Finland is a Smart Choice for Your Higher Studies
If you dream of studying in Europe without drowning in debt, Finland should be on your radar. This peaceful Nordic country consistently ranks high for education, safety, and quality of life. But what makes Finland even more attractive for international students is its fully funded scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even PhD programs. Many Finnish universities waive the application fee, and some don’t even ask for an IELTS score, depending on where you’re applying from.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know — from eligibility and how to find the right program to the simple step-by-step application process on Finland’s centralized portal. Let’s dive in!
What Scholarships Are Available?
Finland offers a unique system: each university manages its own scholarships for international students, but you don’t need to submit multiple separate applications. Instead, you apply for both admission and the scholarship through a single government-run portal called Study in Finland.
There’s no central “one size fits all” scholarship, but the good news is that the process is simple. Most programs cover full tuition fees, living costs through a stipend, and sometimes accommodation or travel allowances. If you’re from a developing country like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or many African countries, you can apply for these benefits, provided you haven’t studied in Finland before.
Who Can Apply?
These scholarships are designed for new international students. So if you’ve never done your previous degree in Finland and aren’t currently enrolled in a Finnish university, you’re eligible.
If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree, you should have completed your secondary education (FSc, A-levels, or equivalent). For a Master’s, you’ll need a completed Bachelor’s degree. PhD candidates must have a Master’s in a relevant field. Some universities require English proficiency, but if you come from a country where your previous education was in English — like India, Pakistan, or parts of Africa — you may not need IELTS. Always double-check your specific course’s language rules.
Which Universities Are Included?
The beauty of Finland’s system is that you can find top-ranked universities without paying an application fee. You can pick from institutions like the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Tampere University, University of Turku, University of Lapland, and many more.
Each university has different deadlines and slightly different requirements. For example, some programs are open until October or November, while others close earlier. That’s why it’s so important to check your chosen program’s dates before applying.
👉 Official Portal: Study in Finland
How Does the Application Work?
One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need to apply to each university separately. Everything is done through Finland’s official Studyinfo.fi portal. Once you find your program, you’ll submit your single application for both admission and the scholarship.
No more jumping from site to site or paying multiple fees — just one streamlined process.
When Should You Apply?
Each university sets its own deadlines, but many fall between October and November for programs starting the following autumn. So it’s smart to start looking at programs well in advance. Have your documents ready, read the requirements carefully, and check if your country is on the no-IELTS list for your chosen university.
Required Documents
The list of documents is refreshingly simple. You’ll need your passport, educational transcripts (high school for Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD), a motivation letter, and a CV. Some programs may ask for recommendation letters or a research proposal (especially for PhD). If you’re applying without IELTS, you may need a letter from your previous school confirming that your education was in English.
Finding the Right Program
Finland’s portal lets you filter programs by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), tuition cost, application fee, field of study, location, and language of instruction. For most students, studying in English is easiest — so choose “English” under the language filter.
If you want to avoid paying an application fee, you can filter for free applications too. This filter is your best friend if you want a cost-free process from start to finish.
You can also filter by city — for example, some students prefer to study in Helsinki, the capital, while others look at cities like Tampere, Turku, or Oulu for lower living costs.
👉 Program Search: Studyinfo.fi
What’s Covered Under the Scholarship?
Most Finnish scholarships cover your full tuition fee. For many students, this alone can save €7,000–€15,000 per year, depending on your program.
Some universities also offer extra support — such as a monthly living stipend, free student accommodation, or even partial travel support. This varies by university, so read the scholarship details on the program page.
Another bonus: international students in Finland can work part-time for up to 30 hours per week during the semester and full-time during summer holidays. This helps cover additional living expenses and gives you valuable European work experience.
How to Fill Out the Application
Once you’ve shortlisted your course, click Apply on the program’s page. You’ll fill out a single application form through Studyinfo.fi.
Fill in your personal details, educational history, chosen degree, and any required information about language skills. Some forms have up to 16 sections, but they’re easy to navigate. If you skip a question or section, the next one won’t open — so work through them in order.
Attach scanned copies of your documents. Always double-check that your scans are clear and named correctly. When you’re done, preview the whole application and hit Submit.
Official Links and Resources
Here’s everything in one place:
- 🌐 Official Portal: Study in Finland
- 📚 Search Programs & Apply: Studyinfo.fi
- 📝 Visa & Residence Permit: Finnish Immigration Service
Extra Tips for a Winning Application
Competition for Finnish scholarships is strong, so put effort into your motivation letter. Clearly explain why you chose this program, why Finland is the right fit, and how you’ll use your degree to contribute to your country or community.
Highlight any special skills or volunteer work that shows leadership and initiative — Finnish universities love students who think creatively and solve real-world problems.
If you can’t find many free application options, don’t panic. Some top-ranked universities do require a small fee (around €100). Many students see this as worth it — especially if the program offers a generous scholarship that covers tuition and living expenses.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Universities review applications and announce admission and scholarship decisions together — usually by March or April for autumn intake.
If you’re accepted, you’ll get detailed instructions on applying for your Finnish residence permit. Once your visa is approved, you’re ready to start your new life in Finland — and you can travel freely throughout Europe’s Schengen Area too!
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem for Smart Students
Finland’s education system quietly delivers some of the best value in Europe. With no tuition fees for successful applicants, a straightforward process, and the chance to study at world-class universities, this is an opportunity worth every bit of effort.
If you’re ready to build a future in a safe, progressive, and innovative country, start your application today. Research your program, prepare your documents, and take that first step toward your Finnish study dream.
Good luck — or as they say in Finland:
