Programmes & Universities in Finland
Here’s a comprehensive guide to educational opportunities in Finland for international
undergraduate and graduate (master’s/PhD) students — including study programs,
scholarships, costs, and perks. Information here is up to date as of early 2026.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degrees
Many Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer English-taught
bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as:
- Business and management
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and IT
- Health sciences
- Social sciences and education
- Hospitality and tourism studies
Graduate (Master’s and PhD) Degrees
Finland is particularly strong at the graduate level, with hundreds of English-taught master’s
programs and research-focused PhD opportunities across:
- Technology and engineering
- Natural sciences
- Economics and business
- Education and social sciences
- Design and arts
Graduate programs often feature research components and ties to industry, and many PhD
positions are fully funded employment contracts rather than unpaid study.
Application timeline
Most bachelor’s and master’s programs begin in August/September, with applications opening
about November–January (varies by university). Always check specific university deadlines.
Tuition Fees & Costs
Tuition Fees
- For EU/EEA citizens, undergraduate and graduate study is generally tuition-free.
- For non-EU/EEA international students, tuition fees apply for most bachelor’s and
master’s programs, typically €8,000–€18,000 per year depending on the institution and
field.
Note: There are no universal government-paid full scholarships covering tuition + living
costs for all international students. Some online materials claiming fully funded “government
scholarships” are misleading — Finland doesn’t offer a general government scholarship scheme
for bachelor’s or master’s studies.
Scholarships & Financial Support
University-Level Scholarships
Most Finnish universities offer merit-based scholarships to international fee-paying students.
These typically include:
✔ Tuition fee waivers (partial)
✔ Living cost grants (in some cases)
Application tip: In many universities, you just tick a box in your university application form to
be considered for scholarships — no separate application is needed.
Erasmus+ and EU Programs
If you’re enrolled in an Erasmus+ exchange program at your home university, you can study in
Finland for 1 semester or a year, with:
- tuition fee coverage
- monthly stipend
- travel grants
Eligibility depends on your home university’s partnership.
PhD and Research Funding
- PhD positions in Finland are often funded as employment contracts with a salary and
benefits — not traditional scholarships. - EDUFI Fellowships (Finnish National Agency for Education) support doctoral and
research stays with monthly grants.
Cost of Living & Work
Living Costs
International students should expect living costs in Finland to be moderate to high (rent, food,
transport). Most scholarships do not fully cover living costs — so planning and budgeting are
important.
Work While Studying
International students in Finland can work part-time (e.g., up to 30 hrs/week) while studying to
help cover living expenses. After graduation, you can apply for a post-study residence permit
(typically up to 1 year) to look for work.
Recap — Opportunities for You
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- English-taught programs at universities & UAS
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students exist, but scholarship options are available
- Erasmus+ study abroad options
Graduate (Master’s) - Large selection of English programs
- Many scholarship schemes (tuition waivers, living stipends)
- PhD funding and research positions
Funding & Support
- University scholarships (merit-based)
Erasmus+ grants - PhD/Doctoral funding (often salaries)
(typically up to 1 year) to look for work.