Study abroad

Study in Finland

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

Explore subjects

About studying in Finland

Finland is in Northern Europe, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with digital technology, education and conservation shaping much of the country’s economy.

Helsinki, Tampere and Turku are among the places students often consider. Many courses are taught in Finnish and Swedish, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.

Why study in Finland?

Students choose Finland for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Northern Europe. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.

  • Industry context: Digital technology, education and conservation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Computing & Information Technology, Education, PGCE & Teaching and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
  • Cities and campus life: Helsinki, Tampere and Turku each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Finland means everyday contact with Finnish and Swedish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, Finland takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Finnish higher education has two main types of institution: universities, which focus on research, and universities of applied sciences, which focus on working life.

Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.

Top subjects to study in Finland

If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Finland’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.

Courses connected to digital technology, education and conservation can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Finland on this site, with its specializations.

Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.

Subjects to study in Finland

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in Finland.

View all subjects

Universities in Finland

Explore universities in Finland and discover study options for international students.

View all universities

Scholarships to Study in Finland

If you need financial support to study in Finland, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Finland
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Study Abroad Consultants for Finland

Consultants who help students apply to study in Finland.

  • Demo Meridian Study Consultants

    Patel Nagar, Delhi · +1 more office

    Sample listingInternational Education Agency

    Study destinations: 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇮🇹 Italy

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation · Financial Support

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Netherlands, Finland, Australia and Italy.

    View Consultant Website Demo Meridian Study Consultants (opens in a new tab)

  • Sample Future Campus Consultants

    Sector 43, Chandigarh

    Sample listingEducation Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇺🇸 USA

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    9 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Canada, Germany, Finland and USA.

    View Consultant Website Sample Future Campus Consultants (opens in a new tab)

  • Sample Learning Routes

    Model Town, Ludhiana

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Pre-Departure

    11 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Finland, Germany, New Zealand and Canada.

    View Consultant Website Sample Learning Routes (opens in a new tab)

  • Sample Overseas Admissions

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices

    Sample listingInternational Education Agency

    Study destinations: 🇬🇧 UK · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇨🇦 Canada

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to UK, Finland, Australia and Canada.

    View Consultant Website Sample Overseas Admissions (opens in a new tab)

View all consultants

Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.

Intakes to study in Finland

Many programmes in Finland start around August or September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Finland

Tuition in Finland varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Finland

Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Finland for their studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Finland

A realistic budget for life in Finland starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Helsinki can differ noticeably from those in Tampere or Turku and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Finland

Why should I study in Finland?

It depends on your goals. Finland offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Northern Europe and study in Finnish and Swedish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in digital technology, education and conservation may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Finland?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Computing & Information Technology, Education, PGCE & Teaching, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Engineering. The subjects page for Finland lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Finland?

Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Finland?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Finland?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

Are scholarships available for international students in Finland?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Finland?

Helsinki, Tampere and Turku are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in Finland?

Many courses are taught in Finnish and Swedish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

Free counselling

Not sure where to begin?

Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.

Powered by Joinchat