Selecting the Right Course to Study in Finland

Finland is known and recognised for its world class education system. Quality, diversity and innovation are its strength. It possesses a great historic culture, extremely interesting way of life and beautiful architecture. Students who wish to study in Finland must follow the below mentioned steps before starting the application:

Students who wish to study in Finland must start with the research work. You should research on-line about the courses or degree programmes being offered at Finnish higher education institutions. Narrow down your options by looking at your own study interests.  Find out about the courses by checking out the individual higher education institution’s website. Make a list of all the institutions that offer courses you want to do. 

For gaining admittance into the institution and course/programme of your choice, you’re required to meet certain general admission requirements. The admission requirements vary depending on the degree programme and higher education institution. 

To be eligible for a Bachelor’s degree programme at Finnish higher education institutions, students are required to possess the following qualifications-

• Finnish matriculation examination certificate 
• Foreign certificate equivalent to the matriculation examination certificate
• Vocational qualification from a vocational school or through apprenticeship of 3 years or more
• The International Baccalaureate
• European Baccalaureate
• Reifeprufung

Students must possess a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent qualification in order to get admitted into a Master degree programme at Finnish higher education institutions.

At Finnish Universities, students can go for artistic or scientific postgraduate degrees, which are the licentiate and the doctorate.

To know more about the admission requirements, click here. 

Students are also required to pass an entrance examination, mainly for Universities of Applied Sciences/Polytechnics undergraduate admissions. 

Students are required to prove their English language proficiency. They must have a valid TOEFL/IELTS score.

Once you have decided the degree programme and institution you want to enroll in, apply! Most of the Finnish higher education institutions have on-line application system. The dates and deadlines for the same vary. Presently, no application fee is charged while applying to higher education institutions in Finland. 

After you have been accepted by the institution and receive an acceptance letter, start arranging for accommodation and other needed things in Finland during your studies. Your institution can help you with the local student accommodation.  Also, you can work part-time during your studies. Click here to get more information on the practicalities of student life in Finland. 

You might also require registering your residence in Finland.

Nordic and EU/EEA citizens do not require student residence permit in Finland, but they have to register their residence after living 3 months in Finland and 6 months for Nordic nationals. 

Non-EU/EEA nationals require student residence permit to enter in Finland. If their studies last for a maximum of 1 year, they are also required to register themselves on the Finnish population information register.

The registration is carried out at the local register office (In Finnish: maistraatti). To know more, contact the local register office 

Plan your finances! Apply for scholarships. Scholarships in Finland are awarded for doctoral level studies and research. There are no undergraduate scholarships available to students in Finland. Master’s scholarships are restricted to Erasmus Mundus Master’s programmes only. Also, financial aid is provided to Finnish citizens. Non-Finnish also are eligible for financial aid, but subject to certain conditions. Click here to know about the Student financial aid in Finland. 

If you want to appear for an entrance examination or accepted as a degree student in Finland, you are required to have the visa or student residence permit, depending on your nationality. To know more about the student residence permit for Finland, click here.