Finland is one of those destinations that has set a global standard for top-quality education. The country offers a social setting that fosters life-long learning and personal growth through its wide selection of degrees with a focus on student-centred learning and technological advancement. Finland has 13 research-focused public universities and 22 practically-oriented Universities of Applied Sciences, with the vast majority being publicly funded institutions.
Key highlights:
- Top Public Universities in Finland 2025
- Aalto University
- University of Helsinki
- Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT)
- University of Oulu
- University of Turku
- Tampere University
- University of Jyväskylä
- University of Eastern Finland (UEF)
- Åbo Akademi University
- University of Vaasa
- Spotlight on the 6 Best Public Universities in Finland
- Basic Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Public Universities in Finland
Top Public Universities in Finland 2025
Here are the top public universities in Finland as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings:
- QS Category: QS World University Ranking 2025: Top global universities (Finland-specific)
- THE Category: World-University Ranking 2025 (Finland-specific)
| Sr. No. | Universities | Location | QS World Ranking 2025 | Times Higher Education (THE) World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aalto University | Espoo | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | University of Helsinki | Helsinki | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) | Lappeenranta | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | University of Oulu | Oulu | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | University of Turku | Turku | 5 | 6 |
| 6 | Tampere University | Tampere | 6 | 5 |
| 7 | University of Jyväskylä | Jyväskylä | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | University of Eastern Finland (UEF) | Kuopio | 8 | 10 |
| 9 | Åbo Akademi University | Turku | 9 | 9 |
| 10 | University of Vaasa | Vaasa | - | 8 |
Spotlight on the 6 Best Public Universities in Finland
Aalto University
Aalto University combines six dynamic schools, bringing together art, science, technology, and business to foster ground-breaking research and innovative solutions. With a diverse community of 14,000 students from over 100 nationalities, the university provides the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (Art and Design) | English | 3-5 years | ~EUR 15,000/year (Bachelor’s studies) ~EUR 20,000/year (Master’s studies) |
| MSc in Marketing (Economics and Business Administration) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 15,000/year |
University of Helsinki
Established in 1640, the University of Helsinki is one of the oldest and largest public universities in Finland for international students. It has a multi-disciplinary academic community of 40,000 students and employees focused on creating solutions that shape the future of the planet and humanity.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Programme in Science | English | 3 years | ~EUR 13,000 per year |
| Master’s Programme in Data Science | English | 2 years | ~EUR 15,000 per year |
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT)
LUT University is an international science community with campuses in Lappeenranta and Lahti. They are known to combine technology, economics, and social sciences to drive innovation in society, industry, and business through data, research, and education.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration (Supply Management) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 15,000 per year |
| Master of Science in Technology (Software Engineering) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 15,000 per year |
University of Oulu
Founded in 1958, the University of Oulu is among the best public universities in Finland. It is an international science university that creates new knowledge, well-being, and innovations for the future through research and education. The university offers 20+ master’s and 4 bachelor’s degree programmes taught in English.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (Technology) – Computer Science and Engineering | English | 3+2 years | ~EUR 10,000 per year |
| MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Technology) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 10,000 per year |
University of Turku
Established in 1920, the University of Turku is a leading international research public university in Finland for international students. The university offers 4,000+ degrees with over 22,000+ students studying in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, licentiate and other programmes.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science (Drug Discovery and Development) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 12,000 per year |
| Master of Science (Biomedical Imaging) | English | 2 years | ~EUR 12,000 per year |
Tampere University
Tampere University hosts over 21,000 students enrolled in different degree programmes. The university focuses on areas of multi-disciplinary research and education in technology, health, and society.
| Popular Programme | Language | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science – Signal Processing and Machine Learning, Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering | English | 2 years | ~EUR 12,000 per year |
| Master of Science – Power Electronics and Electromechanics, Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering | English | 2 years | ~EUR 12,000 per year |
Also Read: All About the Business Schools in Finland
Basic Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Public Universities in Finland
- 10th and 12th grade mark sheets for a bachelor’s degree
- A bachelor’s degree when applying for a master’s degree
- Other academic transcripts
Entrance exams
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) for a bachelor’s degree
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for applying for a master’s degree
English language proficiency tests, such as
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Pursuing a course in public universities in Finland is an investment in your future. However, managing educational expenses independently can feel overwhelming. A loan for education can bridge this gap and fulfil your dreams of studying abroad.
At Avanse Financial Services, we aim to support students by offering hyper-personalised financing solutions. Our education loan for abroad studies comes with 100% financing, quick sanctions and flexible repayment options, making studying in Finland’s public universities much more accessible financially. If you have any queries about education loans, student loan interest rates or academic journey, please contact us.
