Finland is a popular study abroad destination in Europe, offering a high-quality education experience to international students. Its education system is consistently ranked among the best globally, focusing on innovation and research. With an excellent quality of life and a lively student community, Finland universities for international students offer an ideal setting for academic and personal growth.
Key highlights:
- Why Study in Finland?
- Best Finland Universities for International Students
- Eligibility Criteria: Finland Universities Admission for International Students
- Popular Courses to Pursue in Finland
- Duration for Popular Courses to Study in Finland
- Tuition fee in Finland for international students
Why Study in Finland?
- Finland is renowned for its world-class and efficient education system.
- Colleges in Finland for international students offer two distinct higher education paths: traditional universities for research-focused studies and Universities of Applied Sciences for practical, career-oriented learning.
- Critical thinking, collaboration, and practical skills are highly valued by Finland universities.
- Many schools in Finland for international students offer English-taught programmes.
- International students can work part-time for up to 30 hours a week.
- The Finnish education system emphasises a holistic development of students, and fosters cooperation over competition.
- Finland is one of the safest countries globally.
Best Finland Universities for International Students
Here are the top 10 universities in Finland as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
- THE category: World University Rankings 2025 (Finland-specific)
- QS category: QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities (Finland-specific)
| Universities | Times Higher Education (THE) World Ranking 2025 | QS World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | 1 | 2 |
| Aalto University | 2 | 1 |
| Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT | 3 | 3 |
| University of Oulu | 4 | 4 |
| Tampere University | 5 | 6 |
| University of Turku | 6 | 5 |
| University of Jyväskylä | 7 | 7 |
| University of Vaasa | 8 | - |
| Abo Akademi University | 9 | 9 |
| University of Eastern Finland | 10 | 8 |
Note: All these top universities offer a selection of bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught entirely in English. Please check their specific websites for available programmes.
Eligibility Criteria: Finland Universities Admission for International Students
Some of the common requirements for admission to Finnish universities include:
- You need to complete higher secondary school for a bachelor’s programme
- A bachelor’s degree is required for the master’s programme
- Academic transcripts
- Scores of entrance exams like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) for undergraduate programmes
- Standardised tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for master’s or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for management courses
- English proficiency exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Portfolio/Sample work in specified programmes like designing and architecture
- Proof of funds
- Medical tests
Popular Courses to Pursue in Finland
There is a diverse range of courses best for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finland for international students.
Technical Courses
- Agricultural Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Pharmaceutical
- Mathematics and Statistics
Humanities/ Language/ Social Science Courses
- Law
- Politics
- Education
Natural Sciences Courses
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
Economics/ Management/ Finance Courses
- Economics
- Management
Also Read: Student Visa in Finland: A Comprehensive Guide
Duration for Popular Courses to Study in Finland
Here is an overview of the typical programme durations for various academic levels in Finnish universities:
| Academic Levels | Duration of Programme |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree (Traditional Universities) | 3.5 – 4.5 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree (Universities of Applied Sciences) | 3.5 – 4.5 years |
| Master’s Degree (Traditional Universities) | 2 years |
| Master’s Degree (Universities of Applied Sciences) | 1 – 1.5 years |
| Doctoral Degree (Traditional Universities) | 4 years |
Tuition Fee in Finland for International Students
International students aiming to study at universities in Finland are required to pay tuition fees. The fees can vary depending on the university.
Here are the average annual tuition fees for international students at some of the top universities.
| Universities | Tuition Fees (EUR) Per Year |
|---|---|
| Aalto University | ~12,000-20,000 |
| Abo Akademi University | ~10,000-12,000 |
| Arcada University of Applied Sciences | ~11,000-13,000 |
| University of Helsinki | ~13,000-18,000 |
| University of Oulu | ~10,000-13,000 |
| Tampere University | ~10,000-12,000 |
| University of Turku | ~10,000-12,000 |
| Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences | ~10,000-13,000 |
| University of Eastern Finland | ~10,000 |
Finland universities for international students offer top-tier education in a safe, high-quality living environment. While pursuing a course in Finland can be a valuable investment, the costs of tuition, living, and other expenses can sometimes feel overwhelming.
At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised study abroad loan solutions designed to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. Our educational loans provide up to 100% financing with quick sanctions and flexible repayment options, so you can focus on your academic goals in Finland. Connect with us for all your queries and take a step forward towards your global academic ambitions.
