Janice Lozano
Finland is known for providing free education and scholarships to foreign students, making it one of the most financially attractive European countries for students. Finnish universities do not charge tuition fees for students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. However, international students from outside these regions are required to pay tuition fees, which can range from 4,000 to 18,000 euros per year. The cost of attendance varies depending on the degree and university, and scholarships are available to help offset the expense. Students can expect to pay additional fees for accommodation, food, and other living expenses, which can add up to a significant amount.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for Finnish citizens | Free |
| Tuition fees for international students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland | Free |
| Tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA | Paid |
| Tuition fees for PhD programmes | Free for all students, regardless of nationality |
| Tuition fees for Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees | Free for all students |
| Tuition fees for English-taught degrees | Paid, with minimum tuition of 1,500 EUR/year and an average of 4,000 – 18,000 EUR/year |
| Scholarships | Available at all universities, based on academic merit and individual knowledge |
| Student union membership fee | Between 50-100 EUR/academic year, includes discounts for public transport and student restaurants |
| Living costs | Student housing: 160 – 380 EUR/month for a single room in a shared apartment; Rent/share a flat: 400 – 800 EUR/month |
| Food: 200 - 250 EUR/month for groceries |
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What You'll Learn
International students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland pay tuition fees
Higher education in Finland is free for Finnish citizens and, until recently, international students have been able to study for free too. However, international students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are generally required to pay tuition fees. These fees can vary depending on the institution and program of study, with annual costs ranging from 6,000 to 18,000 euros.
Starting from 1 January 2025, applicants from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must pay a 100 euro application fee to apply for a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finland. This fee must be paid within 7 days of submitting the application and does not guarantee admission. International students are also required to pay an annual student union fee of about 50 to 70 euros, which grants access to discounts on student services such as restaurants and public transport.
While tuition fees for international students can be quite high, there are a range of funding opportunities available. Many universities in Finland offer scholarships for international students, which may provide a complete fee waiver or a percentage deduction on tuition charges. These scholarships are often based on academic merit, and it is important to apply for them in a timely manner. Additionally, international students can explore other financial aid programs and scholarships offered by organizations outside of the university.
The debate around tuition fees for international students in Finland is ongoing. Some argue that it is unfair for Finnish taxpayers to pay for the education of international migrants, while others believe that international students bring diversity and quality to the student population. Despite some moves to introduce fees for non-EU/EEA students, Finland remains an exception among countries that charge international students for higher education.
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Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees
Finland is known for providing free education and scholarships to foreign students. The country's higher education system is almost entirely publicly funded, with the proportion of public funding at 96%. This means that students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees at Finnish universities. PhD programmes are also free for all students, regardless of their nationality.
However, starting in 2017, non-EU/EEA students have been required to pay tuition fees. These fees can vary between 4,000 and 18,000 euros per year, depending on the degree and university. For example, the University of Turku charges non-EU/EEA students between 2,000 and 12,000 euros annually. Additionally, students who are only proficient in English will be required to pay fees to participate in Finnish or Swedish language programmes.
To assist students in financing their studies, Finnish universities offer a range of scholarships. These scholarships are typically based on academic merit and individual knowledge, and they can cover either a percentage of the tuition fees or the full amount. Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as the Studyportals Scholarship, to help fund their education.
It is worth noting that living costs in Finland can vary depending on a student's habits and financial management. Accommodation options for international students include student housing foundations, which cost between 160 and 380 euros per month, or renting or sharing a flat on the open market, which can range from 400 to 800 euros per month. Food expenses can also vary, with groceries costing around 200 to 250 euros per month on average. Additionally, students may need to pay a student union membership fee, which grants access to discounts on public transport and student restaurants.
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PhD programmes are free for all students
Finland has a relatively small number of institutions, but all reside within thriving cultural hubs with plenty for international students to do. The main hubs for higher education in Finland are Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Tampere, and Jyväskylä. Finland is an excellent choice for internationals, especially for EU/EEA students, who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations. There are over 400 English-taught programmes to choose from.
The Finnish academic year begins on 1 August and finishes on 31 July. Universities are autonomous in organising their semesters, but there are typically two: an autumn and spring semester. Some institutions will also have a third semester during the summer. You will study for your PhD in Finland for four years as a full-time student. The national doctoral programmes are typically fully funded and bring together researchers and facilities in each discipline nationwide. Each discipline within Finland has an associated doctoral programme adopted across all institutions.
If you don't want to study within a doctoral programme, you can do a tailor-made research PhD. This is similar to other countries where you will propose your own research topic and pursue it independently, though you may need to find your own funding. PhD students in Finland tend to be very independent, with the main focus of your doctorate being your research project, which you will start in year one. In parallel to your research project, you may be required to attend courses, seminars, and conferences. All of these will be decided upon by the graduate school or your supervisor and must be related to your research.
You'll produce an original doctoral thesis during your research, and this will be the main component of your final PhD assessment. You will typically be assigned one supervisor who is an expert in your field of study. In addition, it is common in Finland for PhDs in appropriate subjects to have links with industry. Therefore, you may also be advised by an instructor from outside your university, with relevant professional or enterprise experience. Alternatively, you may be part of a joint-degree PhD programme, where your PhD will be co-supervised by an academic at a partner institution.
Each university in Finland offers a range of scholarships for international students. These are largely based on academic merits, and there is often a certain quota for each degree programme. Some scholarships grant a complete fee waiver, while others may reward you with a percentage deduction on the tuition charges, e.g. 50%. University scholarships are the most direct way to fund your studies.
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Scholarships are available for international students
Finland is known for its high-quality education, affordable living, and excellent post-graduation opportunities. The country's higher education system is almost entirely publicly funded, with the proportion of public funding at 96%. While Finnish universities do charge tuition fees, there are a range of funding opportunities for international students.
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 program. Some scholarships grant a complete fee waiver, while others may reward you with a percentage deduction on tuition charges, such as 50%.
The Finnish Government also provides financial support to different universities to invite international applicants. Each Finland University offers a different type of financial support, which is funded by the Government of Finland. These types of international scholarships are available in universities to cover any tuition fees and other benefits.
Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer a variety of scholarships or tuition fee waivers for non-EU/EEA students. Scholarships and tuition fee waivers may assist in covering your tuition fees, however, you must independently cover your living costs. Each institution has its own set of scholarships, so once you have found a suitable study program, you can check if the program offers a scholarship for non-EU/EEA students.
In addition to scholarships, international students can benefit from the low cost of living in Finland. The annual student union fee is only €50-€70, which grants access to discounts on student restaurants and public transport.
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Tuition fees vary by university and degree type
Tuition fees in Finland depend on the level of your studies, your nationality, and the programme you're interested in. Generally, Finnish universities do not charge tuition fees for students coming from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. PhD programmes are free for all students, regardless of their nationality.
However, tuition fees do apply to international students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. These fees vary by university and degree type. For English-taught degrees, the minimum tuition fee is 1,500 EUR/year, while the average ranges from 4,000 to 18,000 EUR/year. The prestigious University of Helsinki charges up to 18,000 EUR/year. Some universities may also offer instalment plans to help students manage the financial burden.
It is worth noting that exchange students from other countries do not pay tuition fees in Finland, although they may still have to pay fees in their country of origin. Additionally, students choosing to study in Finnish or Swedish are exempt from tuition charges.
To support international students, Finnish universities offer a range of scholarships. These scholarships are often based on academic merit and may provide a complete fee waiver or a percentage deduction on tuition charges. It is recommended that students explore the scholarship options and application processes for each university when considering their study options in Finland.
While tuition fees are an important consideration, students should also be mindful of additional costs, such as living expenses and the student union fee, which grants access to discounts on student services.
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Frequently asked questions
Students from Finland and other EU/EEA countries or Switzerland do not have to pay tuition fees. However, international students from outside the EU/EEA have to pay fees, which can range from 4,000 to 18,000 euros per year.
Yes, all universities in Finland offer scholarships, mostly based on academic merit. Some scholarships cover the full tuition fee, while others offer a percentage reduction.
Students have to pay for accommodation, food, and other small expenses. Student housing costs between 160 and 380 euros per month, while groceries cost around 200-250 euros per month. Students also pay a student union membership fee of between 50 and 100 euros per year, which gives them access to discounts on public transport and at student restaurants.
