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
  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
  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.

55 comments:

  1. My name is Opakunle Abdulrafiu Abdulrahman, I have HND in Civil Engineer. So I need assistance to do My Post Graduate Programme in University of Helsinki. This is my email address: abdulrafiua@yahoo.com.
    Phone No: +2348035037376

    The International Student Services Office
    P.O. Box 3 (Fabianinkatu 33)
    FI-00014 University of Helsinki
    FINLAND
    Tel. +358 9 191 22604
    Fax. +358 9 191 22176
    E-mail admissions(at)helsinki.fi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Annonymous

    Contact the school directly either by email or post or phone call, so that you can get information on the most current funding policy.

    School addresses are as above

    ReplyDelete
  3. My name is Taluta,I want to apply for school in norway with free tuition fee and I will like u to update me with their application procees.This is my email adebayotaluta@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello @Taluta, most governments that previously offered tuition-free education has either revised or discarded their policies.

      Most now require foreign students to pay partial or full tuition, while others have simply resorted to offering scholarships to international students INSTEAD of the tuition-free study that hitherto existed.

      Please see the 'Important Updates' that have since been added to the article above! Very sorry for the late reply. Cheers!

      Delete
  4. My name is folorunso tope martins, I,m an undergraduate of obafemi awolowo university,studying electronics and electrical engineering. So I need assistance/help to further my studies at University of Helsinki. This is my email address:folorunsom@yahoo.com.
    Phone No: +2348162399001

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apply to the school(s) you are interested in through the links above. Goodluck!

      Delete
  5. my names are OYEOLA FRANCIS TAYO.. i have national diploma in accountancy.. i had about free tuition fees that was given to international student in Finland, i will love to be one of the opportune candidate that benefit from it.please i need more detail about the processing.here is my E-mail address: francaizy@yahoo.com, or francaizy007@yahoo.com. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. My name is thankgod Ii am undergraduate of ond and o'level waec I have pass in english language can I apply for finland university of applied science please I need a quick reply

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Nsikan,

      Whether you can apply to Finnish schools depends on whether you're applying to a university or a polytechnic (UAS), and also on your entry level.
      In this case, you're interested in a university, and you're coming in at OND level.

      It's very important that you check all the detailed application information (entry requirements, etc.) on the web pages of the school of your interest i.e. Finland University of Applied Sciences.

      My advise: Visit this school's website via the link above for specific details.

      Delete
  7. am a holder of Bsc. degree, pls could u inform if universities offerin free tuition fee in norway and other countries allow student to work. thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello DotCom to access this information, you need to contact the schools. Limks to their websites have been provided for you above. Regards

      Delete
    2. I like to know how to apply for a vocational training in Finland.if you can help me with a website or some names of vocational centres in Finland thank you

      Delete
  8. Please send me an email on how to make or process the free education to Finland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, simply contact the schools - visit their official website via links we provided above. Regards

      Delete
    2. my name is Pardwin Ateawung. i have my bachelors degree and masters 1 in the faculty of law university of Yaoumde 2 Cameroon. Please i wish to continue with my masters in law in any tuition free university in Finland.i will be glad if you keep me updated.
      my email ateawungperdwin@yahoo.com

      Delete
  9. hey , my name is Amare Eshetu . I have my Bsc in civil engineering and i want you to update me regarding tution free scholrship programme in any of the Nordic countries unversties . Thanks .
    my email adress is amex16@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. agbobuare kashetuAugust 27, 2014 4:38 PM

    my name is Agbobuare Kashetu am {HND} holder, i want to do my post graduate in university of lapland. Please update me on how to go about it.Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi,my name is Ammad Akbar.I have done Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(M.B.B.S).Is there any program to do Master's(Post graduation)on scholarship?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello, my name is Fasola Tobi i i have done Bachelor of biology in education and now i want to know if there is any masters program i can run in your school.
    My email is tfts46@yahoo.com and my phone number is +2348067739822.

    ReplyDelete
  13. hi am bismark okwan i have applied for ingineer programme in any university in finland with free scholarship and i need you to help me. i hold wassce certificate with all my document inclusive i need you to help me the processing with my undergraduate programme of petroleum ingineering .my email address is antie.bismark@yahoo.com. and my number is +233572106006

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am Abel and a Nigerian of 31years. I finished my tertiary with a HND from FEDPONEK, I finished my NYSC by June 2014.In addition, I have no Toefl or ielts. I need a free tuition scholarship or free education program.Please I need directions. My email is eleng76@yahoo.com or +234-7038008906. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  15. i want to get admission in MBBS in finland but i have many questions to ask?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi I would like to study in Finland but I don't know what university to pick that offers the course I desire. Can you assist me in my application so that I could continue my studies in Finland as soon as possible. Do you have someone I can talk to about it or do you have an email where I can send my inquiries? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. i am egbe james takor graduate from the siantou university Yaounde-cameroon in management. i am looking for help and assistance in trying to further my education.my email is egbejames@yahoo.com



    ReplyDelete
  18. hello...my name is Shakirat Lasisi..and i would like to know if i can still apply to any free tuition schools in Finland as of now...Thank u.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello..... my Name is Ngassa Tchagna....from Cameroon. Just had my Bachelor in Law(English Law) from the University of Yaounde ll Soa I need a free tuition scholarship or free education program.Please I need directions. My email is tpitagor@yahoo.fr or +237-671949568. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello..... my Name is Ngassa Tchagna....from Cameroon. Just had my Bachelor in Law(English Law) from the University of Yaounde ll Soa I need a free tuition scholarship or free education program to any University in Finland.Please I need directions. My email is tpitagor@yahoo.fr or +237-671949568. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ngassa, directions have already been given above. Please follow them!

      Delete
  21. im faiz.
    i was asking if there is any undergraduate scholarships in Finland for Kenya.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faiz there are several awards available to students from African countries, including Kenya. However, you will need to directly contact the school of your choice using the links above for more specific information. Best regards

      Delete
  22. I am applying to university of Eastern Finland. But the admission process requires me to send a copy of my original academic certificate. Do I ask. Y school to send d it to them because I can make photo copy of the original. Please advise accordingly. Prof_olateju@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Unknown, you cannot send a photocopy of your certificate yourself. You must ask your school to send an officially sealed and original copy to the school in Finland. Best regards

      Delete
  23. I want to study medicine in Finland (undergraduate) is it possible to get a scholarship? I'm in grade 12

    ReplyDelete
  24. Go morning pls I have to apply for a asters degree in social wor what are the requirements

    ReplyDelete
  25. hello,my name is yassine i would like to carry on my depth studies in finland is it possible to benifit from scholarship? also, i'm looking for a suitable univesity with tuitions free . can you please help me

    ReplyDelete
  26. hi i would like to study medicine
    can you Recommend free tuition UNI
    contact me :
    soos4050@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. hello, i'm a student of European University of cyprus bachelors my first year, i would like to transfer to any good free universities in finland. I'm Nigerian. my mail Dabraina@gmail.com. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  28. HI, i have done my Master degree from UK, now planing for PhD in Finland. plz can u provide more info about process for application.

    -Thanks
    David

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi,i have done my Bachelor degree from Pakistan now me want apply for Master in Finland.Tell me a complete details about scholarship and admission.
    Thanks
    Awais

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello, I'm Adekunle from Lagos,Nigeria
    Please I need clarifications on HND graduates from Nigeria applying for Masters program in any of the Universities in Finland.
    Can HND graduate apply directly for Masters program?

    ReplyDelete
  31. i want to study music . is is possible for this coming february intake.
    plz reply me a message .
    csfcustoms@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. i am Atilade from nigeria, i want to study mechanical engineering in my masters in finland and i need a schorlarship/free tuition school. please update me about the process at adelekeatilade@yahoo.com. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  33. i want to study mechanical engineering master degree, i am a nigerian, i need a free tuition university or a scholarship. any help kindly let me know at adelekeatilade@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi, i would like to study multimidia coures in finland,with free tuition .please i need your help,here is my email ibehkingsley12@gmail.com ,phone number +2347064801134

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello, my name is Anna, I would like to get a vocational training in Finland. Would you, please, guide me through the possibilities to get help funding my year over there (scholarships, grants)? Thank you in advance.
    anna.m.odintsova@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. hello sir am jeandeDieu from Rwanda am holder Diploma in information Technology can you help me to get full tution free for study Bachelor's Degree

    ReplyDelete
  37. are there any schools currently in finland with open application periods??

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am looking for the undergraduate medicine programme from Finland for my daughter as she is very much willing to take admission in English taught European University ,so please advice her for good rank economical medicine degree for her career as she is in class XI with physics chemistry,Biology and maths with English as a language subject .We are from India

    ReplyDelete
  39. Looking for the best economical option of medicine(MBBS) with good ranked English teaching University in Europe please advice at s.bne_arora@yahoo.co.in

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hello my name Alex am from Nigeria. I want to study ICT and need your advice on how to get free tuition fee school. My email princessgold4u@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello,Am Kelly from Ghana and I would be very glad in receiving assistance to apply for postgraduate studies in Finland.I would like to study a business related programs.
    Can link me up on whatsapp 233242385762
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm Simon El-Longwell, a Ghanaian and wish to pursue a bachelor in medicine in Finland. I would be very grateful for your assistance especially with links to apply. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm Maketh Kuot Deng in South Sudan,needs to study Undergraduate in Agriculture Economic in Finland,free tuition ,my email Maketh24@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm Maketh Kuot Deng from South Sudan,and I needs to study Undergraduate Degree in Agriculture Economic in Finland,free tution fees,My Email.Maketh24@gmial.com

    ReplyDelete