Tuition Free Universities in Finland for International Students

Tuition Free Universities in Finland

Of the Nordic countries, Scandinavia -Denmark, Norway, and Sweden- has been favorite countries for international students to study abroad. Over the years, Finland has also offered top quality education despite being one of the countries with tuition-free universities in Europe for both native and foreign students. Want to know the current situation of tuition free universities in Finland 2016? Then, read on.

For the international student, Finland offers many opportunities. You can visit Finland as an exchange student, a trainee or to study for a whole academic degree. One important aspect of study or research in Finland is considering how to finance your study abroad or research period.

University higher education in Finland is funded by the State through the Ministry of Education, and therefore international students enrolled in regular degree studies pay no tuition fees. Bachelor's and Doctoral level programmes -as well as many Master's level programmes- do not charge any tuition fees, regardless of your nationality. Therefore, at the moment, tuition itself is free of charge in Finland. However, some Master’s programmes may charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students.

Plan your student financing carefully - even with no tuition fees, you will need financing! Even with tuition-free universities in Finland, you still need to be able to cover your everyday living expences like food, accommodation, travel, insurance, etc. Non-EU/EEA studens will however be charged tuition fees from autumn 2017 onwards.

According to the official Finnish website, www.studyinfinland.fi: "The average monthly living expenses for a student in Finland are approximately 700-900€." This may vary a bit, depending on your personal habits and study location in Finland – for example, accommodation and other living costs may be higher in the Helsinki metropolitan area and other larger cities.

Tuition and scholarships: Important facts to note

As at the year 2016:

• there are currently no tuition fees charged in Finland
• tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students will however be introduced from autumn 2017 onwards
• you will need to cover all your living expenses independently
• at the moment, scholarships are mainly only available for Doctoral / PhD level

Study & Scholarships has compiled a comprehensive list of institutions in Finland to which international students can apply to. Finnish higher education consists of two complementary sectors: universities and polytechnics (also known as universities of applied sciences, UAS). Universities promote research and provide academic higher education based on research, whereas polytechnics/UAS's provide professional or ‘vocational’ higher education. Additionally, post-Master’s level degrees can only be awarded by the universities.

List of Tuition Free Institutions in Finland

A. Universities

1. Aalto University
   • Aalto University School of Business Helsinki campus
   • Aalto University School of Business Mikkeli campus
   • Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
   • Aalto University (Degree Programmes in Science and Technology)
   
   
2. Hanken School of Ecomomics
3. Lappeenranta University of Technology
4. National Defence University
5. Tampere University of Technology
6. University of the Arts Helsinki
   • Finnish Academy of Fine Arts
   • Sibelius Academy
   • Theatre Academy Helsinki
   
   
7. University of Eastern Finland
   • Joensuu campus
   • Kuopio campus
   
   
8. University of Helsinki
9. University of Jyväskylä
10. University of Lapland
11. University of Oulu
12. University of Tampere
13. University of Turku - Tuition fees charged from non-EU/EEA citizens
14. University of Vaasa
15. Åbo Akademi University

B. Polytechnics (UAS)

1. Arcada University of Applied Sciences
2. Centria University of Applied Sciences
3. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
4. HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences
5. HAMK University of Applied Sciences
6. Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
7. JAMK University of Applied Sciences
8. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
9. Karelia University of Applied Sciences
10. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences
11. Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences
12. Lahti University of Applied Sciences
13. Laurea University of Applied Sciences
14. Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences
15. Novia University of Applied Sciences
16. Oulu University of Applied Sciences
17. Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences
18. Saimaa University of Applied Sciences
19. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
20. Savonia University of Applied Sciences
21. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences
22. Tampere University of Applied Sciences
23. Turku University of Applied Sciences
24. Vaasa University of Applied Sciences

METHOD OF APPLICATION
Most Finnish higher education institutions use an on-line electronic admissions system for their Bachelor’s and Master’s level student intake. You will also need to send in copies of your earlier educational certificates and other required documents. Additionally, depending on the programme, applicants may need to successfully pass an entrance examination.

How you should apply depends on whether you're applying to a university or a polytechnic (UAS), and also on your entry level. Note also that it's very important that you check all the detailed application information (entry requirements, etc.) on the web pages of the Finnish university or polytechnic (UAS) you're applying to (see links to schools above). For detailed information on how to apply, click here.

If you already have a Master’s degree (i.e. applying for a doctoral), and wish to apply to a Finnish university, then you should contact the university of your choice (see links above). You can either contact the International Office, or the faculty/department of your interest directly. For detailed information, see Doctoral admissions.

DEADLINES:
There are two annual application periods for the polytechnics’ Bachelor’s level programmes, one in January/February and the other in September. Please check the exact dates, requirements and other details on the admissions website.

The application times for the universities’ programmes may vary depending on the institution/programme you are applying to. Please refer to the individual universities' admissions pages (see links to schools above) for info on how and when to apply.

Some universities may accept doctoral study applications at all times, while others may have specific application periods. Note also that student selection for post-Master's level studies and research is usually decided on at faculty level, so Doctoral level application times and policies may vary even within a single university. There is no national joint admissions system in Finland for Doctoral level studies and research, so please check the application times with the Finnish university of your choice.

PLEASE NOTE:
No tuition fees are charged in Bachelor’s level degree programmes in Finland. The same is true of several Master’s programmes. The cost of this education is covered by the Finnish government, therefore, there are usually no scholarships available.

However, in those Master's level programmes that charge a tuition fee from non-EU/EEA students, institutional scholarships for non-EU/EEA students are available. These institutional scholarships are always applied for directly from the university in question. However, remember that first of all, you need to apply for a study placement.

Scholarships in Finland are mainly available for Doctoral level studies and research only. Scholarships that you can apply from Finland include:

• CIMO scholarship programmes for Doctoral level studies and research at Finnish universities.
• Institutional scholarships offered by the higher education institutions themselves, especially for those enrolled in Master’s programmes that carry a tuition fee for non-EU/EEA nationals.

When applying for student residence permit, international students (non-EU/EEA students) need to show that they have at least 500€ per month (6000€ per year) at their disposal. [NB: regarding student residence permit applications submitted on or after 1st March 2013, the required amount of funding will be 6720€ per year / 560€ per month.]

Source: http://www.studyinfinland.fi

Related: Scholarships in Finland for International Students

Article first published on Study & Scholarships 23rd February, 2009. Updated 16th February, 2016.