Study In Finland

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About

The Republic of Finland is one of the Nordic countries, known as “Land of the Midnight Sun” which consistently ranks at the top of the quality of life and high education and economic strength.

It is one of the Nordic countries located in the north of Europe and shares borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east.

Also, it is defined by the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea across Estonia to the south and by the Gulf of Bothnia to the west. It covers an area of 338,455 square kilometers, and the total length of Finland from north to south is 1,157 km, with a population of 5.5 million. 

What is the capital of Finland?  

The largest city and the capital of Finland is Helsinki founded in 1550 and located in the south of the country in the Uusimaa region on the Gulf of Finland’s shoars. Also, Helsinki is considered the third-largest city in the Nordic countries.

Finland’s capital is home to the best universities and important educational hotspot institutions with a population of 642,000 inhabitants. Moreover, the capital hosts nearly 75% of foreign companies investing.

Finnish currency & economy 

Finland is an active part of the European Union (EU) and has used the EURO as its official currency since 2002.  

Finland’s economy is a mostly free market and its score is 76.1 making it the 17th freest economy in the 2021 Index.

The economy in Finland is highly industrialized and dependent on trade, which accounts for about 33% of its gross domestic product (GDP).

What is the weather and climate in Finland? 

Finland is located in the zone where tropical and polar air masses meet which makes the weather variable and can change very quickly and compared to the Scandinavian countries, Finland is the coldest country because of the proximity to Russia. 

In summers, Finland has a short and hot summer season and the weather is mild and warm in the south and the center of the country, the sun sets late rises early as evenings and nights are bright during the summer,

Whereas in winters, the overall climate is cold and long, it has snow on the ground for upwards of 90 days every year in the north and the temperature is often below zero degrees Celsius some time fall to -20 \ -30 degrees Celsius 

the major landmarks in Finland 

In Finland, there are many notable landmarks

  • Suomenlinna Fortress
  • Paasselka Devils 
  • Helsinki Cathedral
  • Turku Castle 
  • Rauma Town Hall
  • Julma Olkky Canyon
  • Olavinlinna Castle 
  • Hame Castle 
  • Bomarsund Fortress
  • Petajavesi Old Church 

people & culture 

There are cultural differences among various regions of Finland and heavily influenced by several communities including the Swedish, Russians, numerous  Finish and Baltic people.

In general, Finn’s belief in the values of honesty, equality, nature, and trust. In Finnish society, everyone is equal and must be treated fairly without any discrimination and it encourages liberalism with a popular commitment to the Finnish government. 

In Finland, the traditions and holidays are associated with their pagan customs and Christianity. Also, People are like outdoor activities and being in contact with nature.

Furthermore, they are so kind, have good manners, practicality, open-mindedness, appreciation, and punctuality.  

What are the official languages in Finland?

people in Finland are so educated and most people speak two or three languages, but the official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish 

facts about Finland

  • The light is the most remarkable feature of Finland. the Northern Lights appear and lighten up the sky at the end of sunshine of summer gives way to dark winter,
  • Finland is a lowland and consists of several lakes and more than 80% of the country is covered with forests.
  • winter in Finland is often dark because the sun sets in the afternoon and rises late in the morning
  • Finland is a part of Fenland even though it is located on a peninsula geographically within the region of Scandinavia.
  • Finland is the eighth-largest country in Europe
  • it was the first nation who make Internet access a legal right for its people.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GREECE

  • Greeks refer to their country as Hellas or Hellada and the official name is the Hellenic Republic.
  • Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece at 2918 meters (9573 feet).
  • Greece is the third-largest olive oil producer all over the world.
  • Greek is the oldest language in the world which was founded over 5000 years ago.
  • it consists of 6000 Islands and Islets, but only 170 of them are inhabited
  • The most popular tourist destination with a number of international airports and hotels.
  • The evil eye is a common superstition and the Greeks believe in envious
  • The first blue and white Greek flag appeared in 1807.

Study Cost

Bear in mind that studying in Finland is the most important privilege in your life because education in Finland has ranked one of the best education systems for international students in the world.

Finland is one of the European countries that support and fund international students and provides many types of fully-funded scholarships

In general, tuition fees are not waived for international students who seek to continue their higher education, but the bright side is that tuition fees are not expensive at public universities and the international student can afford the studying cost.   

Who can study in Finland for free?

if one of these conditions applies to you that means you can study in Finland for free:

  1. The students who come from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland don’t have to pay the tuition fees.
  2. Exchange students program who come from other countries.
  3. The students who have a permanent or a fixed-term residence permit, or an EU Blue Card are also exceptions from the tuition fees.
  4. the students who choose to study in Finnish or Swedish languages, as opposed to a degree taught in English. They are exempted from fees. 

How much does it cost to study?

That depends on the chosen universities or institutions

Each university sets its own fees and they differ from one program to another. the list below shows the tuition fees of the best universities in Finland: 

  • Aalto University: the average costs is 12,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
  • University of Oulu: it costs from 10,000 to 13,000 EUR per year
  • Ă…bo Akademi University the costs is range from 8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
  • University of Helsinki the average cost is 13,000 to 18,000 EUR per year
  • Arcada University of Applied Science: it is around 6,000 to 9,000 EUR per year
  • Haaga-Helia UAS: it costs 8,500 to 9,500 EUR per year
  • University of Tampere the average costs is 8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
  • Hanken School of Economics the costs from12,500 EUR per year
  • Helsinki Metropolia UAS: it costs 10,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
  • University of Turk it is around 8,000 to 16,000 EUR per year
  • University of Eastern Finland the average costs 8,000 to 15,000 EUR per year.

When do the students have to pay the tuition fee?

After the students receive the acceptance letter from the university or selected program, they will also receive the invoice for the first year’s tuition fee enclosed with it. 

Although the payment terms are different for each university, the students are expected to pay the full annual tuition fee within two weeks or a month; until you have paid, your admission will be conditional. 

How much does it cost for the Ph.D. program? 

Finnish universities provide more than 80 programs at different levels, with their higher education qualifications and research skills in a working environment making it an ideal destination to study in Finland.

The cost of studying for a Ph.D. degree for international students is free regardless of nationality whereas the student’s union fee to the university ranges from 80-100 EUR  per year.

How much does it cost for the Master’s degree? 

The universities in Finland offer a Master’s degree:

  • for the English speaking courses, the average tuition fee is around 10000 to 16000 EUR  
  • for international students, the top universities average around 12000 EUR 

How much does studying in English cost for international students? 

Depending on the degree the tuition fees in Finland in the English language start from 1,500 EUR and are set at 25,000 EUR per year for non-EU international students. 

Living Cost

Even though Finland is relatively high in costs of living compared to other countries, it is a socially, safe, quality of life, stable, and progressive country with a respected judicial system.

The cost of living in Finland solely depends on lifestyle and location, students’ spending habits, level of extravagance. 

Depending on the city that students selected to study in, the average costs expected between 700-900 EUR available per month.

How much does the food cost monthly?

As we mentioned before it depends on the student’s lifestyle, but in general, the food costs are around 200 – 250 EUR per month. don’t forget to get benefits from the students’ discounts that are offered by your university.

transportation in Finland 

Finland has excellent public transport, the entire country is linked by a comprehensive bus, train, and rail network which are so comfortable, modern and on time even in the harsh weather.

A transportation pass for students is around 35 to 50 euros a month, a private car is also available but it costs higher than public transport, it costs up to 250 EUR for five days.

Rent 

As for the rest of European countries, living and renting a house or apartment in the big cities such as the Helsinki region is challenging and costs much more than in small cities, especially at the beginning of the autumn term. 

The average cost of renting a house starts from 700 to 2000 Euro per month including the cost of the utilities such as heating, electricity, water, and other services. 

Health insurance 

Student health insurance is one of the mandatory requirements for a student visa in Finland, it must be valid during your stay in Finland. and cover all kinds of medical emergencies.

Heads up: The students in Finland will receive the student card that grants discounts for public transport and student restaurants.

Accommodation

Finding a suitable accommodation option in Finland can be stressful, costly, and tricky, however, the universities offer for their students many types of accommodation most of them affordable for international students

Type of accommodation in Finland 

1- Shared Apartment

This option is suitable for students who seek to lower their budgets. Most single students share an apartment between 4-5 students. The cost is about 400 to 800 euros higher in the city center. 

2- Studio apartment

For single students, this type is perfect although it’s expensive and not available at any time. The average cost is around 400 to 800 EUR per month. 

3-  Roomie apartments

Some students prefer this type of housing, it offers students to share a kitchen, a room, and a living room with other colleges.

4-  Family apartments

Most types of these kinds of accommodation offer apartments with 2-3 rooms, a small kitchen, and a bathroom. The family apartment is often near to the facilities like play parks and daycare centers. 

5- student dormitory

This option is really good for students to build strong relationships with international students and immersion with other cultures, it costs about 250 to 350 EUR monthly. 

Universities

Finland has welcomed more than 14000 international students who study in Finnish universities. nine universities in Finland are ranked among the top universities in the world by QS world ranking. 

In short, education in Finland is the best one in the world and compared with any top English-speaking country. 

The most popular universities in Finland

With its world-renowned education system, pristine academic reputation, and most innovative countries, universities in Finland have become a popular destination for international students in recent years. 

The list below shows the top universities in Finland 

1- University of Helsinki

One of the oldest and largest institutions of academic education in Finland, established in 1640 and situated in Helsinki, the University of Helsinki is Finland’s highest-ranked institution, at joint 102nd in the world.

UH includes an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers with more than 36 Master’s programs that teach in English as well as bachelor’s and Ph.D. programs. 

The University of Helsinki has 4 campuses in Helsinki and in 10 other localities in Finland. It also accommodates several independent research-oriented institutes, 11 faculties.

As well as, multidisciplinary research networks, units attending to duties of national authority, and campus units. its includes: 

  • Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Faculty of Theology
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  • Swedish School of Social Science
  • Faculty of Educational Sciences
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Pharmacy

2- Aalto University

It is a multidisciplinary community where technology and business meet science and art. It is a public research university and one of the most important universities in Finland, located in Espoo and founded in 2010 with nearly 20,000 students and over 400 of whom are professors and staff. 

The students in this university will be equipped well for the work market and encouraged to engage in multidisciplinary projects and practice-oriented learning.

The Aalto university awarded a wide variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, leading to degrees in the fields of:

  • Technology
  • Business
  • Art
  • Design and architecture. 

The combination of fields brings a whole new dimension to studying as well as the traditional degree options. also, the university has six schools and each one has several departments and separate laboratories: 

  1. School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (Aalto ARTS)
  2. School of Electrical Engineering (Aalto ELEC)
  3. School of Chemical Engineering (Aalto CHEM)
  4. School of Science (Aalto SCI)
  5. School of Business (Aalto BIZ)
  6. School of Engineering (Aalto ENG)

3- University of Turku

It is a modern university that was founded in 1920 located in the historical city center of Turku, in southwestern Finland. It is an international research university with more than 25,000 students and staff. 

It is recognized for its teaching, quality of research, and excellent student support services. In addition, it ranks second in the national rating of Finland and it is considered as one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. 

The university is famous for its high education quality and includes several schools and  numerous disciplines:  

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Life Sciences and Medicine
  • Natural Science
  • Social Sciences and Management

4- University of Eastern Finland  

For the seekers of higher education, advanced infrastructure, and unique environments the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the best destination, it offers a great variety of Master’s degree programs taught in English. 

The University of Eastern Finland is the top university in the country, ranking 6 in the national rating. It has two campuses, one in Joensuu and the other in Kuopio. 

it offers many programs and several disciplines and more than 100 major subjects, UEF has four major faculties: 

  • the Philosophical Faculty
  • the Faculty of Science and Forestry
  • the Faculty of Health Sciences
  • the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies.

5- University of Oulu

It is a public higher education institution in Finland that was founded in1958 in Oulu.  Oulun yliopisto is one of the most popular and prestigious universities in Finland and among the top 5 universities according to the national rankings. 

The University of Oulu promotes well-being and education in Finland as well as high-quality research that provides experts for demanding tasks on both national and international levels.

The university provides education in the fields of:

  • Humanities
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry and health sciences
  • Natural sciences
  • Economics
  • Engineering

6- Tampere University

It is one of the leading universities in Finland, it is ranked among the best 700 universities worldwide. Tampere University brings together research and education in technology with health and society.

The university is the second-largest university in Finland, that was founded in 2019

It has more than fifteen thousand students including international students. the university comprises nine faculties:

  • Institute of Biomedical Technology
  • Faculty of Communication, Media and Theater,
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Health Sciences 
  • Faculty of Humanities 
  • Faculty of Information Sciences, 
  • Faculty of Languages, Translation Studies, and Literary Studies
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Management.

7- Lappeenranta University of Technology

The Lappeenranta University of Technology is leading in scientific research and academic education and bringing together the fields of science and business. It was founded in 1969 in  Lappeenranta city, situated on the shore of Lake Saimaa.

The Lappeenranta University of Technology University has been ranked among the world’s top 600 universities as well as one of the world’s 20 most promising and rapidly developing challenger universities. 

The university consists of 16 master’s programs in technology and economics which are taught in English, and several degrees of Ph.D. levels. 

What makes Finnish universities the best for international students?

Aside from the beauty of the country, sustainability, high living standards, and safety worldwide, Finland is one of the advanced countries of Europe leading the charge in innovation and technology. 

Furthermore, its tertiary education system has also been ranked as the best system all over the world. 

what are the most popular subjects among international students?

Popular programs among international students studying in Finland are:

  • Environmental sciences
  • Communications
  • Art and design.
  • Architecture
  • Information and communication technology
  • Biotechnology

Scholarships

Studying in Finland is a popular destination for international students and Scholarships in Finland are offered based on the eligibility of both EU and non-EU students.

The universities provide scholarships in different programs and courses in higher education, some of these International scholarships are fully funded while some are partially funded. 

The Top Scholarships in Finland 

  1. University of Helsinki Scholarships: Full tuition fee coverage with 10,000 euros as allowance. 
  2.  Aalto University Scholarship Program: 50 – 100% tuition fee reduction
  3. University of Turku Scholarships: 30 – 100% tuition fee reduction
  4. University of Oulu International Scholarships: 50 – 100% tuition fee reduction
  5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs.
  6. EDUFI Doctoral Fellowships in Finland: the monthly allowance is 1500 EUR also cover the living expenses in Finland 
  7. University of Vaasa Scholarships: 50 – 100% tuition fee reduction

What are the Scholarship Benefits?

  • cover the living cost and tuition fees
  • have excellent facilities for work and fun.
  • Students can focus on their studies without having any type of financial burden on them.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to obtain a Finland scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The student must be an international student (non-AE or AEE)
  • Meet English Language Requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.)
  • The student must hold previous academic degrees

Documents Requirements for Finland scholarships

Following documents are required alongside the Application Form:

  • Copy of Official Identification.
  • Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Previous academic.
  • two letters of recommendation from academic supervisor degrees.
  • Academic Essay.
  • A personal statement.
  • Transcripts.

Study Visa

Once you receive the letter of admission from your university or educational institution, it is time to prepare yourself to get the incredible adventure in the Finnish universities.

Now it is time to move on to the next step and prepare the requirements of the Finland student visa. But before we start, you have to know what is the types of student visas in Finland 

Types of the Finland Student Visa

A student visa is a legal document that allows its holder to stay, work and study legally in Finland, there are two types of student visa: 

1-short-term visa

It is a temporary short-term permit that is issued to an international student who seeks to stay and study for a maximum of three months.

2-long-term visa

It is also known as a residence permit issued for an international student whose exchange study period exceeds three months.

How can the student extend the Student Visa in Finland?

if the student’s program needs more than the duration of the visa, he or she can apply to extend the student permit until his or her studies are finished.

How much does a student visa in Finland cost? 

  • The fee for the online application costs 350 EUR.
  • The fee for the paper application costs 450 EUR.
  • Short-term Student Visa costs 300 EUR. 
  • Long-term Student Visa costs 330 EUR.

Who needs a Visa to Study in Finland?

  • Third-country nationals need to obtain a student visa to study in Finland.
  • The students who are non-EA and AEE also need to apply for a Finland student visa. 

Who is eligible for a Finland Student Visa? 

  • provide the official admission letter issued by your hosting educational institute or Finnish university. 
  • the student must have no travel bans for the Schengen Zone
  • have a valid passport with a validity that exceeds the period of your visa. 
  • proof of sufficient financial, the student must have a minimum of 560 EUR.
  • proof of having valid health and medical insurance. 
  • the student must be free from any contagious diseases and in good physical and mental health. 
  • clean criminal record

Requirements

Finland has one of the strongest education systems in Europe and choosing Finland as a place to study your higher education is an ideal decision in your life.

Initially, we need to collect the required documents before we attend the Finnish embassy. These are the required documents that need to attach to the visa application:

Finland Student Visa Requirements

  • Recent, colored with white background photo that followed Schengen visa photo rules.
  • A valid passport with two or more blank pages.  
  • Copy of the passport’s bio page
  • A letter of admission that proves your acceptance in a study program at a university in Finland.
  • Health insurance covers all kinds of medical emergencies.
  •  Sufficient financial that proves your ability to support yourself during your studies in Finland 
  • An invoice proving that you have paid your tuition fee of the university
  • Civil status documents

How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa?

Now you are ready to make an appointment in the Finnish embassy:  

  1. You have to download the residence permit application form from the internet.
  2. Fill up the application with the required information about yourself and sign the application.
  3. Gather the required documents and submit them to the Finland embassy
  4. Provide your biometric data about yourself at the Finnish embassy or consulate  
  5. Pay required Finland student visa application fee

Tip pro: The application fee won’t be refunded whether your application is refused or rejected for any reason.

Why Study In Finland

Finland’s “Land of a thousand lakes” with massive landmarks, high quality of education, breathtaking landscapes, quality of life, rich history makes it the home for the ambitious students who pursue to complete their education and explore the world.  

Finland’s world-class education includes prestigious universities and educational institutions that provide an advanced education equipped with the best technique and strategies. 

What makes Finland special? 

  1. Natural beauty which is considered the most beautiful land on earth
  2.  Vibrant international community
  3. Strong local culture
  4. Safety, a high level of life, and welfare are the qualities of Finnish society.
  5. The ideal location that holds a unique place between east and west
  6. The education system is the top one in the world.
  7. Affordable study in Finland costs

Why is studying in Finland unique? 

Finland has set a landmark for other countries by providing its citizens with a unique and internationally acclaimed education system,  healthcare, welfare,  and higher incomes. 

 It also attracts international students worldwide. Moreover, it offers the best universities, designed courses, academic freedom, as well as modern research universities, and economical tuition costs.

some features of study in Finland 

  1. Finnish community very welcome international students due to their  vibrant international culture 
  2. Finland is one of the highest performing developed countries on the Program for International Student Assessment
  3. It is a famous country for its innovative and pioneering education system.
  4. all students in Finland have equal opportunities to receive a high-quality education whether they are citizens or foreign students
  5. learning a new language and immersion with Finnish culture. 
  6. Finland boasts its landmarks, nature, number of sites, and attractions that feed the student mind. 
  7. It offers job opportunities for international students with good salaries and low work hours. 

what are the cons of living in Finland?

  • the High cost in Finland for some international students, However, the Finnish state allows them to work part-time during their studies.
  • It is difficult for international students to learn the Finnish language fastly, but don’t worry most of the Finnish speak English and Swedish well.
  • The climate is very cold especially for those who came from the warm climate.
  • The old people are very conservative and anti-social, while the younger generation is more sociable and open-minded.
  • Regarding the success of countries, most people have negative habits and low self-esteem.
  • Finland is considered the most depressed nation in the world due to the climate and weather.