Finland, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, is known for its highly efficient education system. According to the 2020 Universitas 21 ranking of higher education systems, Finland’s Universities are the most effective in the world when it comes to national income levels. As per Eurostat, the percentage of the adult Finland population that participated in informal learning stood at 68.7%, which is significantly higher than the EU average of 59.9%. The data reveals that even adult Finns take learning seriously, depicting a strong culture that focuses on lifelong learning. As per the data from Education Finland, Finland’s education exports have grown 49% over the last few years. This shows a positive trend vis-à-vis international education.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree: You must have an upper secondary school certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Master’s degree: You must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
- Language requirements: For English-taught programs, you’ll need to meet the English language proficiency requirements set by the university. This usually involves taking a standardized test like IELTS or TOEFL. For Finnish-taught programs, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in Finnish.
Application process
There are two main ways to apply for a degree program in Finland:
- Joint application: This is the most common way to apply for Bachelor’s programs. The application period is usually in January for programs starting in the following September. You can apply to up to six programs with one application.
- Separate application: Some Master’s programs and a few Bachelor’s programs have separate application periods. You’ll need to apply directly to the university offering the program.
How to apply
- Search for programs: Use the Studyinfo.fi database to search for programs that match your interests and qualifications. You can filter by program type, level, location, language of instruction, and more.
- Check the application requirements: Carefully review the application requirements for each program you’re interested in. This will include information on deadlines, required documents, and selection criteria.
- Register and apply: Create an account on Studyinfo.fi and start your application. You’ll need to upload all required documents, including your transcripts, certificates, and language test scores.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable): Some programs have an application fee. You’ll need to pay this fee before your application can be processed.
- Submit your application: Once you’ve completed all the steps, submit your application online.
Additional tips
- Start planning early: The application deadlines can be quite early, so start planning your application well in advance.
- Meet the language requirements: Make sure you meet the English language proficiency requirements for your chosen program.
- Prepare strong application documents: Your transcripts, certificates, and letter of motivation should be well-written and highlight your academic achievements and suitability for the program.
- Apply to multiple programs: You can apply to up to six programs with a joint application, so take advantage of this opportunity to increase your chances of getting accepted.
Useful resources
- Studyinfo.fi: https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/
- Study in Finland: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
- Finnish National Agency for Education: https://okm.fi/
Quick facts
- 7 universities among top 500 in the world (QS World Rankings 2023)
- Post Study Work Visa up to 1 Year
- Helsinki – among the most popular student cities
- Finland hosts over 20,000 international students
- 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS) to choose from
- 500 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes
- Affordable Tuition Fees
- Pathways to Permanent Residency
Cost of Education in Finland
| Types of Expenses | Annual Expenses in € | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees for one-year (Indicative) | 10000 | |
| Living and Accommodation (Indicative) | 8400 | |
| Airfare to Finland (Indicative) | 570 | |
| Visa Fees | 450 | |
| Total Expenses | 19420 | |
Popular Courses
Engineering & Technology- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Education & Training
Engineering & TechnologyEducation System in Finland
Here’s an overview of the education system in Finland
- Early Childhood Education and Care: Designed for children aged 0-6 years, this stage precedes pre-primary education and serves as a foundation for learning and development.
- Pre-primary Education: Lasting for one year, pre-primary education bridges the gap between early childhood education and care and primary and lower secondary education. It helps children transition smoothly into formal schooling.
- Primary and Lower Secondary Education: Known as Comprehensive School Education, this phase caters to children aged 7 to 17 years, providing a holistic education covering a wide range of subjects and skills.
- Upper Secondary Education: This stage offers two tracks: general upper secondary education and vocational education and training. Students typically choose their preferred track based on their interests and career goals.
- Higher Education: Higher education in Finland encompasses bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and licentiate degrees. Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while doctoral and licentiate degrees are exclusively provided by universities
Top Courses in Finland
| Academic Field | Top Courses |
|---|---|
| Technical | Agricultural Sciences |
| Computer Science | |
| Materials Engineering | |
| Data Science | |
| Mathematics and Statistics | |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | |
| Natural Sciences | Chemistry |
| Physics | |
| Biology | |
| Humanities/Social Sciences/ | Law |
| Languages | Politics |
| Education | |
| Management/Finance/Economics | Economics |
| Management |
Admission Requirements to Study in Finland Universities
Although admission requirements for studying in Finland vary depending on the degree level and course, the following list provides an overview of the basic requirements for admission to Finnish universities:
- Completed application form for the university/college
- Upper secondary-level educational documents
- Degree certificates or officially certified copies issued by the main university
- Transcripts of records issued by the main university
- Score reports of SAT/GRE/GMAT
- Score reports of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge Proficiency
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Essay
- Letters of Recommendation from employer/professor/teacher
- Other documents such as portfolio/sample work, etc., for specific programs such as design and architecture
- Proof of finances
- Medical tests
Students should be aware that Finnish educational institutions have two intake seasons: Autumn intake (the primary intake with the most course offerings) and Spring intake (the secondary intake or extension of Autumn intake). It is important to meet all deadlines and organize documents well in advance.