Universities in Finland: A Comprehensive Guide

Finland boasts a rich academic landscape with world-renowned universities offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Here's an overview of universities in Finland, their specialties, admission procedures, and the higher education system:

Top Universities in Finland

  1. University of Helsinki: Ranked among the top 100 universities globally, the University of Helsinki excels in research across various disciplines, including life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
  2. Aalto University: Known for its innovation and multidisciplinary approach, Aalto University ranks among the top universities for art and design, engineering, and technology.
  3. University of Turku: Renowned for its social sciences and humanities programs, the University of Turku offers a vibrant academic environment and extensive research opportunities.
  4. University of Oulu: With a focus on technology and natural sciences, the University of Oulu is a leading institution for research and innovation in northern Finland.
  5. Tampere University: Tampere University specializes in social sciences, business studies, and technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research.

Admission Procedure

  • Prospective students can apply directly to Finnish universities through their online admission portals or the national admissions system.
  • Admission requirements vary depending on the program and university but generally include academic transcripts, language proficiency tests (usually in English or Finnish), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
  • Some programs may require additional entrance exams or portfolio submissions for art and design courses.

Higher Education System

  • Finland's higher education system comprises both public and private universities, with public institutions funded by the government and private institutions relying on tuition fees and private funding.
  • The semester system in Finnish universities typically consists of two semesters: autumn (September to December) and spring (January to May), with exams held at the end of each semester.
  • Universities in Finland follow the Bologna Process, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in line with the European Higher Education Area standards.

Specialties and Education System

  • Finnish universities are renowned for their research-oriented approach and emphasis on practical learning.
  • Many universities offer specialized programs in fields such as technology, engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and design.
  • The education system promotes collaboration between academia, industry, and government, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.

Finland – Higher Education System

Finland's higher education system comprises 46 universities offering 1,041 study programs, including 489 Bachelor's, 414 Master's, and 138 PhD programs. Annually, about 31,000 international students opt for Finland, which boasts over 400 English-taught degree programs. 

What and Where to Study in Finland

Popular Bachelor's disciplines include Business, Computer Science, and Engineering. Helsinki is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, but cities like Tampere, Espoo, Kuopio, and Oulu also offer vibrant student experiences. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are highly sought after, providing English-taught programs with a strong focus on research and industry alignment.

Popular UAS Institutions:

  • Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
  • Laurea University of Applied Sciences
  • Häme University of Applied Sciences
  • Arcada University of Applied Sciences
  • Savonia University of Applied Sciences
  • Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Additionally, Finland boasts 14 traditional universities where completing a Bachelor's automatically grants admission to a Master's program without re-application.

How to Apply to a Finnish University?

The application process is straightforward, typically requiring a high school diploma, admission exam or SAT subject test, high school transcript, and minimum English language proficiency. Finland offers a joint application system, allowing applicants to select up to six preferred programs with a single application. 

Key Dates:

  • Fall Semester: Application windows in January and March
  • Spring Semester: First weeks of September

Accepted students receive an official letter of admission and proceed to confirm their enrollment, with many Finnish universities waiving application fees.

Higher Education Statistics in Finland

Following the standardization of European educational systems under the Bologna reform, numerous Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences have expanded their offerings of English-language Bachelor's and Master's programs. Finland boasts approximately 40 higher education institutions, categorized primarily as universities (focusing on research and traditional teaching) or polytechnics, also known as universities of applied sciences (emphasizing practical teaching methods). The student body comprises just over 300,000 individuals attending polytechnics and universities in Finland, with approximately 20,000 international students among them.
For students from the EU/EEA, most academic degree programs are tuition-free. However, applicants from other countries may be subject to tuition fees, which vary among institutions.
Applying for a Bachelor's or Master's Program in Finland involves first selecting the desired programs and universities. Entry requirements can be found on Study.EU or university websites. Finnish polytechnics manage Bachelor program applications and many Master program applications through Studyinfo.fi, while direct applications to institutions are necessary for programs not covered by this system.

Top 7 Universities in Finland

The following table provides some of the top-ranking universities in Finland and their corresponding QS World University Rankings 2023:

University

QS World University Ranking 2023

University of Helsinki

106

Aalto University

116

University of Turku

291

University of Jyväskylä

347

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

388

University of Oulu

392

Tampere University

415

How much does it cost to study in Finland?

So - how expensive is it to study in Finland, if you have to pay? That depends on the institution: Each university sets their own fees, and they also differ from programme to programme. In the table below, we have compiled the ranges of what some of the largest Finnish universities charge their international students. Expect to pay 6,000 euros per year at the very least, and up to 18,000 at the prestigious University of Helsinki:

University

Tuition fees

Aalto University

12,000 to 15,000 EUR per year

Åbo Akademi University

10,000 to 12,000 EUR per year

Arcada University of Applied Sciences

5,000 to 9,000 EUR per year

Haaga-Helia UAS

9,500 to 10,500 EUR per year

Hanken School of Economics

12,500 EUR per year

Helsinki Metropolia UAS

10,000 to 13,000 EUR per year

University of Eastern Finland

8,000 to 10,000 EUR per year

University of Helsinki

13,000 to 18,000 EUR per year

University of Oulu

10,000 to 13,000 EUR per year

Tampere University

6,000 to 12,000 EUR per year

University of Turku

8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year

In summary, studying in Finland offers a unique blend of academic excellence, innovation, and cultural diversity, making it an attractive destination for students seeking quality higher education and research opportunities.

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