International Students In Finland: A Growing Community

how many international students in finland

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and its universities offer diverse student communities, inspiring fellow students, affordable student prices, top-quality education, groundbreaking research, and strong emphasis on innovation. The Finnish government plans to invite 15,000 international students before 2030 and provide employment to 75% of them. Currently, there are over 20,000 international students in Finland, with Indian, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Nepali students making up the majority of foreign students.

Characteristics Values
Number of international students 20,000+
Number of Indian students 2,000
Target number of international students by 2030 15,000
Target employment rate for international students 75%
Number of international students at SAMK 1,000+
Number of international students at Oulu University of Applied Sciences 500
Number of international students at University of Jyväskylä 14,000 from 100 countries
Number of English-speaking degree programmes 400-500
Number of international students enrolled in Business, Administration and Law, Information and Communication Technologies, and Engineering courses 62%
Number of non-EU student applications from India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan Significant increase
Tuition fees for international students Varying fees for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
Cost of living Depends on location, accommodation, dietary habits, lifestyle, and miscellaneous charges
Housing Expensive; student housing is cheaper than the open market

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Finland's higher education institutions have over 20,000 international students

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and its higher education institutions have over 20,000 international students. The country's high-quality public and private education, fascinating Nordic culture, and status as the happiest country in the world make it a popular destination for international students.

Finland's higher education institutions offer a wide range of English-language programmes, with over 500 English-speaking degree programmes available across the country. Finnish higher education institutions are highly autonomous, but largely funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which also oversees the quality of teaching. This ensures that students receive a top-quality education, with well-equipped libraries, high-tech labs, and strong emphasis on innovation and research.

International students in Finland can expect to pay tuition fees, although there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available. Additionally, each Finnish higher education institution has its own grant system for students from outside the EU/EEA area. The cost of living in Finland can vary depending on location, accommodation choices, dietary habits, and lifestyle.

Finland's higher education institutions include 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS), which offer almost 600 bachelor's and master's degree programmes. These universities and UAS provide a diverse range of study environments, from larger urban campuses to nature-oriented campuses.

The University of Jyväskylä, for example, is among the top 3% of international universities and offers 20 master's degree programmes in English. The University of Turku is another renowned institution, known for providing students with innovative problem-solving skills and high-standard education based on the latest research. Aalto University is also worth mentioning, consistently ranking among the top 150 universities in the world.

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The Finnish government plans to invite 15,000 more by 2030

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and it is a popular destination for international students. The country boasts high-quality public and private education, fascinating Nordic culture, and was named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row in 2025.

Currently, there are 20,000+ international students in Finland, including 2,000 Indian students. However, the Finnish government has set an ambitious target to increase this number even further. By 2030, Finland aims to triple its number of international students, inviting 15,000 more to join its universities. This target is part of a landmark move by the Finnish government to make the country more attractive to international students and their families.

One of the key measures introduced to achieve this goal is the extension of residence permits for international students and their family members. Previously, students and their families received temporary permits valid for only two years. Now, they will be granted continuous permits for the entire duration of their studies. This change not only makes it easier for students to stay in the country but also provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

In addition to the more seamless permit practices, the government has also increased the number of hours international students can work while studying. Students can now work up to 30 hours per week, a significant increase from the previous limit of 25 hours. This change will allow students to better support themselves financially during their studies. The government has also extended the "jobseeker's permit" duration for international graduates and researchers from one year to two years, making it easier for graduates to stay and pursue careers in Finland.

Finland's high-quality education, combined with its initiatives to attract international students, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking world-class education and a unique cultural experience. With its competitive advantages and focus on accessibility, Finland is poised to become an even more leading study destination for international students by 2030.

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International students must pay tuition fees, but scholarships are available

Finland is a popular destination for international students, with over 20,000 choosing to study in the country. This is due to its high-quality education system and fascinating Nordic culture. For students coming from outside the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, Finland can be an expensive place to study. This is because international students are required to pay tuition fees, which can vary between 4,000 and 18,000 euros per year, depending on the degree programme and university chosen. For example, the prestigious University of Helsinki charges up to 18,000 euros per year, whereas the University of Turku's fees for international students range from 2,000 to 12,000 euros annually.

However, there are a variety of scholarships available to international students, offered by both the Finnish government and individual universities, which can help to fund studies. The Finland Government Scholarship is one such example, providing funding for undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programmes. Each Finnish university also has its own international scholarship system, funded by the government, which can cover tuition fees and other benefits. It is recommended that students apply for scholarships at the same time as applying for admission. Scholarships are largely based on academic merit, and some may result in a complete fee waiver, while others may offer a percentage deduction on tuition charges.

In addition to tuition fees, international students in Finland should also consider the cost of living, which can vary depending on the location and lifestyle choices. For example, Helsinki is known to be more expensive than smaller towns like Oulu, with the University of Helsinki recommending a budget of 900 to 1,250 euros per month, including rent. Student housing foundations offer single rooms in shared apartments for between 160 and 380 euros per month, while renting a room or flat privately can cost between 400 and 800 euros per month. Other living costs include the student union membership fee, which is between 80 and 100 euros per academic year, but this provides a student card that offers discounts on public transport and restaurants.

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Most international students are enrolled in Business, Administration, ICT, and Engineering

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and its high-quality education is a significant pull factor for international students. The Finnish government plans to invite 15,000 international students before 2030 and aims to provide employment to 75% of them. Currently, there are 2,000 Indian students in Finland, and the country is witnessing an increase in applications from Asian countries like India, China, Vietnam, and Nepal. In fact, according to Finnish Immigration Service data, India and China are the top two countries with the highest number of non-EU student applications.

Finland's higher education system offers a range of courses, with Business, Administration, ICT, and Engineering being popular choices among international students. 62% of international students are enrolled in these fields. Universities like Aalto University, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, and Häme University of Applied Sciences offer English-taught Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. These programs are designed to create well-rounded business graduates and offer specializations in various fields, including International Business Management and Project Management.

MBA degrees in Finland stand out due to their focus on peer-to-peer education, bringing together successful business people and students from diverse backgrounds. This aspect of MBA programs provides valuable networking opportunities and enables the creation of new business ventures. Additionally, many MBA schools require candidates to have a minimum age or a certain amount of work experience, usually between 2 and 4 years. This is because MBAs prepare students for significant career advancements in the business world, with popular post-graduation jobs including product manager, business consultant, and financial manager.

For international students interested in engineering, Finland offers a range of programs with tuition fees for a 1-year Bachelor of Engineering averaging INR 8 Lakhs. The country's universities, such as Savonia, one of Finland's biggest and most versatile universities of applied sciences, provide a modern and international learning environment. Finland's higher education system offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion in a Nordic lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for students worldwide.

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International students can access grants from Finnish higher education institutions

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, and it is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality public and private education and fascinating Nordic culture. The Finnish government plans to invite 15,000 international students before 2030 and aims to provide employment to 75% of them. Currently, there are 2,000 Indian students studying in Finland, with the majority of non-EU student applications coming from India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

International students are expected to pay tuition fees in Finland, which can vary between EUR 5,000 and EUR 18,000 per academic year, depending on the institution and program. However, international students can access grants and scholarships to help fund their studies. Each Finnish higher education institution has its own grant system for students from outside the EU/EEA area who are enrolled in bachelor's or master's degree programs taught in English. These grants are intended to guarantee subsistence during the student's studies. In addition to grants, international students may also be eligible for student loans, housing allowances, and subsidized meals, transportation, and health care services.

To be eligible for a study grant, students must be over 17 years old and enrolled in a full-time study program. The size of the grant may vary depending on factors such as age, living situation, marital status, and whether the student has children. The grant is typically paid into the student's bank account on a monthly basis. Students can also apply for a student loan, which is guaranteed by the Finnish government. It is important to note that the loan must be paid back once the student has completed their studies.

While international students in Finland may face challenges in covering their living costs, there are various funding options available through higher education institutions and the government to support their studies. These grants and scholarships can help make studying in Finland more accessible and affordable for international students.

Frequently asked questions

There are over 20,000 international students in Finland, with 62% enrolled in Business, Administration and Law, Information and Communication Technologies, and Engineering courses.

While European students can study for free, international students are expected to pay tuition fees. However, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available, as well as grants for students from outside the EU/EEA area.

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, with top-quality teaching and excellent facilities. Campuses balance natural settings with high-tech facilities, and Finnish institutions place great value on quality research and innovation.

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