
Finland is a popular destination for international students due to its free-tuition policies, high-quality education standards, and institutions that emphasise research and practical training. Public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences, both of which are tuition-free for students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. However, non-EU/EEA students pursuing English-taught degrees are typically required to pay tuition fees, which can range from €6,000 to €20,000 per year. Nonetheless, Finland offers a dynamic educational landscape with a strong emphasis on research, practical learning, and inclusive environments, making it an attractive option for international students seeking a unique study abroad experience in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Public universities tuition fees for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland | Free |
| Public universities tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees | Paid |
| Minimum tuition fee set by the Finnish government for Bachelor's and Master's programmes | 1,500 EUR/year |
| Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students enrolling at public universities | 5,000-20,000 EUR/year |
| Tuition fees at private universities | Higher than public universities |
| Administrative fees at public universities | 100-350 EUR/semester |
| Federal State of Baden-Württemberg universities tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens | Paid |
| Tuition fees at German public universities for Master's or PhD in a subject unrelated to previous studies | Paid |
| Private universities in Germany tuition fees | 1,000-4,000 EUR/year |
| Private universities in Norway tuition fees | 7,000-19,000 EUR/year |
| Monthly living expenses in Norway | 700-2,000 EUR |
| Scholarships for students from specific countries pursuing studies in Finland | CIMO Scholarships |
| Scholarships for students from EU/EEA countries | Erasmus+ Mobility Grants |
| Scholarship programs for students from Nordic and Baltic countries | Nordplus Higher Education program |
| Scholarships for non-EU/EEA students | Finland University Scholarships |
| Scholarships for students applying for English-taught Master's programs | Hanken Scholarship Foundation |
| University offering tuition fee waivers for students applying to their Master's programs | University of Oulu |
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What You'll Learn

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
In Finland, public universities are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. For students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, these institutions offer education without tuition fees. However, non-EU/EEA students enrolling in English-taught degrees are typically required to pay tuition fees. The minimum tuition fee set by the Finnish government is around 1,500 EUR per year for Bachelor's and Master's programmes, but many study programmes charge tuition above this amount. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students enrolling at public Finnish universities range from 5,000 to 15,000 EUR per year, with the University of Helsinki being the most expensive institution. Private universities in Finland usually charge higher fees.
While considering your education expenses in Finland, it's important to factor in the cost of living. On average, monthly expenses fall within the range of 700 to 1,300 EUR, depending on individual spending habits.
There are several scholarship opportunities available for international students in Finland. The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) offers scholarships for students from specific countries pursuing studies in Finland, typically targeted toward exchange programs and summer courses. Erasmus+ offers mobility grants for students from EU/EEA countries to study in Finland as part of an exchange program. There are also various Nordic Scholarship Programs, such as the Nordplus Higher Education program. A consortium of Finnish universities offers Finland University Scholarships for non-EU/EEA students, covering tuition fees partially or fully. Additionally, the Hanken School of Economics provides scholarships for students applying for their English-taught Master's programs.
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English-taught degrees
Finland has considerably expanded its number of English-taught postgraduate programmes to attract international students.
Public universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. For EU/EEA and Swiss students, these institutions offer education without tuition fees. However, non-EU/EEA students pursuing English-taught degrees are generally required to pay tuition fees. The minimum fee set by the Finnish government is approximately €1,500 per year for both Bachelor's and Master's programmes, but many programmes charge higher fees. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in public Finnish universities range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year, with the University of Helsinki being the most expensive institution. Private universities usually charge higher fees, which can range from €7,000 to €19,000 per year.
There are several affordable options for international students pursuing English-taught Master's degrees in Finland. For example, the University of Turku is one of the most international universities in Finland and is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. Its tuition fees for Master's programmes range from US$8,869 to US$13,303 per academic year. The university also awards scholarships to approximately 30% of admitted students.
Another option is Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KUAS), which offers a range of English-taught programmes across the subjects of business, sports, tourism, and information technology. For non-EU/EEA students, KUAS charges between US$19,123 and US$25,497 for a Master's degree.
Additionally, Centria University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) has one in five of its 4,400 degree students coming from outside Finland. A Master's education at CUAS will cost around US$11,086 per academic year.
International students can also explore scholarship opportunities to help finance their studies in Finland. The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) offers scholarships for students from specific countries, while Erasmus+ provides mobility grants for students from EU/EEA countries participating in exchange programmes. The University of Oulu offers tuition fee waivers for students applying to their Master's programmes, and the Hanken School of Economics provides scholarships for students applying for their English-taught Master's programmes.
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Finnish/Swedish-taught degrees
Finland has a lot to offer for international students, including historic universities, a high quality of life, and a good chance of paying no fees for your master's degree.
The University of Helsinki is a bilingual institution that offers courses taught in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture in Helsinki also offers some courses in English, although most of the teaching is in Finnish. The University of Helsinki Language Centre organizes language courses for foreign students.
The University of Turku is one of the most international universities in Finland and is ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. Their nursing programme is their best-ranked, placing at #36. The tuition fees for a master's programme range from US$8,869 to US$13,303 per academic year. However, the University of Turku awards scholarships to approximately 30% of admitted students, making education here relatively affordable.
The University of the Arts Helsinki provides the highest level of education in music, fine arts, theatre, and dance in Finland. Uniarts Helsinki is an international forerunner in education and research in the field of arts.
Diak is Finland's largest provider of UAS-level education, specializing in social work and healthcare interpreting. The university offers two master's degree programmes: a Master's in Global Change and Community Development, and a Master's in People-Centred and Innovative Leadership in Health Services.
Other universities of applied sciences in Finland include:
- Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KUAS)
- Centria University of Applied Sciences (CUAS)
- Humak University of Applied Sciences
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences
- Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk)
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Scholarships and grants
CIMO Scholarships
The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) offers scholarships for students from specific countries pursuing studies in Finland. These scholarships are typically targeted at exchange programs and summer courses.
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
Erasmus+ offers mobility grants for students from EU/EEA countries to study in Finland as part of an exchange program.
Nordic Scholarship Programs
There are various scholarship programs available for students from Nordic and Baltic countries, such as the Nordplus Higher Education program.
Finland University Scholarships
A consortium of Finnish universities offers scholarships for non-EU/EEA students, covering tuition fees partially or fully.
Hanken Scholarship Foundation
The Hanken School of Economics provides scholarships to students applying for their English-taught Master's programs.
University of Oulu Tuition Fee Waivers
The University of Oulu offers tuition fee waivers for students applying to their Master's programs.
University-Specific Scholarships
Some universities in Finland offer scholarships or tuition fee waivers for a percentage of their admitted students, making education more affordable. For example, the University of Turku awards scholarships to approximately 30% of its admitted students.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Students from specific countries may be eligible for scholarships or grants to study in Finland. These are usually offered by organizations or institutions in the student's home country, so it's worth researching opportunities specific to your nationality.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while Finland has tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students on English-taught Master's programs, there are no tuition fees for programs taught in Finnish or Swedish. This exemption from tuition fees applies to all international students, making it a more affordable option for those willing to study in the local language.
Lastly, when considering scholarships and grants, it is important to also factor in the cost of living in Finland. Monthly expenses can range from 700 to 1,300 EUR, depending on individual spending habits and the city of residence.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Finland is relatively high compared to other countries. As an international student, you should expect to spend between €700 and €1,300 per month on living expenses, including food, accommodation, and travel. Helsinki is the most expensive city in Finland, while Laaperanta, Pori, and Tampere are known for being more affordable for students.
To save money on accommodation, you can opt for student housing, which costs between €160 and €380 per month for a single room in a shared apartment. Alternatively, you can rent or share a flat on the open market, which will cost between €400 and €800 per month.
There are also other costs to consider, such as the student union membership fee, which is between €80 and €100 per academic year, and the student healthcare fee, which is around €70 per year.
While Finland may be more expensive than some other countries, it is worth noting that the Nordic model of living can be experienced without constantly worrying about your bank balance. Additionally, scholarships are available for international students, which can help offset the cost of living and tuition fees.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the student's nationality and the language in which the degree is taught. Master's degrees taught in Finnish or Swedish are free for all international students. However, non-EU/EEA students pursuing English-taught degrees are required to pay tuition fees. These fees usually vary between €6,000 and €20,000 per year.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can pursue master's degrees at Finnish public universities for free. Additionally, the University of Turku, which is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, offers scholarships to approximately 30% of its admitted students. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) is another affordable option, with master's degrees costing between US$19,123 and US$25,497 per year.
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities available for international students wanting to study in Finland. These include the CIMO Scholarships offered by the Centre for International Mobility, the Erasmus+ Mobility Grants for students from EU/EEA countries, the Nordic Scholarship Programs for students from Nordic and Baltic countries, and the Finland University Scholarships, which cover tuition fees partially or fully for non-EU/EEA students.
The cost of living in Finland for international students can vary depending on individual spending habits. On average, monthly expenses range from €700 to €1,300 per month. However, in cities like Oslo, the cost of living is higher, with monthly expenses averaging around €2,000.
























