Finnish can be advantageous for daily life.

University Admission Process in Finland

The university application process in Finland is transparent and straightforward compared to other European countries. The basic steps to gain admission to a university in Finland are as follows:

1. Choose the Right Program: If you do not know Finnish or Swedish, you must apply to programs offered in English. You can find detailed information about all programs and admission requirements on the universities’ official websites.
2. Prepare Required Documents: The documents required by universities usually include a high school diploma, English proficiency test results (such as IELTS, TOEFL), passport copies, and proof of financial resources.
3. Apply for a Residence Permit: After receiving your acceptance letter, apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service.
4. Apply for Scholarships: If covering tuition fees is challenging, you can apply for scholarships offered by universities. Scholarships may be based on academic performance or financial need and provide substantial support for students.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Pursuing higher education in Finland is an attractive option due to the quality of education and high living standards. Finland’s high quality of life, modern education facilities, and student-friendly environment make it a popular destination for international students. However, students should consider factors such as high living costs and harsh winters.

Prospective students are advised to apply early, secure their residence permits, and arrange accommodation well in advance. Exploring scholarship opportunities provided by universities can also help reduce the financial burden.

If you are considering studying in Finland, take the first step by researching suitable programs and universities and applying promptly to make the most of this unique educational opportunity.