Many families want their children to receive education in Finland. Finland, which offers high-quality education worldwide, is an ideal country for students.
Every year, hundreds of students receive education at Finnish universities. International students who choose to study in Finland receive education at high standards. Additionally, Finnish universities are also involved in research activities. Students who are prepared for the workforce after graduation can start their careers at high standards.
Finland is referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’ due to its lakes. With its unique natural beauty and mesmerizing northern lights, Finland will be a perfect educational route for students. In this article, we will provide advice for those who want to educate their children in Finland.
Free Education in Finland
Finland, which ranks at the top in reports conducted by PISA, is known for having one of the best and most prestigious education systems in the world. The Finnish education system promotes creativity instead of rote learning, ensuring the development of students’ skills. Education in Finland is provided free of charge. If you are a citizen of the European Union or Switzerland, you can study at Finnish universities for free. The best universities where students can receive free education are;
- University of Jyvaskyla
- University of Eastern Finland
- Hanken School of Economics.
Who Has to Pay Tuition Fees in Finland?
Until 2017, free education support was provided to international students from all over the world in Finland. As a result of new regulations, if you are not a citizen of an EU country, you will have to pay tuition fees to study in Finland. Tuition fees at Finnish universities range from €8,000 to €16,000. Each university has the right to determine its own independent tuition fees. The fees applied to students who are not citizens of the European Union are;
- University of Tampere – annual €10,000,
- University of Helsinki – annual €13,000,
- Aalto University – annual €15,000.
What is the Cost of Studying in Finland?
There are tuition fees for students from outside the EU in Finland. Due to the fee policy, many families may be hesitant. To receive free education in Finland, you must study in Finnish at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. If you are considering working in Finland after graduation, you can learn Finnish.
- Universities offering education in English – €10,000 – €16,000,
- Bachelor’s – €4,000 – €20,000,
- Master’s – €10,000,
- Universities offering education in Finnish or Swedish – Free.
What is Included in Tuition Fees?
All local and international students studying in Finland have the same rights. The rights granted to students are;
- Right to do internships,
- Guidance and counseling,
- Career and recruitment services,
- Doctorate without extra fees,
- Orientation program,
- Student services such as library internet,
- Support program for accommodation.
Living Expenses
Education and living expenses in Finland are much more advantageous, especially compared to the Americas. You need to pay attention to your expenses while studying in this country. Finland can offer a prosperous life, especially for international students. There are options for student accommodation both on and off-campus. Students’ monthly living expenses range from €700 to €1,100.
Are There Scholarship Opportunities?
Students benefiting from free education in Finland have scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are provided to international students who have to pay tuition fees. Finnish universities offer various scholarship opportunities to students from all over the world.
- Scholarships cover 50% or all of the tuition fee.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for undergraduate students.
- Living cost scholarships are provided to students paying tuition fees.
- Merit-based scholarships are offered to students continuing their doctoral studies from outside the European Union.
Finnish Education System
Education in Finland consists of three stages. Students;
- Compulsory education until the age of 16,
- Three years of academic or vocational education,
- Receive education at universities and universities of applied sciences.
There are dozens of educational institutions for students who want to study in Finland. Bachelor’s education at Finnish universities lasts 3 years. At applied universities, it varies between 3.5 and 4.5 years.
