Douglas Olsen
Finland is known for its high-quality public and private education, fascinating Nordic culture, and academic excellence. Its higher education system is widely respected as one of the world's best, with several universities ranking among the top in Europe. Finland, along with Norway and Germany, is a popular destination for international students due to its free-tuition policies, high education standards, and the importance universities place on research and practical training. However, it is important to distinguish between different universities and programmes, as some may charge tuition fees, especially for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees. The cost of living in Finland is also a factor to consider, as it can vary depending on the student's lifestyle, spending habits, and location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students | Public universities are free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees are required to pay tuition fees ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year. |
| Administrative fees | €100-€350 per semester |
| Student union fees | €50-€70 per academic year |
| Living costs | €800-€1,250 per month |
| Residence permit application fee | €100 |
| Scholarship opportunities | Yes, based on academic merit |
| Quality of education | High |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
Finland is known for its high-quality public and private education, and its educational system is world-renowned. It is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking a degree in Europe.
Non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes in Finland are required to pay tuition fees. The fees range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year, with some universities charging up to €18,000 per year. The University of Helsinki is the most expensive institution, with tuition fees of up to €15,000-€18,000 per year. The Finnish government has set a minimum tuition fee of around €1,500 per year for bachelor's and master's programmes, but most study programmes charge tuition above this amount.
It is important to note that the fees vary by university and programme, and each university sets its own fees. The payment terms also differ for each university, with some universities offering the option to pay the tuition fees in instalments. In addition to tuition fees, non-EU/EEA students are required to pay an application fee of €100 for bachelor's and master's programmes, as well as a student union fee of about €50-€70 per academic year, which grants access to discounts on student services.
While doctoral programmes do not charge tuition fees, regardless of nationality, some master's programmes may charge tuition fees to non-EU/EEA students. It is recommended that students reserve at least €900-€1,000 per month for living expenses, including food, accommodation, and travel.
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English-taught degrees
Finland is a popular destination for international students seeking a degree in Europe. This is due to its free-tuition policies, high-quality education standards, and the importance universities place on research and practical training. However, this only applies to students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. For non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees, tuition fees are required.
Public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. While all universities are tuition-free for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, English-taught degrees for non-EU/EEA students typically range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year for Bachelor's and Master's programmes. The University of Helsinki is an exception, charging up to €18,000 per year. The Finnish government has set a minimum tuition fee of around €1,500 per year, but most programmes charge higher tuition fees.
Despite the tuition fees for English-taught degrees, Finland remains an attractive option for international students. Its universities consistently rank among the best in the world, and the country offers a unique Nordic experience with a combination of tradition and trendiness. Additionally, Finnish universities offer scholarships for international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition.
When budgeting for studies in Finland, it is important to consider living costs as well. Finland is a relatively expensive country, and the Finnish Immigration Service Migri recommends budgeting for at least €900-€1,000 per month for food, accommodation, and travel. Getting a place in a dormitory or student residence hall can help save money on accommodation, which can be expensive, especially in cities like Helsinki.
In conclusion, while Finland offers free university education for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland, non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees will need to pay tuition fees. However, the country remains a top choice for international students due to its high-quality education, unique culture, and the availability of scholarships.
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Cost of living
The cost of living as an international student in Finland can vary depending on your spending habits and the city in which you choose to live. The capital city, Helsinki, is the most expensive city in Finland, while Laaperanta, Pori, Tampere, Oulu, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, and Pori are known for being more affordable.
On average, students in Finland spend between 700 and 1,250 EUR per month on living costs. The Finnish Immigration Service Migri recommends that students budget for at least 800 EUR per month, but preferably 900–1,000 EUR per month to cover food, accommodation, and travel.
There are a few ways to save on accommodation costs. Getting a place in a dormitory or student residence hall is one way to save money, as renting a room privately or an entire flat can be expensive, especially in Helsinki. A single room in a shared student apartment costs between 160 and 380 EUR per month, while renting on the open market can cost between 400 and 800 EUR per month.
There are also a few additional fees and expenses to keep in mind. Student union membership is compulsory for those pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree and costs between 80 and 100 EUR per academic year. This provides students with a student card and access to discounts for public transportation and student restaurants. Additionally, students are required to pay an annual healthcare fee of around 70 EUR per year to use the Finnish Student Health Service. Health-related expenses, including insurance and medication, can cost between 36 and 70 EUR per month.
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Scholarships
While Finland is a popular destination for international students seeking a degree in Europe, it is not a cheap country. The tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students enrolling at public Finnish universities range from 5,000 to 15,000 EUR/year, with the University of Helsinki being the most expensive institution. However, there are a range of funding opportunities for international students who want to study in Finland. Each university in Finland offers a range of scholarships for international students. These are largely based on academic merit, and there is often a certain quota for each degree programme. Scholarships and tuition fee waivers may assist students in covering their tuition fees, however, living costs must be covered independently.
Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer a variety of scholarships or tuition fee waivers for non-EU/EEA students. Applicants usually apply for a scholarship from the university at the same time as they apply for admission. Each institution has its own set of scholarships, so once a suitable study programme has been found, applicants can check if the programme offers a scholarship for non-EU/EEA students. The Government of Finland also provides financial support to different universities to invite international applicants. Each Finland University offers a different type of financial support. The Joint Application to Higher Education in Finland is open for international applications, and applicants can apply for up to 6 different degree programmes in one application form.
The Government Scholarship 2025-2026 programme is open to international students from all over the world. The Funded Finland Scholarship 2025 offers scholarships for undergraduate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programmes. The International Scholarship 2025 programme is funded by the Government of Finland, and scholarships are available to pursue bachelor's, master's, and PhD degree programmes at different Finnish universities.
It is important to note that scholarships are highly competitive, and applicants must fulfill certain criteria to be eligible. These criteria may include academic achievements, research abilities, and the requirement to not hold any other scholarships. Additionally, applicants should be aware of the payment terms for tuition fees, as they may be expected to pay the full annual fee within a short timeframe, such as two weeks or a month.
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Finland's higher education system
There are two types of higher education institutions in Finland: universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities of applied sciences provide practice-oriented and multidisciplinary education, often including work experience. These institutions are generally more school-like than universities and offer degrees that provide higher education qualifications and practical professional skills. All degree studies include practical on-the-job learning, and the extent of polytechnic degree studies is generally 3.5-4 years of full-time study.
When it comes to tuition fees, public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. While they are tuition-free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees are typically required to pay tuition fees. However, study programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish are free for all international students. The tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students at public Finnish universities can range from 5,000 to 15,000 EUR per year, with the University of Helsinki being the most expensive.
The cost of living and studying in Finland should also be considered, as it is not a cheap country. The University of Helsinki estimates that students should budget for 900 to 1,250 euros per month, including rent. Getting a place in a dormitory or student residence can help save money, as private rentals can be expensive, especially in Helsinki.
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Frequently asked questions
University education in Finland is state-funded and free for international students. However, this does not apply to non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in Finland range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year, varying by university and programme.
Yes, each university in Finland offers a range of scholarships for international students, mainly based on academic merit.
The cost of living for international students in Finland can vary depending on their lifestyle and spending habits and location. The Finnish Immigration Service Migri recommends a budget of €900-€1,000 per month, including food, accommodation, and travel.
Finland has several top-ranked universities, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, the University of Turku, and the University of Oulu. These institutions are known for their academic excellence and unique Nordic culture.
