Savanna Hoffman
Finland is known for its high-quality education system and excellent standard of living, making it a popular destination for international students. While Finland is not a cheap country to live in, it is surprisingly affordable for international students. The living costs in Finland are ideal for international students on a budget, with the average living cost ranging from 600 to 1000 EUR per month, depending on the city and type of accommodation. In addition, there are many universities in Finland that offer affordable degrees and scholarships for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA | Between €4,000 and €18,000 per year, depending on the degree and university |
| Tuition fees for international students from the EU/EEA | Free at public universities |
| Living costs | Between €600 and €1,500 per month, depending on location and lifestyle |
| Student accommodation | Between €160 and €800 per month, depending on location and whether it's a shared or private apartment |
| Public transport | Between €35 and €50 per month, depending on the city |
| Student union membership fee | Between €50 and €100 per academic year |
| Student health service | Twice a year |
| Part-time work | Allowed for up to 30 hours a week, earning €8-€12 per hour |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for international students
Finland is known for its high-quality education system and excellent standard of living, making it a popular destination for international students. However, the cost of studying in Finland varies depending on several factors, including the student's country of origin, the degree level, and the specific university and programme chosen.
For international students from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), tuition fees typically apply. These fees can range from €4,000 to €18,000 per year for Bachelor's degrees and €4,000 to €10,000 per year for Master's degrees. The higher range for Master's degrees can go up to €18,000 per year. Doctoral programmes, on the other hand, do not charge tuition fees, regardless of the student's nationality.
On the other hand, students from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland generally do not have to pay tuition fees at public universities in Finland. This makes Finland one of the more financially attractive study destinations in Europe for these students.
It is important to note that exchange students from other countries may also be exempt from paying tuition fees, although they may still need to pay fees to their home institution. Additionally, anyone choosing to study in Finnish or Swedish instead of English may also be exempt from tuition charges.
To make studying in Finland more accessible, universities in the country offer a range of scholarships and financial aid programmes for international students. These scholarships are often based on academic merit and can provide a full fee waiver or a percentage deduction on tuition charges. When applying to universities in Finland, it is advisable to explore the scholarship options available and submit applications accordingly.
In addition to tuition fees, international students should also consider the cost of living in Finland. While the country offers an excellent standard of living, it can be relatively expensive. Students can expect to spend between €600 to €1,500 per month, depending on their location and accommodation choices. Student housing foundations typically offer more affordable options, with rents ranging from €160 to €380 per month for a single room in a shared student apartment.
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$11.99
Living costs
The living costs in Finland vary per location and depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. The capital city, Helsinki, is the most expensive city to live in, whereas Laaperanta, Pori and Tampere are known as the most affordable student cities. The University of Helsinki suggests budgeting for 900 to 1,250 euros per month, including rent. The official minimum requirement set by the Finnish Immigration Service Migri is 800 euros per month, but it is recommended that you reserve a bit more for your living expenses, approximately 900 to 1,000 euros per month. On average, you can expect to spend between 700 and 1,000 euros per month and sometimes over 1,500 euros in larger cities.
There are two main accommodation options available to international students. Firstly, student housing foundations: a single room in a shared student apartment costs between 160 and 380 euros per month. Secondly, renting a flat on the open market: prices range from 400 to 800 euros per month. In addition, a studio in the Helsinki metropolitan area generally costs between 380 and 750 euros per month, whereas a studio in Oulu ranges from 270 to 500 euros per month.
A public transportation pass for students costs between 35 and 50 euros per month, depending on the city. The student union membership fee is between 50 and 100 euros per academic year, which grants access to discounts for public transport and student restaurants.
Overall, Finland is a relatively expensive country to live in, but it is still considered affordable for international students. The quality of life is high, and the country consistently ranks first on the World Happiness Report.
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Scholarships
University of Helsinki Scholarships
The University of Helsinki offers scholarships to students who are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries and do not have permanent residence status in Finland. The scholarship duration is two years, and students are required to study full time (earn at least 55 ECTS per year) to fulfil the requirements of the scholarship. After the first study year, the progress of your studies will be checked, and the scholarship will be continued based on your academic performance. It is important to note that the University of Helsinki does not offer scholarships to cover living expenses.
Tampere University Scholarships
Tampere University offers a limited number of partial scholarships as well as an early bird discount to support fee-paying students. The Tampere University tuition fee scholarship is awarded to a limited number of the best-performing applicants and covers 50% of the tuition fees for the programme duration. Additionally, the Tampere University International Advancement Scholarship is a 1500 EUR scholarship that students can earn during their studies or at graduation.
Aalto University Scholarships
Aalto University offers several full scholarships for international students studying Master's programs in English. The scholarships are awarded based on previous academic records and are divided into multiple categories. The gold category funds full tuition, study, and living expenses, while other categories cover either full tuition or only living expenses. Aalto University also participates in the Finland Scholarship programme, which covers 100% of tuition fees and provides 5000 EUR for relocation and other costs for the first year of studies.
University of Vaasa Scholarships
The University of Vaasa offers scholarships to international students with excellent academic records to support their studies in Finland. There are two types of scholarships available: first-year scholarships for students with exceptional academic achievements and second-year scholarships for full-time students.
Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award
The Fulbright Finland Foundation, in collaboration with Tampere University, offers the Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award specifically for U.S. students admitted to a Tampere University master's programme. The application deadline for this award is typically in early October.
Other Scholarships
In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are other opportunities available for international students in Finland. The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) offers Doctoral and Double Doctoral Fellowships of 1500 EUR per month for international students at Finnish universities. The EDUFI Fellowships program provides a monthly allowance of 1500 EUR for Doctoral-level students and researchers in any academic field. Additionally, the Finland Government Scholarship Pool program offers a monthly allowance of 1500 EUR for researchers from any academic field.
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Public transport
Finland is not a cheap country, but international students can get by on a limited budget. The University of Helsinki suggests budgeting for €900 to €1,250 per month, including rent. However, this can be reduced to the official minimum of €800 per month by staying in a dormitory or student residence hall.
Helsinki's public transport network includes trains, buses, trams, and an underground system. The HSL area is divided into four zones (A, B, C, and D) spreading out from the city centre, with ticket prices based on distance travelled. Tickets are valid for 80-110 minutes, and you can transfer between transport modes during this time. Tickets can be purchased via the HSL app, which also provides journey planning and tailored transport information.
Other cities with extensive public transport systems include Espoo, Vantaa, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, Rovaniemi, Savonlinna, Seinäjoki, Tampere, Turku, and Vaasa.
While public transport in Finland is highly efficient, renting a car is advisable for visiting rural areas.
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Accommodation
The cost of living in Finland for a single person can range from INR 80K to INR 2L per month, depending on lifestyle choices such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
For international students, there are two main housing options:
- Student housing: The monthly cost of a single room in a shared student residence ranges from €160 to €380. Student housing foundations like HOAS and SOA provide accommodations at significantly lower rates compared to private rentals. A single apartment is also an option, but it is more expensive. Student housing is where about one-third of all students in Finland reside.
- Private housing: Renting or sharing a flat on the open market ranges from €400 to €800 per month, depending on factors such as location and size. Private housing can offer more freedom and privacy, but it is more expensive than student housing.
To find affordable options, consider the location – Helsinki is the most expensive city for accommodation, while Laaperanta, Pori, and Tampere are known as the most affordable student cities.
Other accommodation options include:
- Homestay: Living with a Finnish family is a cost-effective option, providing an opportunity to practice the Finnish language and learn about Finnish culture. It ranges from €20 to €50 per night.
- Hostels and hotels: Hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation, while hotels offer more luxurious accommodation at a higher cost. Hostel accommodation ranges from €20 to €50 per night, while hotel accommodation can cost anywhere from €50 to €300 per night.
- Real estate agents: They can help find accommodation that fits your budget and preferences, but they charge a fee for their services.
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Frequently asked questions
Finland is not a cheap country to live in, but you can get by on a limited student budget. The cost of living for international students is around €700-€900 per month, but can be as high as €1,300 per month, depending on your spending habits and the location in which you live. Helsinki is the most expensive city, while Laaperanta, Pori and Tampere are the most affordable student cities.
Tuition fees for international students in Finland vary depending on the university and programme. Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught in English typically range from €4,000 to €18,000 per year, while private universities can charge even higher fees. However, Doctorate programmes are usually tuition-free.
There are several scholarship opportunities available for international students in Finland. Finnish Government Scholarship Pool supports doctoral-level studies and research, while university-specific scholarships are offered by individual universities based on academic merit. EDUFI Fellowships are also available for researchers and academics.
Other living costs include transportation, food, and social activities. A monthly public transport pass costs €35-€50, while setting aside €100 per month for social activities is recommended. The student union membership fee is between €80-€100 per year, and the annual student healthcare fee is around €70 per year.
Finland offers a globally respected education system with a strong emphasis on research, practical learning, and inclusive environments. It is also known for its healthy food, clean water, and low crime rate. Additionally, living in Finland with a residence permit for studies can count towards the requirement for applying for permanent residency.
