Study in Finland

Key Highlights 

Reviewing the Education System in Finland

There is no denying the fact Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive study states that Finland has the most well-developed education system in the world. 

The education system in Finland includes: 

• Early education: For children before compulsory school education starts.
• Pre-Primary Education: In Finland, students attend one year of preschool before compulsory education starts. It is for students between the age of 1-6-year. 
• Basic Education: Compulsory 9-year education between the ages of 7 and 16. 
• Upper Secondary Education: It includes Vocational training and education
• Higher Education: Finland has divided the higher education universities into two parts - universities of applied sciences and research universities. 
• Adult Education

The Finnish education system holds great promise. Its success can be determined through various factors: 

• Emphasis on Equity: No matter a child's socioeconomic background, every child in Finland has access to high-quality education. No tuition fees are charged for public schools in the country, which are funded by the government. All children have the same opportunity to succeed as a result of this.
• Experienced Faculty: There is a high regard for Finnish teachers because they are highly trained and respected professionals. Their master's degree must be in education, and they are chosen from the top 10% of newly graduated college students. Providing high-quality instructors to students is achieved through Finland's teachers' professional training and selection.
• Focus on Students’ Well-being: A strong emphasis is also placed on student well-being in the Finnish educational system. A focus is placed on developing critical thinking skills and creativity among students, as well as encouraging them to pursue their interests and passions. Additionally, the schools offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise, which has been shown to benefit students' overall health and academic performance.

Credit System in Finland

The credit system in any country is used to evaluate and assess a student's academic performance. The students must fulfill a minimum requirement of credits to pass the semester. The ECTS or European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system is followed in Finland. The ECTS makes it easy for students to move to different European countries and still be able to showcase their previously earned credits by transferring them. 

A standard academic year in Finland is equal to 60 ECTS credits. It enables students to earn credits for the completion of courses and transfer those earned credits to other educational institutes. In Finland, one credit of ECTS is equal to 27 hours of work. It includes lectures, seminars, exams, and independent study. The number of credits and the workload may vary as per the university and course requirements. 

It is easier for students to transfer credits between different educational institutions and countries because Finland's credit system provides a flexible and transparent way to measure a student's academic progress.

Study in Finland: What are the Best Courses?

Finland's education stands out for its personalized teaching approach. Finnish universities focus on scaling up the skills and knowledge of the students and inculcating inclusivity. Listed below are the best courses to study in Finland. 

Listed below are the best courses to study in Finland. 

Top Universities to Study in Finland

Listed below are the best universities in Finland for Indian students: 

Intakes Available in Finland

While planning your shift and preparing for admission to study in Finland for international students, it is imperative that you are aware of the intakes available. There are two main intakes in Finland - Autumn and Spring intake. 

Create Your Budget: Cost of Studying in Finland

One of the main components of studying abroad is evaluating the tuition fee. The universities in Finland charge a tuition fee for students that are outside the European Union for courses taught in languages other than Swedish or Finnish. 

The cost of studying in Finland for Indian students will vary as per the course, university, and level of study. An approximate annual tuition fee in Finnish universities for non-EU international students ranges between €8000-29,500. 

What is the Cost of Living in Finland?

The average cost of living is listed below for students who wish to pursue their higher education in Finland. 

Best Student Cities in Finland

Listed below are the best cities for Indian students in Finland:

• Helsinki- Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and is home to some of the country's most prestigious universities, such as the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The city is known for its vibrant student life, cultural attractions, and various outdoor activities.
• Turku - This is a historic city on the southwest coast of Finland and is home to the University of Turku, one of the oldest universities in the country. The city's large student population is known for its lively nightlife and cultural scene.
• Tampere - Tampere is the third-largest city in Finland and is home to Tampere University, known for its technology and business programs. The city has a strong industrial heritage and is home to many museums and cultural attractions.
• Oulu - Oulu is a university city in northern Finland and is home to the University of Oulu, known for its expertise in technology and natural sciences. The city is known for its innovative start-up scene and lively cultural events.
• Jyväskylä - Jyväskylä is a small city in central Finland and is home to the University of Jyväskylä, which is known for its education and sports science programs. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Admission Requirements in Finland

The admission requirements in Finland vary as per the different universities. However, a standard set of requirements to study in Finland for Indian students is mentioned below:

• Copy of higher secondary school certificate 
• Vocational qualification certificate 
• A minimum of 60% GPA 
• Proof of English proficiency 
• Students must have completed their senior secondary education for a bachelor's degree. 
• For a master's, the student must have undergone a bachelor's course in the relevant field. 

A Breakdown of Admission Process in Finland’s Universities

The admission process in any university in Finland is straightforward; however, it may vary as per the university and program. Whether you are applying for a bachelor's or master's in Finland, below is a general guideline for the admission process. 

• The first and foremost step is to choose the course you wish to study. It is advised to research thoroughly before choosing your course. 
• Next, check the eligibility criteria and gather the necessary documents. These may include a letter of recommendation, essay, proof of English proficiency etc.
• After taking the standard tests and gathering the documents, it is time to fill out the application form. Fill out the form with your personal information, attach the documents and other requirements, pay the fees and submit the form. 
• If you get selected, accept the offer, deposit your fees and apply for the visa. 

Documents Required to Study in Finland

As part of your application form, you are required to submit several necessary documents. Below is a generalised list of these documents to study in Finland for Indian students. 

• A valid passport 
• Residence permit 
• Acceptance/Offer letter 
• Proof of financial stability (bank statements, scholarship proof etc.)
• Some universities or courses require proof of work or employment for at least 2 years. 
• GRE/GMAT test scores 
• Video letter 
• SAT scores 
• English proficiency scores - IELTS, TOEFL 
• Letter of Recommendation 

Student Visa: Requirements for Finland

After you have been selected for your dream college, it is now time to apply for the visa. A few key requirements for a student visa are listed below, whether for a master's or bachelor's in Finland for Indian students.  

• A valid passport 
• A recent photo for identification 
• Proof of enrollment in university 
• Health insurance 
• Proof of financial stability. You should have at least €6,720 in your bank account for a year of living expenses 
• Proof that you have paid your tuition fee 
• Evidence of scholarship (if applicable)
• Documents of civil status like driver's license, birth certificate

Study in Finland: Exams Required

To study in Finland, you may need to furnish scores of certain standardised tests. These tests evaluate your academic and language proficiency. If you are taking up a Finnish and Swedish course, you need to learn the language. However, if you are joining a course taught in English, you need to qualify for the following English proficiency tests: 

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System. The minimum score for IELTS is 6. 
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language. The minimum score for TOEFL ranges between 79-92. 

Other exams include: 

• GRE - Graduate Record Examination
• GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test 
• SAT - Scholastic Assessment Test 

Scholarships for Higher Studies in Finland for Indian Students

Listed below are the top scholarships for Indian students in Finland

Post-Study Work Options for International Students in Finland

To stay and study in the country, international students require a residence permit for the duration of their education. This allows the students to work part-time for a maximum of 390 hours per week. After completing your education and wishing to stay and work in the country, you need to apply for a post-study work permit. This permit has a validity of 2 years. For this, you require the following documents: 

• Passport 
• Residence Permit 
• Recent passport photo 
• Proof of completion of your education 
• Financial proof 

Conclusion 

Finland's educational strategy has been a resounding success. Finland has established an education system that routinely rates among the finest in the world by emphasizing individualized learning, well-supported instructors, and a dedication to equity. As other countries struggle with educational inequality, Finland stands as an inspiring example of what is achievable when the well-being and achievement of all students are prioritized.

Here is a quick rundown of the reasons that make Finland an attractive place to realise students’ study abroad dreams. 
 

• The IMD World Competitiveness Rankings 2022 has featured Finland among the Top 10 nations. The rankings examine and assess countries based on how effectively they manage their competencies to create long-term value. 
• The country is home to the headquarters of leading companies such as Nokia, Neste Oil, Sampo, Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, etc.
• The World Happiness Index 2022, published by The Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks Finland #1 out of 150+ nations globally. GDP and life expectancy are employed as the footing for the ranking. 
• Finland ranks 9th among 132 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022. World economies are ranked according to their innovation capabilities.
• The unemployment rate in Finland (6.4%) is less than in several European Union countries, such as Spain (12.5%) and Greece (11.6%), per Statista. 
• Finland has grown into the world’s flagship ICT-specialized nation, with Nokia at the helm.
• Finland ranks #1 out of 27 EU Member States in the 2022 edition of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). The DESI Index ranks the Member States as per their level of digitalisation and analyses their relative progress over the last demi-decade. The same report ranks Finland #1 in Human Capital and #8 in Connectivity.
• Finland offers work-life balance and scores high in both education and skills. In Finland, only 4% of employees work long hours in paid work, much less than the OECD average of 10%, per OECD Better Life Index.