Finland's world-class higher education system provides over 400 English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programmes across 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS). The institutions also offer doctorate programmes taught in English. Over 20,000 international students are enrolled in Finnish higher education institutions across the country. Over the past decade, Finland has witnessed a massive growth in the number of overseas students who come to pursue their higher education due to international scholarships to study in Finland.

Universities of applied sciences provide professionally-focused higher education at the Bachelor's and Master's levels, with strong links to working life and regional development. Universities are focused on scientific research, and the education they give is based on that. International students must first earn a Bachelor's degree before proceeding to the Master's degree. In general, students admitted to institutions are granted study privileges for both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Bachelor's degree programmes are mostly provided in Finnish or Swedish in Finnish universities. 

Popular universities offering scholarships in Finland include Aalto University, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University, and many more. Universities of applied sciences and universities charge a tuition fee from Bachelor’s or Master’s level students studying in languages other than Finnish or Swedish. The amount of the fee can vary between higher education institutions. The fee is not charged from students who are equated with EU area citizens. However, international students (non-EU citizens) are subject to tuition fees specifically if they opt for English taught programmes. 

If you are not from the EU/EEA, you should plan on saving between 5,000 and 18,000 EUR for academic tuition costs, depending on the programme. Solving the university tuition details is just half of the financial equation; you must also account for living expenditures. The cost of accommodation ranges from 160 to 800 EUR per month, depending on the city and kind of residence. Private housing usually costs more than student accommodation. Food costs between 200 and 300 EUR each month. Overall, it is advisable to spend between 700 and 1,100 EUR per month for all living expenditures, including social activities and transportation.

Finnish higher education institutions offer a range of international scholarships to study in Finland for those non-EU/EEA students who are required to pay tuition fees. Each university/UAS has its own scholarship system, so the kinds of scholarships to study in Finland available and any tuition fees you are expected to cover will depend on the institution and the degree programme in question. 

After your studies, you can apply for an extended residence permit for up to a year after graduation to search for work. But this should be done before your student residence permit expires. Once you find a job as a graduate, you can go and apply for a new residence permit, based on your new work placement.

For those who wish to study in Finland and explore student life in the country on a budget, there are a number of international scholarships to study in Finland available. Here is a list of a few Finland scholarships for international students that you may be eligible for. 

University of Helsinki International Masters’ Programme Scholarships

International scholarships to study in Finland are available for outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Helsinki. These Finland scholarships are open to international students who are required to pay tuition. The scholarship is either a fully-funded award (tuition fee grant plus 10,000 EUR) or a tuition fee grant only. The scholarship is available for two years and you are eligible to apply only if you meet the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for Finland.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus programme provides scholarship opportunities for studying abroad to enable students to pursue masters level study programmes across European universities. These are opportunities for scholarships in Finland for developing country students conferred to those who wish to attend one of their joint programmes at either master or doctoral level. The scholarship is a full-time scholarship funding for the tuition fees, travel costs, insurance costs and other living expenses.

Finnish Government Scholarship Pool

The Finnish government provides 3 to 9 international scholarships to study in Finland for doctoral studies and research at Finnish universities or public research institutions in all academic disciplines. The scholarship cannot be used for Masters or post-Doctoral studies/research. Young researchers from Australia, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States are eligible for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool. A monthly stipend of EUR 1500 is included in the scholarship.

University of Oulu International Scholarship Scheme

The University of Oulu International Scholarship Scheme provides scholarships to academically talented international students studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Oulu. These scholarships in Finland for international students will be granted in the form of a tuition fee waiver covering 50%, 75% or 100% of the full tuition fee

University of Tampere Scholarships for International Students

The University of Tampere Scholarships Programme intended for students who are required to pay tuition fees in Master’s degree programmes offered in English will be implemented. A substantial number of international scholarships to study in Finland will be available for the most talented fee-paying students. The University of Tampere tuition fee scholarships cover either 100% or 50% of the tuition fees. The University of Tampere global student award for academic excellence scholarships cover 100% of the tuition fees and include a 7,000 € annual scholarship to cover the student’s living expenses.

 Related Scholarships:

Scholarships Based On Country: Scholarship to study in the USA, Scholarship to study in the UK, Scholarship to study in Australia, Scholarship in Canada, Scholarship to study in Germany, Scholarship to study in France, Scholarship to study in Ireland, Study in India Scholarship, Scholarship in Netherlands, Scholarship in Uganda, Scholarship to study in the Singapore, Study in Kuwait scholarship, Scholarship in Japan , Scholarship in South Korea, Scholarship to Study in Spain, Turkey Scholarship, Norway Scholarship, Scholarship in Italy