Studying in Finland is seen as a unique experience for international students. Finland draws attention with its quality education system, equipped universities that focus on research and practice. It has recently been referred to as one of the most popular education countries for international students. Finland has made a name for itself all over the world with its education system. In terms of the language of education, it is known that Finnish and Swedish education is common in the country. However, universities also offer English education options in many fields and departments.
About Finland & Advantages of Studying in Finland
High-Quality Education: One of the most important points in students' university preferences is the quality of the education offered. Finland is a country that has already proven itself to the whole world in this regard. That's why Finland first guarantees students a quality education. Additionally, the education system is based on the principle of equal opportunity and is renowned for its high teaching and learning standards.
Creative Educational Approaches: Universities in Finland are renowned for their creative educational approaches, including problem and project-based learning, and engaging lectures. These techniques encourage students to develop critical thinking skills, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge in everyday life circumstances.
Affordable Education: In addition, students' social expenses are at very low levels. Finland provides affordable education in comparison to other European countries, and the majority of universities do not charge EU/EEA students tuition fees. However, non-EU/EEA students may be required to pay tuition fees that are lower than those in other countries. Especially compared to countries such as America or England, this fee is reduced by half.
World-renowned universities: Another opportunity offered to students is the recognition of universities. Finland's best universities are also among the few in the world. This also plays a role in job opportunities. In job applications, graduating from a university in Finland sets students apart from other competitors. In this way, students have a great advantage in their careers.
Hospitable and safe environment: Finland is a safe and hospitable country with an outstanding standard of living. It is regarded as one of the world's happiest countries, and its citizens are known for their warmth and generosity.
Opportunities for Professional Development: Finnish universities provide outstanding opportunities for professional development, with strong ties to research and business organizations. Internships, research projects, and other activities allow students to acquire valuable work experience and create professional networks.
Finland, which attracts the attention of the whole world with its education system, is also at the center of the attention of international students. Besides the capital Helsinki, there are also prestigious universities in Turku, Tampere, and Espoo. Although Finnish universities are considered younger than other European countries, it is possible to find many qualified universities in the country. According to the University Rankings 2022, Finland has 7 universities in the top 500.
State universities in Finland are divided into regular universities and universities of applied sciences. These public universities are free to citizens of Finland, EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
International students from other countries must pay fees for English departments. These fees can vary between 5,000 and 15,000 Euros.
Finnish and Swedish courses are also free for international students. Of course, you are expected to have sufficient command of these languages to pursue higher education.
Finland's undergraduate education consists of a three-year bachelor’s degree program followed by a two-year master’s degree program. Most master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, and candidates must earn their bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a master’s program. The structure of undergraduate education in Finland is based on several factors:
Coursework and Evaluations: The curriculum of bachelor's degree programs in Finland revolves around coursework and evaluations. Students have to participate in classes, conferences, and practical sessions, as well as complete tasks and take exams.
Credit System: Universities in Finland utilize the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which enables students to convert credits gained in one program to another. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 25-30 study hours.
Language of Education: The predominant language of instruction at Finnish universities is Finnish or Swedish, although many universities also offer English-language courses. International students may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as evidence of their English proficiency.
The requirements for applying to undergraduate programs in Finland universities might change slightly based on the institution and program that you will choose. However, the following general requirements are generally required:
Educational Requirements: For admission to undergraduate programs in Finland, a secondary school diploma or its equivalent is generally required. Some universities may have specific subject requirements or grade point average requirements.
Language Requirements: Students who are not native speakers of Finnish or Swedish are required to demonstrate proficiency in either language in order to be admitted to the majority of undergraduate programs. This can be accomplished by passing a language exam or providing documentation of prior language study.
Entrance Exams: Some universities require applicants to take an entrance exam to determine their program-specific ability. These examinations might include mathematics, science, or language skills.
Application Documents: In general, you need to provide your application form, transcripts, language test scores, and any additional required documents such as letters of recommendation or a personal statement.
Before applying to a program, it is recommended to thoroughly review its admission requirements for the program you are interested in.
To attract international students, the higher education sector in Finland has significantly increased the number of postgraduate programs taught in English.
As a member of the European Union, Finnish universities, which attract international students from all over the world with 39 higher education institutions, offer more than 200 English master's programs for international students in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, architecture, business, communication, art and design. In master's programs where academic research is predominant, you should prepare a master's thesis at the end of the education, while aiming to develop the creativity and research skills of the students. Institutions providing graduate education in Finland are divided into two. These are:
Universities: Institutions that provide scientific research and postgraduate education and training based on it.
UAS-Universities of Applied Sciences: Institutions aimed at supporting research and development-oriented education and meeting the needs of the labor market. The emphasis of universities of applied science is on vocational instruction and applied research. Master’s programs at UAS differ slightly from those at institutions in that they last between one and one and a half years. In addition, access is restricted to those with a bachelor's degree and three years of working experience.
As in other countries in Europe, credits are earned through a combination of required and elective courses or activities. Master’s degrees are taught face-to-face or online via lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical, as well as language courses or an internship. The evaluation consists of coursework, examinations, and a final project.
In Finland, the duration of a master's degree is always two years; however, at universities of applied science, the duration may be reduced due to the requirement that students have substantial professional experience before beginning the course.
Admission requirements for students who will apply to graduate education in Finland vary according to the universities and programs chosen. At the same time, you must choose the same or similar programs with the department you studied for, while in Finland, to apply for master's programs at universities of applied sciences, you must have completed an undergraduate or equivalent program and have 3 years of work experience. In general, your diploma, grade point average and foreign language proficiency are among the documents that the university you will be studying will require from you, and we can list the documents for applications as follows:
Although the official languages of the country are Finnish and Swedish, English is spoken more than Swedish. Therefore, you can find various English programs in many universities.
Aalto University
Aalto University is a university with campuses in the cities of Helsinki and Espoo. It was established in 2010 by merging universities from three different disciplines. It takes its name from the architect Alvar Aalto. It aims to provide a multidisciplinary education and research environment that offers Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines, including Business, Art and Design, and Engineering. At Aalto University, there are many departments in Finnish and Swedish, mainly on technical subjects. These courses are school services, signal processing and acoustics, internet technologies (including machine learning), electrical and electronics engineering and automation, and electronics and nanoengineering. Aalto University's emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship is well-known.
English courses offered by Aalto University for international students are the built environment, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and school services.
University of Turku
The University of Turku's campus is in the heart of Turku, near to the Aura River and Turku Castle. Modern campus facilities include libraries, laboratories, and recreational facilities, in addition to a number of student organizations and activities.
The University of Turku is a public research institution in the city of Turku. It was established in 1920 and is Finland's second-largest university. The university has more than 20,000 students and offers a variety of degree programs in disciplines such as social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, medicine, and law.
The University of Turku has a strong standing for research and innovation and is a member of numerous international research networks and consortiums. Biochemistry, drug development, environmental science, European and global governance, and digital futures are among the university's research areas.
The University of Turku is renowned for its international orientation and has partnered with more than 300 universities and institutions worldwide. Today, it aims at diversity in education and welcomes students from all over the world. The university offers a variety of degree programs in English, including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Besides, the university has 8 faculties, and these are the faculties of education, humanities, law, medicine, science, social sciences, technology, and the Turku School of Economics. It is possible to find undergraduate programs in English at the faculty of education.
University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki was founded in 1829 in the country's capital. It is the oldest and largest university in the country. It is one of the founding members of the European Research Universities League (LERU). The University of Helsinki serves a broad range of degree programs in English, including master’s and doctoral programs. Computer Science, Environmental Change and Global Sustainability, and Global Politics and Communication are prominent programs offered in English.
There are a wide variety of bachelor's and master's degrees offered by universities in Finland. You can find the list of some of the most common degrees available:
Bachelor's Degrees:
A fee is charged for those who come from non-EU countries and want to study in Finland. Finnish university fees may vary according to universities and departments. For students from non-EU countries, there is a condition to receive free education. Education programs in Finland are offered in Finnish, Swedish and English. and students who prefer Finnish or Swedish programs can benefit from free education.
Finland's top universities charge fees ranging from 8,000 to 18,000 euros. These fees are requested annually, and each university determines its own fees. The University of Helsinki charges annual fees ranging from 13 thousand to 18 thousand euros. The annual tuition fees of Tampere University vary between 8 thousand and 12 thousand Euros. Turku University’s annual tuition fees vary between 8 thousand and 16 thousand Euros. Master's fees in Finland range from 8 thousand to 25 thousand Euros for English programs. It is known that Finnish and Swedish programs are free, just like undergraduate programs.
It is well known that Finland has substantially cheaper living expenses than countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Finnish government also helps international students with housing, food, travel, and social activities. Student residences on or off campus provide accommodation choices for students to consider. The cost of lodging includes utilities like water and electricity. In overall, an international student's monthly living expenses range from 700 to 1000 euros. It is known that transportation costs range from 20 to 50 euros. The amount needed for food costs is about 300 euros while accommodation fees range from 250 to 500 euros.
Even the fact that its living expenses are lower than those in many European countries attracts notice. International students are also given financial assistance with their tuition and living expenses. In addition to all of these, university-industry partnerships allow students to assess internship and job options. They may be able to find employment in well-known corporations. Additionally, they have the opportunity to build a broad communication network because of the country's diversity in terms of culture.
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