Ibrahim Gardner
Finland is an excellent choice for international students seeking a unique Nordic experience and a world-class education. The country boasts a high quality of life, stability, and a strong commitment to equality, integrity, and openness. Finland's education system is renowned for its academic excellence, with accessible, top-quality teaching and a focus on student-centred learning and technological advancement. International students can choose from a wide range of English-language degree programmes and benefit from the country's high-level infrastructure, safety, and beautiful natural environment. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of studying in Finland, including the need to learn Finnish or Swedish for better job prospects and the difficulty of obtaining housing in larger cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic excellence | Top-notch study abroad destination |
| Culture | Unique Nordic experience |
| Education | Student-centred learning |
| Technology | High-tech labs |
| Nature | Four distinct seasons |
| Safety | One of the safest countries in the world |
| Environment | Eco-friendly |
| Language | Bilingual (Finnish and Swedish) |
| Job opportunities | Networking is important |
| Housing | Difficult to obtain |
| Tuition fees | Vary for international students |
| Scholarships | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Finland's higher education system
The higher education system in Finland offers a two-cycle degree system. Students first complete a Bachelor's degree, which is considered a stage in studies for a Master's degree. A university Bachelor's degree is typically 180 ECTS credits and takes three years, while a Polytechnic Bachelor's degree is generally 210-240 ECTS credits, requiring 3.5 to 4 years of full-time study. After completing a Bachelor's degree, students may go on to pursue a Master's degree, which typically takes five to six years to complete.
Tuition fees for degree programs in Finland vary, with European students studying for free while international students are expected to pay tuition fees. However, there are scholarship opportunities available to help fund international students' studies.
The University of Helsinki, one of the world's top 1% universities, is an excellent example of Finland's higher education system. The university offers free Finnish language courses for enrolled exchange, visiting, and international degree students, making it easier for international students to adapt to the local culture.
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Job opportunities for international students
Finland is known for its high-quality education, decent living standards, work conditions, sustainability, green nature, fresh air, equality, and happiness. It is a great place for international students to find job opportunities.
Finland has a strong economy, low unemployment, and a large pool of highly skilled workers. International students can work part-time for up to 30 hours per week with a valid student residence permit. During school breaks, they can work full-time. However, it is important to check the specific regulations for your residence permit, as working without a valid permit can lead to legal consequences.
Finland offers a range of job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, and IT. Students can find part-time work in these industries, with popular positions including customer service representative, nurse, and retail sales associate. Tutoring and research assistant positions in the education industry can also offer part-time job opportunities for international students.
To find a job in Finland, it is important to be flexible and open-minded. International students may first be offered short-term jobs, which can be a great way to gain work experience and new skills. Learning Finnish can also be beneficial for finding work, as some positions may require fluency in both Finnish and English.
There are also internship and doctoral student positions available in Finland. For example, Hannes Snellman, a top-tier Nordic law firm, offers positions for doctoral students in strategic finance and metasurface applications. IBM also offers a paid internship programme for event production in Helsinki.
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Cost of living
Finland is known for its high standard of education, offering world-class higher education. Public universities in Finland are free for EU/EEA and Swiss students. However, non-EU/EEA students need to pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. These fees range from €4,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and programme. Doctoral programmes are free for all students, regardless of nationality.
The cost of living in Finland for international students varies depending on location, transport options, lifestyle, and economic factors such as inflation. The average living costs for students in Finland are between €700 and €1,100 per month. The Finnish Immigration Service Migri recommends a minimum of €800 per month, but advises students to budget €900 to €1,000 per month for expenses like food, accommodation, and travel. The cost of living is highest in Helsinki, the capital city, and lowest in cities like Oulu, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, and Pori.
Student housing foundations offer affordable accommodation, with rents ranging from €160 to €380 per month for a single room in a shared student apartment. Private rentals are more expensive, ranging from €400 to €800 per month. Utility bills for electricity, water, and home insurance can be reduced by sharing accommodation. Student union membership costs between €80 and €100 per year and provides benefits such as discounts on public transport and student restaurants.
Health-related expenses, including insurance and medication, can cost between €36 and €70 per month. Students also have access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) for an annual fee of around €70.
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Housing
Student housing in Finland is in high demand, especially in larger cities, so it is recommended to start your search early and apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the university. The main options for student housing are a 'student apartment' arranged by the Finnish Associations of Student Housing Organisations (SOA) or the private market. SOA apartments always have easy access to schools and universities, and housing costs are reasonable, but availability can be an issue and leases are usually for at least a year. The private market offers greater freedom of choice in type, location, and length of stay, but can be more expensive.
Student apartments through SOA student housing organisations can be hard to find or may not offer the flexibility that some exchange students are looking for. For example, in the Helsinki region, Flatta is a platform that was founded with the purpose of making student housing more flexible.
There are several types of student accommodation available in Finland, including shared apartments, group apartments, studio apartments, and family apartments. Rents for rooms in shared apartments are considerably lower than normal rents, especially in large cities. The bathroom and kitchen in shared apartments are often shared between a few students. Studios are intended for one student and are a more expensive and harder-to-get type of housing. Family apartments can be applied for by couples and families if one of the partners is a student.
Student apartments generally have shared facilities such as saunas, laundry rooms with washing machines and tumble dryers, and club rooms. They are equipped with telephone lines, enabling internet access, and an increasing number of student apartments are linked to a computer network in a college or university.
The Finnish Student Housing Foundation (KOAS) is responsible for student accommodation in most Finnish universities, managing over 5,000 apartments across 18 cities in Finland. They provide fully furnished apartments with basic amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and internet access. The rent for KOAS apartments ranges from €200 to €600 per month depending on the location, apartment size, and facilities provided.
Private housing is another option for international students in Finland, including renting a flat or a room in a shared apartment. Private housing can be more expensive but provides more freedom and privacy. The rent for private accommodation varies depending on the location, apartment size, and facilities provided. Online platforms such as Oikotie and Vuokraovi can be used to find private accommodation, or you can use a real estate agent.
When considering private housing or sharing an apartment, it is important to think about potential roommates and ensure that they have similar lifestyles and preferences to avoid conflicts and ensure a comfortable living experience. It is also important to carefully read the lease agreement and understand the terms and conditions, including the length of the lease, the payment schedule, and any additional fees or charges. Reviews from previous tenants can give you an idea of the living experience and any potential issues or concerns.
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Language requirements
Finland is a top destination for international students due to its excellent education system, affordable cost of living, and the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. The country also boasts a beautiful landscape and a warm and welcoming population.
Most Finnish people speak English very well, and many universities in Finland offer Finnish language courses to international students. However, if you intend to work in Finland, you may need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, depending on your profession.
Finland has no universal language requirements for international students, as this depends on the chosen study programme and university. If your programme is offered in English, you don't need to know Finnish. However, some universities may require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PBT, or the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic).
If you are applying to a university that offers programmes in Swedish or Finnish, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in one of these languages. This can be done through the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) test, the Finnish Matriculation Examination, or the Finnish Language and Culture proficiency test.
If you plan to stay in Finland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. For stays shorter than three months, a visa is required.
To work in Finland, you may need to demonstrate language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, depending on the sector and profession. This can be done through the YKI certificate (General Language Proficiency Examination), the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate, or the VKT. Certain regulated professions may require specific education, qualifications, or rights to practise.
Language Courses for International Students:
The University of Helsinki offers Finnish courses for international degree students, exchange students, and visiting students through the Department of Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian Studies. They also offer online courses and Academic Language and Intercultural Exchange (ALICE) courses organised by the Language Center.
While Finland has no universal language requirements for international students, it is beneficial to have some knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, especially if you plan to work in the country. The language requirements depend on your chosen study programme and university, so it is essential to check with your specific institution. Finland offers various language courses to help international students improve their language skills and integrate into the local culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Finland is a great choice for international students, offering a high quality of life, safety, and a unique Nordic experience. Finnish society is egalitarian, with values of equality, integrity, trust, and openness. Finland is also known for its academic excellence, with some of the best universities in Europe.
Finland's higher education institutions offer a wide range of English-language programmes, with a focus on student-centred learning and technological advancement. Campuses are equipped with high-tech labs and well-stocked libraries, set in natural surroundings. Finland's education system is considered one of the most advanced globally, and international students appreciate the approachable professors and teachers.
Finding housing in Finland can be difficult, especially in larger cities, and it is recommended to secure accommodation before moving to the country. Additionally, international students may face challenges with the Finnish language, which is very different from Indo-European languages. Learning Finnish or Swedish can improve job prospects in Finland.
While European students can study for free, international students are typically required to pay tuition fees. However, there are various scholarship and grant opportunities available, such as the EDUFI Fellowship scholarship for postgraduates. International students are generally not eligible for student financial aid, so it is important to plan how you will finance your studies.
Finland offers a combination of bustling city life and peaceful nature, with activities to enjoy during all four distinct seasons. Students can participate in school events and networking opportunities, which can lead to internships and job prospects. However, alcohol is not considered cheap in Finland.
