Study in Finland
. To study in Finland for over three months, students must obtain a Finland student visa, officially known as a ‘Residence Permit for Studies.’ Postgraduate students must secure a residence permit for scientific research.
Confused?
Chat with EKASO – TAKA Intelligence
Why Study in Finland?
Finland, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, has been recognized as the world’s happiest country for seven consecutive years. It offers a world-class education system, with a significant portion of its population holding higher education degrees. International student applications have surged by approximately 141%, driven by Finland’s innovative education system, affordable tuition fees, and high living standards. Currently, 22,792 international students are pursuing higher education in Finland. With over 400 programs available in English, Finland presents excellent academic opportunities. To study in Finland for over three months, students must obtain a Finland student visa, officially known as a ‘Residence Permit for Studies.’ Postgraduate students must secure a residence permit for scientific research.
Why Choose Finland for Higher Studies?
- 10 QS-ranked universities for international students
- Finland student visa processing time: 60 – 120 days
- Average tuition fees: €6,000 – €24,000 per year
- Scholarships ranging from €5,000 – €10,000
- 7,039 Finland student visas granted annually
- High student visa success rate: 95%
- Ranked as the 8th most educated country globally
Education System in Finland
Finland is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering high-quality education across various disciplines. The education system includes regular universities and universities of applied sciences, which provide specialized, research-oriented, and artistic education. Finnish degrees typically take 4-5 years to complete. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Finland continues to be a preferred destination for international students.
Finland Student Visa Acceptance Rate
Every year, more than 30,000 international students apply for a Finland student visa. Acceptance depends on various factors, including university selection, submitted documents, eligibility, and interview performance. A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP) can increase the chances of visa approval by 10-30%. Despite the high number of applications, the Finland student visa success rate remains at 95%, with only 1.7% of applications being rejected.
Top-Ranked Universities in Finland
QS Ranking | University | Tuition Fees (€) |
115 | University of Helsinki | €13,000-20,000 |
109 | Aalto University | €14,000-25,000 |
315 | University of Turku | €8,000-20,000 |
313 | University of Oulu | €10,000-16,000 |
436 | Tampere University | €8,000-16,000 |
Top Courses Offered in Finland
Course | Universities | Tuition Fees (€) |
Computer Science and IT | Aalto University, University of Helsinki | €15,000-25,000 |
Business Administration | Tampere University, Hanken School of Economics | €18,000-20,000 |
Sustainable Forestry | University of Eastern Finland, Aalto University | €12,000-18,000 |
Renewable Energy Engineering | LUT University, Aalto University | €15,000-22,000 |
Design and Media | Aalto University, University of Tampere | €18,000-25,000 |
Admission Requirements to Study in Finland
To study in Finland, international students must fulfill specific eligibility criteria and submit the following documents:
- Completed visa application with a cover letter
- Valid passport (minimum one-year validity)
- Acceptance letter from a Finnish university
- Tuition fee payment receipt
- Proof of financial resources (€560 per month)
- Health insurance certificate
- Scholarship documents (if applicable)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Processing fee of €350
- Academic transcripts and certificates
English Language Requirements
Most Finnish universities offer programs in English, but students may need to meet minimum language requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 79 – 92
Top Cities Preferred by Students in Finland
City | Rent (€) | Food (€) | Utilities (€) | Transport (€) | Groceries (€) |
Helsinki | €900-1,500 | €300-500 | €100-200 | €50-80 | €200-300 |
Tampere | €600-1,000 | €250-400 | €80-150 | €40-70 | €150-250 |
Turku | €600-1,000 | €250-400 | €80-150 | €40-70 | €150-250 |
Oulu | €500-900 | €200-350 | €70-120 | €30-60 | €120-200 |
Jyväskylä | €500-900 | €200-350 | €70-120 | €30-60 | €120-200 |
Scholarships for International Students in Finland
Scholarship | Awarded By | Amount (€) |
Finnish Government Scholarship | Fully funded for Master’s students | €1,000 + tuition fees for 2 years |
University of Tampere Scholarship | For Master’s programs in English | 50-100% tuition fees + €7,000/year |
Protein Science Scholarship | For Master’s in Protein Science | Up to 2 years |
EDUFI Fellowships | Finnish National Agency for Education | €1,900/month |
Part-Time Work Options in Finland
International students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies, with additional hours allowed during semester breaks. Common part-time jobs and their average annual salaries include:
- Cab Driver: €16,800
- Security Guard: €16,900
- Waiter/Waitress: €17,000
- Delivery Driver: €20,562
- Data Entry Clerk: €37,251
- Retail Sales Associate: €57,952
- Customer Service Representative: €71,760
Post-Study Work Permit in Finland
Graduates can apply for a two-year post-study work permit to seek employment in Finland. Major employers include Nokia, Kone, and Rovio Entertainment. Finland’s employment rate is 77.4%.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency in Finland
- Complete a degree program in Finland.
- Secure employment with a Finnish employer.
- Reside in Finland for at least four years.
- Apply for permanent residency and submit required documents.
- Processing time: 1-2 months.
Job Prospects in Finland
Finland has a promising job market with over 100,000 vacancies and a technology-driven economy. The GDP stands at $312 billion (2024). The following are the most in-demand job sectors and their annual salaries:
Occupation | Annual Salary (€) |
Engineering | €45,600 |
IT & Software | €64,162 |
For expert assistance in studying in Finland, EKASO – TAKA IMMIGRATION LAW CONSULTANTS PVT LTD is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a seamless transition to your dream education in Finland!
