Let’s say you clicked on this post because you want to get your Master’s degree abroad but don’t have a study destination yet. If Finland ever crossed your mind, then this post is for you. This article serves as a guide for all you need to know about Master’s Study in Finland for International Students, Master’s courses in Finland, the cost of Master’s study in Finland for International Students and residents, cheap Master’s universities in Finland, how to secure a Finland student visa and available Master’s study scholarships for International Students in Finland.
It’s going to be an educative ride. This post answers all the questions that plague your mind. Let’s get started!!!
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Introduction
If you’re an adventurous international postgraduate looking for a unique European study abroad experience, Finland can be a great choice for a Master’s study. Finland has a lot of historic universities and offers a good chance to study for a Master’s in Finland for free. That means paying no fees for your Master’s.
The country has plenty to offer. Finland’s clean and safe cities, pristine wilderness, and high quality of life make it a great destination for Master’s study for international students. Though less well known than its Nordic neighbors, Finland boasts several institutions with an excellent track record–the University of Helsinki is in the world’s top 100 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
You will require A Finland student visa to get started.
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Why should I Study Master’s in Finland?
Aside from its geographical benefits, here are some reasons to do your Master’s study in Finland for International students:
- If you’re an EU / EEA national, higher education is free. No tuition fees
- Compared to other Nordic countries, Finland is less expensive to live in. This means you can experience the famous Nordic living model without worrying too much about your bank balance.
- Finland Universities use an innovative teaching style
- Academic freedom–Finland is rightfully proud of its egalitarian society, which reflects this in a higher education sector emphasizing the importance of cooperation and academic independence.
- In Finland, combining studies with a part-time job is very common. Around 50% of university students choose this option to earn extra pocket money and experience. They allow you to work 25 hours/week during university and unlimited during holidays.
- Universities of applied sciences in Finland maintain close links with local industry, allowing you to put your skills into practice. This makes it easy to study, research, and develop simultaneously.
- Finland student visa is optional depending on nationality.
Read on to discover cheap Master’s universities in Finland!!!
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List of Universities in Finland for Master’s Study
Finland is home to over 53 universities. If you want to study Master’s in Finland as an international student, here is a list of universities in Finland for Master’s study
Top Finnish Universities in 2023
- The University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- The University of Oulu
- Tampere University
- Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT
- The University of Turku
- University of Eastern Finland
- The University of Jyväskylä
- Åbo Akademi University
We consider these the top universities for Master’s study in Finland. Check out the school’s website for more information. We base this information on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities.
You can get a Master’s study scholarship for international students in Finland. Read on to learn how!!!
Where are the Entry Requirements Needed to Apply for a Master’s Study in Finland?
One way to secure a spot in any university for a Master’s is to have the right requirements. This section will show you what you must put in place while applying. These requirements include the following;
- Masters applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (three years minimum).
- For UAS Masters, you will also need three years of professional experience. If you already hold a higher education qualification from a country other than Finland.
- Transcript
- Language skills: English or Finnish / Swedish if you opt to pursue a Masters in one of the country’s official languages.
- Other faculty-specific requirements, if applicable.
Discover the cost of a Master’s study in Finland below!!!
What is the Cost of a Master’s Degree in Finland?
Historically, there were no tuition fees in Finland. However, this changed in the 2017-18 academic year when fees were introduced for non-EU/EEA students on English-language Master’s degrees (not Finnish / Swedish language Masters).
While Students from the EU and EEA continue to study for Master’s in Finland for free, non-EU/EEA students will have to pay tuition fees. This will cause:
Minimum tuition for English-taught degrees: 1,500 EUR/year
Average tuition fees for English-taught degrees: 5,000–18,000 EUR/year
Finnish or Swedish-taught degrees: free for all students
You also have to consider the cost of living in Finland for International students. Monthly living expenses for students (including food, accommodation, travel, insurance, etc.) are around €700–€900, depending on where you live and your living habits. Living costs are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.
You can do your Master’s study in Finland for free; see how below!!!
Can I Study for Free in Finland?
Yes, you can study Master’s in Finland for free. You must be elated hearing that. You can achieve this either by.
- Securing a Master’s study scholarship for International Students in Finland
- Getting grants and financial aids
- Getting into cheap Master’s universities in Finland
Either way, this will reduce the cost of a Master’s study in Finland.
Master’s study scholarships for international students in Finland are available; see them below!!!
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Are there free Tuition Universities in Finland?
Yes, there are free tuition Universities in Finland available to both International students and residents. Examples of tuition-free universities in Finland for EU/EEA students include:
- Åbo Akademi University
- The University of Helsinki
- The University of Jyväskylä
- The University of Eastern Finland
- The University of Lapland
- The University of Oulu
- The University of Tampere
- The University of Turku
- The University of Vaasa
- The Helsinki University of Technology
- The Lappeenranta University of Technology
- The Tampere University of Technology
- The Hanken Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration
Click on the school’s website for details.
See how to get a Finland student visa below!!!
Are there Available Master’s Study Scholarships for International Students in Finland?
Scholarships are one way to go through schools abroad without stress. There are many scholarships for Master’s students in Finland, which aid students to study for a Master’s in Finland for free. They include;
- The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program
- UNICAF Scholarships
- Finland Foreign Correspondents’ Programme for International Journalists
- The University of Helsinki Scholarships for International Students
- University of Tampere Scholarships for International Students
- The University of Oulu Masters Scholarships for International Students
- Protein Science International Masters Scholarship at University of Oulu Finland
- The University of Helsinki International Student Scholarship Grant
- Aalto University Scholarship
- UNU-WIDER Visiting Ph.D. Fellowship for International Researchers
- United Nations University–WIDER Ph.D. Internships for International Students
- Finland Government Scholarships for International Students
- CIMO Doctoral Fellowship for International Students
- EDUFI Fellowships Program for Young Doctoral Students
- University of Turku Postdoctoral Research in Science and Medicine.
Apply for these Master’s study scholarships for international students in Finland now!!!
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Secure these Scholarships Now!??
What are the Requirements needed to get a Finland Student Visa?
Once you secure admission to study Master’s in Finland, you will need to get a Finland study visa aside from the cost of a Master’s study in Finland. A Finland study visa is your gate pass; after all, it is said and done. Here are the requirements needed to get a Finland study visa;
- Valid passport
- Color Passport photo
- Color copies of the passport’s data page and any passport pages that contain notes
- A certificate of acceptance from a Finnish educational institution
- Details of tuition fee payments or any scholarships
- Proof of funds to support yourself
- Proof of health insurance
- Previous qualifications
Steps to get a Finnish Residence Permit
In the first instance, your residence permit may be issued for one or two years but may need renewal depending on the duration of your university program. To obtain a Finnish residence permit, you have to;
- Fill in your application: gather the necessary documents and apply online or by paper. Submit the documents asked for.
- Book an appointment: visit a Finnish embassy or consulate. This is to prove your identity for your application.
- Pay for your application: you can pay online or when you go to the service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.
- Attend the appointment: identify yourself and present the original documents of the ones you uploaded.
- Wait for a decision: It takes 1 – 3 months to process an application. The Finnish authorities will contact you and let you know if they have approved you.
- Receive a residence permit: You may need to collect this in Finland.
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Do I need IELTS to study in Finland? See below!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Study In Finland for International Students
What is the University system like in Finland?
Finland has two types of higher education institutions where you can undertake Master’s degrees: 13 universities and 22 universities of applied science (UAS). All degrees, including Master’s degrees, are awarded ECTS credits.
How long does a Master’s study in Finland take?
Master’s study in Finland takes 2 Years. However, accelerated programs can make you study for one year and 6 months online.
Are International Students allowed to work in Finland after their studies?
They allow international exchange and degree students to work in Finland with certain restrictions. The restrictions have to do with the nationality (EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA) and the nature of employment.
If you are a Nordic or EU/EEA national, you do not need special permits to work in Finland during your studies.
Non-EU students can work within certain limits on a student residence permit if practical training is included in the degree or if the amount of part-time work does not exceed 25 hours a week.
Do I need to have IELTS or TOEFL to study in Finland?
To be admitted to an English-taught study program in Finland, you must demonstrate proof of your proficiency in English. You do not have to take a test like IELTS or TOEFL. The following criteria are usually enough to show that you speak English sufficiently well:
You are a native speaker of English, or your previous academic degree was taught in English at a university in the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States of America.
Some Finnish universities also accept if only part of your previous academic degree was taught in English – if that degree was obtained at a Finnish university or University of Applied Sciences.
If you do not meet those criteria, you will probably have to take an English test to prove your language skills. Take the test long before your university application; there is enough time to get the results.
Where do I apply for a Finnish Master’s degree?
For the applications process, students have multiple options:
apply on the official websites of universities
apply on the official websites of the Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
apply through Studyinfo, the official website for Finnish applications
Conclusion
Securing a Master’s study in Finland for an international student is a splendid choice. To solve the issue raised by the cost of Master’s study in Finland, you can opt in for cheap Master’s universities in Finland, Master’s study scholarship for international students in Finland, or study Master’s in Finland for free as stated above.
You should obtain your Finland student visa as it’s your gate pass to study master’s in Finland. You should look out for cheap Master’s universities in Finland for Master’s study.
We hope to hear from you once you make it to Finland as a Master’s student. Share with your friends and family.
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