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Study in Finland

Finland's universities of applied sciences build placements into every degree and teach extensively in English. Scholarships routinely cover most or all of tuition, and graduates have two years — usable any time within five — to find work.

Tuition
US$7,700/yr
Living
US$7,500/yr
Total
US$15,200/yr
Work rights
Average 30 hours/week during term
Post-study
2 years, claimable within 5 years

Current position

Policy for international students

  • Since 1 November 2024 the Finnish Immigration Service requires students to show 800 EUR per month for living costs, a minimum of 9,600 EUR for one academic year, on top of tuition.
  • A student residence permit allows an average of up to 30 hours per week of work during term, and full-time work during holidays.
  • Graduates may apply for a permit to remain in Finland for up to two years to find work. The permit can be claimed at any point within five years of graduating, and taken in separate blocks if preferred.
  • Most universities of applied sciences award tuition scholarships automatically as part of the admission decision.

Cost

What a year in Finland costs

Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.

Scholarships: Universities of applied sciences commonly award 50-100% tuition scholarships with the offer, renewable on credit progress.

Estimated annual cost

Tuition—
Living costs—
Scholarship—
Total per year—

US dollars, indicative

Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.

Admission

Entry requirements

  • High school graduate
  • Pass the entrance examination, or submit SAT scores
  • IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent certificate

Funding

Scholarships & financial support

Universities of applied sciences commonly award 50-100% tuition scholarships with the offer, renewable on credit progress.

Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.

How scholarship rounds work

At a glance

Work during study
Average 30 hours/week during term
After graduation
2 years, claimable within 5 years
Baseline tuition
US$7,700/yr
Baseline living
US$7,500/yr

Subjects

What Finland is strong in

  • Computer Science & IT
  • Engineering & Applied Sciences
  • Healthcare & Medicine
  • Business & Management
  • Hospitality
  • Education & Training
  • Creative Arts & Design

Institutions

Where to study in Finland

23 institutions in our directory, across 2 categories.

Browse all 23 institutions in Finland

Immigration

The Finland student visa

  • Courses longer than 90 days require a student residence permit rather than a visa; apply through the Enter Finland online service.
  • Eligibility rests on an admission place, sufficient funds, health insurance, a clean record and a valid passport.
  • Processing usually takes one to three months, and longer if any part of the application is incomplete — the embassy will contact you for missing documents.
  • Apply as soon as your admission is confirmed so the permit is issued in time for the start of the semester.

Questions

Frequently asked

Can I apply without IELTS?

Many Finnish institutions accept their own English test as part of the entrance examination, so a separate IELTS certificate is not always required. Check the specific programme.

How much does a year cost?

About US$15,200 per year including tuition and living, before any scholarship — and scholarships are common.

How does proof of funds work?

You need 800 EUR per month, meaning at least 9,600 EUR for a full academic year, in an account in your own name. Insurance and paid tuition are assessed alongside it.

Is it hard to win a scholarship?

Less than most destinations. Finnish universities of applied sciences typically attach a 50-100% tuition scholarship to the admission offer itself, renewed each year on satisfactory credit progress.

Can I work while studying?

Yes — an average of up to 30 hours per week during term, and full-time during holiday periods.

When should I apply?

The main January application round is for the following autumn intake, with a smaller round in August-September for the January intake. Entrance exams follow within weeks of the deadline.

Planning Finland for 2026–27?

We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.

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