Finland offers an excellent opportunity for international students to combine their studies with practical work experience. With part-time work rights of up to 30 hours per week and post-study work rights for up to two years, students can gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their education.
35
No. of Universities
8K – 18K Euro
Average Tuition Fee
Intakes
September and January
2 Years
Post-Study Residence Permit
Finland has become a sought-after destination for international students, known for its welcoming environment and high-quality education. Finnish universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs across diverse disciplines, making it an attractive choice for students from around the world.
| No of Universities | 35 |
| No of Universities Ranking in QS 2025 | 9 |
| No of International Students | 20,000+ |
| Part-Time Working Hours | 120 hours per month or 1,560 hours per year |
| Post-Study Work Visa Validity | Up to 2 years |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | €5,000 to €18,000 |
| Minimum IELTS Requirement | Varied as per University requirements |
| Number of Intakes | 2 |
| Popular Streams of Study | Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Management, Finance, Data Science |
How the Education System Works in Finland
The Finnish education system is structured into three main levels: Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Upper Secondary Education and Training. At the upper secondary level, students can attend either Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). Finnish Universities focus on research-based education, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. These universities prioritize academic research, providing students with the knowledge needed for careers in research, teaching, and specialized fields.
Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), in contrast, are more practice-oriented, offering Bachelor’s and Master’s programs designed to equip students with practical skills. These institutions collaborate closely with industries, offering hands-on learning experiences through internships, projects, and business partnerships. Both types of institutions offer programs in English, making Finnish higher education accessible to international students. While Bachelor’s and Master’s programs have tuition fees, education at the Doctoral/PhD level is free.
In addition to academics, Finnish universities offer voluntary internships, on-campus jobs, student organizations, and other extracurricular activities, ensuring a balanced student life for international students, including Indian students.
Credit System in Finland
Finland follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is used to evaluate and measure academic performance. The ECTS allows students to transfer credits across European countries, providing a standardized way to assess academic progress.
An academic year in Finland consists of 60 ECTS credits. One credit in the ECTS system is equivalent to 27 hours of work, including lectures, seminars, exams, and independent study. The exact number of credits and the workload may vary depending on the university and the course. Finland’s credit system allows for flexibility and transparency, making it easier for students to transfer credits between institutions and countries.
What is the Application Process to Study in Finland
The application process in Finland varies depending on the level of study. For undergraduate programs, applicants must apply through the Studyinfo.fi portal. Finnish universities generally require a recognized secondary education certificate and English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English-taught programs. The application period typically runs from September to January.
For postgraduate studies, students apply directly to universities. Requirements for postgraduate programs include a relevant bachelor’s degree, proof of language proficiency, and often a motivation letter or research proposal.
What Documents Are Required to Study in Finland
To apply for study programs in Finland, students must submit several important documents. These documents ensure the smooth processing of applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Required documents include:
What are the Top Universities to Study in Finland
Finland is home to some of the best universities in Europe. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, the top universities in Finland offer excellent programs and world-class education. Finland’s universities provide a wide range of academic opportunities, making it a popular destination for higher education.
|
Institution Name |
QS Ranking 2025 |
|
Aalto University |
#113 |
|
University of Helsinki |
#117 |
|
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT |
#=336 |
|
University of Oulu |
#=344 |
|
University of Turku |
#=375 |
|
Tampere University |
#=462 |
|
University of Jyväskylä |
#=489 |
|
University of Eastern Finland |
#=535 |
|
Abo Akademi University |
#621-630 |
Finland is renowned for its innovative education system, offering a wide range of high-quality programs that attract international students, including those from India. Some of the best courses to study in Finland include:
Finland offers numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, including scholarships in Finland for Indian students, making education more accessible and affordable. Scholarships in Finland can fully or partially cover tuition fees, providing substantial financial relief.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Finland for International Students and university-specific scholarships include:
Finland offers two major intakes for international students:
The cost of studying in Finland varies depending on the university and program.
Living expenses in Finland are moderate considering its high standard of living. Students should budget around €800–€900 per month, depending on their lifestyle and city.
Estimated Monthly Expenses:
Non-EU/EEA international students, including those from India, need a residence permit for studies in Finland. This serves as the student visa.
Key Requirements:
Process:
Fees: The visa application fee is approximately €450, and processing may take a few weeks. Early application is advised.
After graduation, international students can apply for a job-seeking residence permit, allowing them to stay in Finland for up to one year to search for employment.
Requirements:
Once employed, students can apply for a work permit, which may lead to long-term residence. This opportunity is ideal for gaining international work experience and exploring Finland’s thriving job market.
International students can apply for permanent residence (PR) after securing employment in Finland. Key pathways include:
PR offers the chance to enjoy Finland’s high standard of living and access its robust job market.
Finland offers excellent cities for international students, with world-class universities and vibrant cultural life:
Finland provides various part-time job opportunities for international students, allowing them to manage their expenses while studying. Finnish law permits students to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic term and without restrictions during holidays.
Common Part-time Jobs & Hourly Wages:
Abroad offers comprehensive support for students aiming to study in Finland. Services include:
With Abroad, students gain valuable resources and insights to achieve their international education goals, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
You will require the residence permit for studies in case you are studying in Finland for longer than 90 days. The permit is given for the whole duration of your course.
It is not difficult to obtain the Finland study visa, provided you have a confirmed place at a university in the country along with sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs, along with health insurance.
The cost of a study visa in Finland is €212 or approximately INR 19,512.
It is only possible to apply for the permanent residence permit once you have graduated and resided in the country with an A permit for four years. You can thus apply for a two-year work permit after graduation to start a business or find work. Continuous residence permits of four years are required to apply for PR.
No, you will require a visa/study residence permit to pursue higher education in Finland.
You have to apply online by filling up the form and attaching all the documents. After making the application fee payment, visit your nearest Embassy, service point, or Consulate to prove your identity and wait for the decision thereafter.
Yes, international students can receive full scholarships in Finland. While scholarships typically cover tuition fees, students are usually responsible for their living expenses. However, the Finland Scholarship for international students provides comprehensive support, including full tuition fee coverage and an annual stipend to help with living costs.
You can study in Finland for free if you secure a full scholarship that fully covers your tuition fees, making it easier to pursue your education without financial challenges.
Indian students should start by exploring scholarship opportunities offered by their chosen universities in Finland. Additionally, they can apply for government and external scholarships, such as the Finland Scholarship for international students.
Scholarships in Finland mainly cover tuition fees. Some scholarships also provide additional benefits, such as stipends for research materials, books, or living expenses.
Yes, 100% scholarships are available in Finland through programs like the Finland Scholarship for international students and other similar opportunities.
The required percentage varies depending on the university or scholarship provider. It’s important to review the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for each scholarship before applying.
Admission requirements in Finland typically include a high school diploma for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies. Additional criteria may include entrance exams, work experience, interviews, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT), and proof of English language proficiency.
Meeting English language proficiency requirements is mandatory for admission to Finnish universities. While IELTS is commonly accepted, other tests like TOEFL and PTE are also valid alternatives.
To apply for admission to Finnish universities or universities of applied sciences, you need to use the centralized application portal, Studyinfo.fi.
Gaining admission to universities in Finland is relatively straightforward if you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit accurate and complete documentation.
To study in Finland, you will need a high school diploma for undergraduate programs or an undergraduate degree for postgraduate studies, along with the required level of English language proficiency.
To be eligible to study in Finland, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, as well as health insurance. You will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency, submit standardized test scores if required, and present your academic qualifications, such as a high school diploma or undergraduate degree.
Non-EEA/EU students are required to pay tuition fees for programs taught in English, with costs typically ranging from €5,000 to €18,000 per year (approximately INR 4.51 lakh to 16.26 lakh).
No, 10 lakhs may not be sufficient. While it could cover your tuition fees for one year, you will also need additional funds to cover living expenses, which could exceed this amount.
No, Finland is not as expensive as some other countries, like the USA, in terms of tuition fees and living costs. However, it still requires a reasonable budget for tuition and living expenses.
Yes, Finland offers great value for Indian students with its prestigious universities, high quality of life, reasonable tuition fees, and strong global job prospects after graduation.
Students typically need €700 to €900 per month to cover living expenses, which is approximately INR 63,239 to 81,307.
The average tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Finland range from €5,000 to €18,000 per year, depending on the institution and program, which is approximately INR 4.51 lakh to 16.26 lakh annually.
Yes, Finland is generally cheaper than Ireland in terms of both living costs and, in some cases, tuition fees. Additionally, for Indian students, the exchange rates are more favorable in Finland.
Yes, after graduation, you can apply for a two-year permit to search for a job or start a business. After living in Finland for four continuous years on a residence permit, you can also apply for permanent residence. Therefore, it is possible to get a job after studying in Finland.
Yes, Indian students can find jobs in Finland, as long as they have the required visa or permit, along with the necessary skills and qualifications for the job they are seeking.
Finding a job in Finland is neither too easy nor too difficult. You need to have the appropriate permit and fulfill the required skill and qualification criteria for the role.
While Finland does not have a mandated minimum wage, students can typically earn around €9 to €13 per hour, which is approximately INR 813 to 1,174.
Yes, Indians are eligible to work in Finland if they acquire the necessary work permit and meet the required skills and qualifications for the job.
Finland has two main intakes: the January intake for programs starting in September (autumn) and the September intake for programs beginning in January.
The September (autumn) intake is considered the primary intake, offering the widest range of courses and programs.
Most students choose the autumn or September intake because it offers a greater variety of courses and programs.
Yes, Finland has a January intake for programs that commence in the autumn or September.
No, the course duration remains the same for all intakes, although the number of available courses may vary between them.
According to the Finnish Universities Act, the start of studies cannot be deferred. Exceptions are only allowed in cases of illness or other exceptional circumstances.