Do Finnish Universities Charge Tuition Fees?

Finland has a reputation for its high quality of life, with its citizens benefiting from free healthcare and education. While tuition-free, adult students in Finland must cover their living costs. This can be achieved through various scholarships and grants, or by taking out a student loan. For non-EU/EEA students, fees range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and programme. However, there are exceptions for exchange students and those with residence permits. So, do students pay for universities in Finland? The answer is that it depends on the student's nationality and status.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens study for free

Finland has a reputation for providing its citizens with free healthcare and education. This includes free tuition for students at bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. However, this only applies to Finnish citizens and those from other countries in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

If you are a citizen of an EU, EEA country, or Switzerland, you can study in Finland without paying any tuition fees. This means that, as an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can study for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Finland without having to worry about tuition costs. This is a significant benefit, as it removes a major financial barrier to accessing higher education.

It is important to note that, while tuition may be free for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens in Finland, there are still other costs associated with studying that need to be considered. For example, students are required to pay an annual student union fee, which is typically between €50 and €70. This fee grants access to discounts on services like student restaurants and public transportation. Additionally, students need to cover their living expenses, including food, accommodation, and travel. The recommended budget for living costs in Finland is around €900–€1,000 per month.

Finland's education system is highly regarded internationally, and Finnish institutions consistently perform well in global university rankings. The country's commitment to providing free tuition for its citizens and select international students reflects its value for education and its understanding of the importance of education in fostering innovation and a skilled workforce.

International students pay tuition fees

International students from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programs in Finland. These fees were introduced in 2017 to help Finnish universities maintain their high-quality education and facilities. The fees range from €4,000 to €18,000 per year, or €6,000 to €20,000 according to another source, depending on the university and program of study. For example, the University of Helsinki charges international students between €13,000 and €18,000 per year for master's programs, while the University of Oulu's fees range from €10,000 to €13,000 per year for bachelor's and master's programs.

There are some exceptions to the rule, however. Exchange students from other countries, for instance, do not have to pay tuition fees in Finland, although they may still have to pay fees in their country of origin. Additionally, students who already have a permanent or fixed-term residence permit or an EU Blue Card are likely exempt from fees. Students choosing to study in Finnish or Swedish, rather than English, are also exempt from tuition charges.

The cost of studying in Finland can be offset by scholarships and grants, which are available to international students. The Finland Government Scholarship Pool, for instance, is available to non-EU/EEA students and covers tuition fees and includes a €5,000 relocation grant. Each public university in Finland also has its own scholarship program, which can provide a full or partial fee waiver.

In addition to tuition fees, international students should budget for living costs in Finland, which can be relatively high. The official minimum requirement is €800 per month, but it is recommended to budget for €900-€1,000 per month for food, accommodation, and travel. Student housing foundations typically charge between €160 and €380 per month for a single room in a shared student apartment, while renting or sharing a flat on the open market can cost between €400 and €800 per month. Food expenses vary, but students typically spend between €180 and €250 per month on groceries, and a meal in an affordable restaurant costs around €11. Transportation is relatively affordable, with a student public transportation pass costing between €35 and €50 per month.

PhD programmes are free for all

Finland is known for its high-quality education and top-notch universities, which attract students worldwide. The country's universities offer free PhD programmes for all students, irrespective of nationality. This means that PhD programmes are tuition-free for both EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

PhD programmes in Finland are offered exclusively by universities and typically last four years. The academic year starts on 1 August and ends on 31 July, and students usually have two semesters, sometimes three. There are two types of PhD programmes: a standard research PhD and a national doctoral programme. The latter is generally fully funded, while the former has a structure similar to a standard doctorate, where you propose and pursue your research independently with your funding.

While PhD programmes are free, students are expected to cover their living expenses, which can range from EUR 700-1,250 per month, depending on the city. Additionally, doctoral candidates must pay a student union fee ranging from EUR 50-100 per academic year, which grants access to discounts on student restaurants and public transport.

Finland's universities also offer scholarships and grants to international students to help cover living costs. For example, the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) offers fellowships of EUR 1,900 per month for 3-12 months or EUR 1,000-1,900 per month for 9 months, open to PhD students from all nationalities.

Overall, Finland's free PhD programmes, combined with its top-notch universities and stunning natural beauty, make it a popular choice for international students pursuing their doctoral studies.

Scholarships are available for international students

International students who are required to pay tuition fees in Finland are also eligible to apply for university scholarships. Scholarships are available at both bachelor's and master's levels, and funding options exist for doctoral programmes, too. Each institution has its own scholarships, so you should check the website of the university or university of applied sciences (UAS) you are applying to for more information.

University scholarships are the most direct way to fund your studies. These are largely based on academic merit, and there is often a quota for each degree programme. Some scholarships grant a complete fee waiver, while others offer a percentage deduction on tuition charges, such as 50%.

You usually apply for a scholarship at the same time as you apply for admission. If you are accepted for a scholarship, the amount covered will be automatically deducted from your invoice. You can expect to hear about whether your scholarship application has been successful when you receive your acceptance letter.

As an international student, you will typically need to cover your living costs yourself. Finland is a relatively expensive country to live in, so you should budget for approximately €900–€1,000 per month for food, accommodation, and travel. The official minimum requirement set by Migri is €800 per month, but it is recommended that you reserve a little more for living expenses.

Finland has a high cost of living

Renting privately can be expensive, especially in the main cities, with Helsinki being one of the most costly locations. Fortunately, student housing is very accessible, and university dormitories or student residence halls are available at many institutions. The rent for a private apartment or a room in a student residence can vary depending on the location and the number of rooms. For example, a three-room apartment can be quite costly, while student accommodation is usually more affordable.

Groceries are also more expensive in Finland than in some other countries. Basic food items such as milk, bread, and chicken can add up quickly, and eating out at restaurants can be pricey, with a typical meal costing around €15–€20. Fast-food chains like McDonald's or Burger King offer more affordable options, but even then, a meal can cost over €7.

Transportation is another expense to consider. While students are often entitled to discounts on public transportation, the cost can still add up, especially in larger cities like Helsinki. A monthly city pass can be quite expensive, depending on the city.

Overall, Finland has a high cost of living, and students should be prepared to budget carefully. While the country offers a world-renowned education system and a high standard of living, it is important to plan and be mindful of expenses to make the most of your time as a student in Finland.

Frequently asked questions