Studying in Finland
The high salaries for PhDs at Finnish universities have made the country a popular destination for further study. Various scholarships for lower-level degrees and well-paid student job opportunities are also other advantages of studying in this country. With a high quality of education and life, Finland provides a valuable experience for international students.
If your spouse is employed in Iran, by receiving a companion visa, he or she can attend Finnish language courses for free until he or she finds a job in Finland and receive a fixed salary of 600 to 800 euros per month!
Why Finland? Advantages and Challenges
Studying in Finland offers benefits such as high quality education, a multicultural environment, and advanced research opportunities. However, challenges such as high living costs and cold weather can be difficult for international students. Learning the Finnish language may also be a barrier.
Challenges
Benefits
Finnish education system
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate
Post Doc
School
Study opportunity
Application Period:August to September (August to September) for the spring semester and January (January) for the fall semester
Studying in Finnish schools
Bachelor's degree in Finland
Bachelor's degrees at Finnish universities of applied sciences are worth between 210 and 270 ECTS credits and their duration depends on the field you choose. To apply for a bachelor's degree in Finland, you must have a high school diploma. Bachelor's degrees at regular Finnish universities are worth 180 ECTS credits and last about 3 years.
Public universities are usually research-oriented, while universities of applied sciences focus on practical and skills-based education. Public universities usually have greater national and international recognition and accreditation.
Master's degree study in Finland
Master's degrees at universities of applied sciences last one to one and a half years and consist of 60 to 90 ECTS credits. To apply for a master's degree, you must meet the following requirements.
Have a valid bachelor's degree
Have at least two years of work experience
PhD study in Finland
Cost of studying in Finland
The cost of studying in Finland for non-European students in English-language programs varies depending on the university and field of study, and usually has a significant annual tuition fee. European students and some specific programs are exempt from paying tuition fees. Living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, also constitute a significant part of the expenses.
Tuition fees at Finnish public universities and schools are free, but students from outside the European Union must pay tuition fees. Below is a breakdown of tuition fees for various levels in 2024-2025.
Scholarships in Finland
The Finnish government offers a number of useful scholarship programs to international students. The country’s universities also award scholarships to students. In the table below, we have introduced you to some of the best scholarships in Finland
Top Universities in Finland
Universities in Finland are of two types: universities of applied sciences and regular universities . Below, we will provide you with information about these two types of universities.
Finnish University of Applied Sciences
Finnish Normal University
Normal universities usually offer both theoretical and practical education. It takes about 3 years to complete a bachelor's degree at a Finnish normal university and about 2 years to complete a master's degree. The language of instruction at normal universities is usually Finnish or Swedish, but some universities offer the option of studying in English in Finland . After completing a master's degree, you can also apply for a doctorate.
Finnish universities are highly ranked in the world, which is why many people apply to study there. In the table below, we present to you the best universities in Finland for studying in Finland based on their ranking in the QS rankings
The most popular fields of study in Finland
Steps for studying in Finland
Requirements and documents required to study in Finland
The qualifications vary slightly depending on the level (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) and the university, but the general list based on the application process is as follows. Always check the university’s website for up-to-date details.
- Previous educational qualification : Official copy of high school diploma (for undergraduate) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s) along with an official translation into English, Finnish or Swedish.
- Transcripts:Official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 50% or equivalent: Test results such as IELTS (minimum 6.0), TOEFL (minimum 80) or PTE, unless the previous academic qualification was in English
- English language certificate : Test results such as IELTS (minimum 6.0), TOEFL (minimum 80) or PTE, unless the previous academic qualification was in English.
- Motivation Letter and CV : Explaining the reasons for choosing the program and your educational/work history.
- Recommendation letters : Usually 1-2 letters from professors or employers (for higher education).
- Valid passport
- Application fee: 100 euros for non-EU students
- University acceptance letter: Official letter from the university or UAS.
- Proof of financial means: through a bank account, scholarship, or sponsor
- Health insurance : valid insurance for the entire period of study (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros).
- Completed visa application form
- Passport and passport photo
- Proof of payment of municipal:fees
Grade point average requirement
For Master's degree: Bachelor's degree GPA must be at least 50% or equivalent to 2.5 out of 4 (CGPA).
For PhD: No specific GPA is stated, but a master's degree with strong grades (usually above 60%) and a relevant research project is essential.
Age requirement
There is no specific age limit for a bachelor's degree, but applicants are usually between 17 and 25 years old. The diploma must have been obtained no more than 3-4 years before applying.
There is no age limit for master's degrees, but most applicants are between 22 and 35 years old.
There is no age limit for a PhD, and research and professional experience are more important than age.
Entrance exam
For master's degrees, entrance exams are usually not required, but some fields (such as management or engineering at UAS) may require an interview or specialized test.
There is no entrance exam required for a PhD, but a strong research proposal, letters of recommendation, and an interview with a supervisor are required.
Language certificate
IELTS Academic : Minimum score of 6.0
TOEFL iBT : Minimum 80 (Writing section minimum 20).
PTE Academic : Minimum 54.
Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency : Grade C or higher.
If your previous degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) was in English, you may be exempt from providing a language certificate.
Finnish or Swedish :
For Finnish/Swedish language programs, a YKI certificate (intermediate level B1-B2) or equivalent is required.
Learning the local language is recommended for everyday life, even if the program is in English.
Cities suitable for studying in Finland
Based on reputable sources such as Study in Finland (the official Finnish education website), QS Top Universities and the 2025 Student Rankings, the best cities in Finland for international students were selected based on factors such as the quality of universities, English-language programs, cost of living, student life and job opportunities. With over 600 English-language programs, Finland offers a safe and innovative environment.
- Helsinki : A dynamic capital with top universities such as Helsinki and Aalto, great for multicultural living and career opportunities. Cost of living is high, but amenities are excellent.
- Tampere : A student city with the University of Tampere and beautiful nature, ideal for technology and management. It has a reasonable cost of living and a friendly atmosphere.
- Turku : A historic city with the University of Turku, suitable for those interested in a quiet environment and culture. The cost of living is moderate.
- Oulu : A tech hub with the University of Oulu and northern nature, it has a friendly atmosphere. The cost of living is lower than other cities.
- Espoo : Close to Helsinki with Aalto University, focus on technology and design. Easy access to the capital and moderate cost of living
Student dormitories and residences in Finland
Student residences and dormitories in Finland are a popular option for international students, as they are affordable and convenient for student life. Organizations such as HOAS (in Helsinki), TYS (in Turku) and PSOAS (in Oulu) offer modern accommodation, including shared apartments, single studios or family apartments. Shared rooms usually have a shared kitchen and bathroom, while studios offer independent facilities. Rent costs vary depending on the city and type of accommodation, but are usually more expensive in Helsinki and cheaper in smaller cities such as Oulu. The application process is done through these organizations’ websites, and priority is often given to new international students, but demand is high and you should apply early.
In addition to student residences, renting private or shared apartments on the open market is also a common option, especially in cities where housing is limited. This option is more expensive and requires a direct contract with the landlord, which can be challenging for international students due to language barriers or the need for a guarantor. Many universities offer housing counseling services, and some provide temporary housing for the initial arrival. It is recommended that students contact the university’s international affairs office before arrival and apply for accommodation at least 2-3 months before the start of the semester to benefit from suitable options.
Student work in Finland
Student residences and dormitories in Finland are a popular option for international students, as they are affordable and convenient for student life. Organizations such as HOAS (in Helsinki), TYS (in Turku) and PSOAS (in Oulu) offer modern accommodation, including shared apartments, single studios or family apartments. Shared rooms usually have a shared kitchen and bathroom, while studios offer independent facilities. Rent costs vary depending on the city and type of accommodation, but are usually more expensive in Helsinki and cheaper in smaller cities such as Oulu. The application process is done through these organizations’ websites, and priority is often given to new international students, but demand is high and you should apply early.
In addition to student residences, renting private or shared apartments on the open market is also a common option, especially in cities where housing is limited. This option is more expensive and requires a direct contract with the landlord, which can be challenging for international students due to language barriers or the need for a guarantor. Many universities offer housing counseling services, and some provide temporary housing for the initial arrival. It is recommended that students contact the university’s international affairs office before arrival and apply for accommodation at least 2-3 months before the start of the semester to benefit from suitable options.
Conditions for residence in Finland through study
There are two options for student accommodation in Finland. Students can choose between student dormitories or private apartments . Organizations offering student housing are listed on the SOA (Finnish Student Housing Ltd) website. The average monthly rent for a single room in a shared student apartment ranges from around 160 to 380 euros per month . Another option for students to stay in Finland is to rent an apartment themselves. On average, the rent for an apartment in the city center is 791 euros per month, and on the outskirts is 651 euros per month .
Successful experiences studying in Finland
There are two options for student accommodation in Finland. Students can choose between student dormitories or private apartments . Organizations offering student housing are listed on the SOA (Finnish Student Housing Ltd) website. The average monthly rent for a single room in a shared student apartment ranges from around 160 to 380 euros per month . Another option for students to stay in Finland is to rent an apartment themselves. On average, the rent for an apartment in the city center is 791 euros per month, and on the outskirts is 651 euros per month
New changes to Finnish citizenship laws, which came into effect in October 2024, have increased the time required to obtain citizenship from 5 to 8 years. However, the path to obtaining permanent residence through education remains the same. After completing their studies in Finland, students can apply for permanent residence by receiving a job offer and converting their study visa to a work visa. These individuals must have been in Finland for at least 4 years continuously with a valid visa
Comparing Finland with other countries
inland’s education system stands out in the world for its high quality, equality and focus on creativity, outperforming the US and UK in PISA 2022, but slightly behind Singapore and Japan. Helsinki and Aalto Universities compete with Sweden and Norway in the QS 2025 rankings (101-150 globally), but are below top US universities (such as Harvard). Finland offers a more relaxed environment than the US, with project-based learning and no frequent standardized tests. However, challenges such as excessive digitalization and students’ mental health have recently been raised.
Tuition fees in Finland for non-EU students are lower than in the US and UK, but similar to Sweden and higher than in Norway (free); EU students study for free. Cost of living in Finland is higher than in Germany, but manageable with cheap student accommodation. Scholarships in Finland are more competitive than in Canada, but lower than in Germany.
