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Finland University Fees for Students

Updated on 20 September, 2024

Sachin Pundir

Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

Studying in the happiest country in the world is indeed a goal worth having, right? Of course, you will have to know more about the Finland university fees to arrive at a decision. Read on to get more details on this aspect and studying in Finland in general. 

Finland as a Study Destination 

Before we dive into the top universities and their tuition fees, let us first look at a few facts about studying in Finland: 

  • Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences.
  • There are more than 20,000 international students in Finland. 
  • Finland’s higher education system offers over 500 English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programs.
  • The Finland university fees are free for EU/EEA students, while the Finland tuition fees for international students vary per course and institution. 
  • Government expenditure on education was 5.88% of the GDP in Finland in 2020, based on the World Bank’s development indicators collection. 
  • The University of Helsinki was the biggest university in 2021 in the country, with close to 31,000 registered students, followed by Tampere University, Aalto University, and others. 
  • Reports estimate 31,300 degrees were successfully completed in 2021, comprising 13,600 bachelor’s and 16,000 master’s degrees, along with 1600 doctorate-level degrees. 

Now that you know a few facts about studying in the country, here is the lowdown on the cost of studying in Finland for international students. 

Tuition Fees in Finland 

EU/EEA students do not have to pay tuition fees at most institutions in Finland. However, the cost of studying in Finland for Indian students or their international counterparts may vary, depending on the university and course. The annual tuition fees (across bachelor’s and master’s degrees) may range between €4,000 - €18,000, according to estimates. Monthly living costs can require another €700 - €900, depending on the choice of accommodation and lifestyle. €50 may be approximately required as the yearly student union fee, depending on the institution. 

Cost of Studying in Finland for non-EU/EEA Students 

The cost of studying in Finland is listed below, taking the country’s leading universities into account. 

University Name QS World University Ranking (2023)* Average Annual Tuition Fees (in Euros)** 
University of Helsinki 106 13,000 -18,000 
Aalto University 116 12,000 - 15,000
University of Turku 291 8,000 - 12,000

University of Jyväskylä

 

347 8,000 - 12,000 

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

 

388 Tuition is free for all students. Students have to pay for attending social events. 

Now that you know about the Finland university fees, you should also look at scholarships for international students. 

Scholarships Available for International Students in Finland 

There are several scholarships that international students will find in Finland. Some of them include the following: 

Finland Scholarship- 

This offers financial aid to talented non-EU/EEA students, covering tuition fees for the first year and a relocation grant of €5,000 (minimum). Participating universities include Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, and many others. 

Finland Doctoral Fellowships

These help fund doctoral studies and research for non-EU/EEA students. The fellowship enables a contribution to the salary paid by the Finnish institution and encompasses an arrival grant of €2,000. 

University of Helsinki Master’s Program Scholarships

University of Oulu Tuition Fee Waivers for International Students

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required for Studying in Finland 

Here are the general eligibility criteria and documentation needs across universities: 

Bachelor’s program- 

  • High school diploma or International Baccalaureate certificate. 
  • Transcript of high school grades. 
  • SAT/admission examination 
  • English language proficiency scores 

Master’s program- 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications. 
  • Academic transcripts. 
  • Some institutions may require two years of work experience with proper proof. 
  • English language proficiency scores. 

Some institutions may require additional documentation throughout the application process. You may also have to provide references/recommendations, admission essays, other documents, proof of funds (for covering your tuition and living expenses for a stipulated time), visa documents, passport, and other personal details. These vary across universities. 

Conclusion 

Studying in Finland promises to be a wonderful experience for any international student. The country will vindicate your decision with its high happiness index, flourishing economy, robust educational sector, and opportunities for global exposure and cutting-edge learning.

Disclaimer: Costs and tuition fees are indicative and subject to change at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheap to study in Finland?

Tuition fees are usually free for EEA/EU students at most institutions. However, they are payable to other international students. While this is not as costly, the living costs should also be considered, ranging between €700 - €900 per month. Overall, studying in the country is not very expensive compared to several other global study hubs. 

Is studying in Finland free for international students?

Some universities waive tuition fees even for non-EU/EEA students, although some charge for their bachelor’s/master’s programs. Study programs are universally free for EU/EEA students, although international students from other countries have to pay nominal study costs for various programs at leading universities. 

Did you find this article helpful?

Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the global university systems, acceptance rates, and selection process.

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