Study in Finland for International Students: Step by Step Guide. Finland is a country located in Northern Europe to the east of Sweden, south of Norway, and west of Russia. Helsinki is the capital of Finland. Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu and Turku are other big cities in Finland. Finland is also known for its strong educational system and economy. Finland is often rated as one of the most innovative countries in terms of higher education and training programs.
It is considered one of the world’s most peaceful and livable countries. Major Industries are Metals and Metal Products, Electronics, Machinery and Scientific Instruments, Shipbuilding, Pulp and Paper, Foodstuffs, Chemicals, Textiles, and Clothing.
All important information has been mentioned in this blog about Finland for students. Either you want to know the application process or total expenses for Finish Student Visa. Just go through this blog to get a complete understanding.
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So, let’s start from the very first point and read till the end.
Table of Contents
Higher Education System in Finland
Finland has about 40 institutions of higher education, which are commonly classified into either universities and polytechnics universities of applied sciences.
Universities focus on Scientific research and the education they provide is based on it. Doctoral programmes are offered by the universities.
Universities of applied sciences offer professionally oriented higher education and have strong ties with working life and regional development.
Finland’s world-leading higher education system offers more than 400 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences. The universities also offer English-taught doctoral degree options. Finnish higher education institutions have over 20 000 international students studying in several locations around Finland.
All universities and universities of applied sciences have scholarship opportunities for international students.
Finland has a three-cycle higher education system consisting of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.
Academic Calendar for Study in Finland
If you want to start studying at a Finnish university in autumn, i.e. September, you must apply via the official portal in January of the same year.
The exact date varies slightly for every year.
Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences often also accept late applications, sometimes until March/April to begin in the autumn of the same year.
If you want to start a degree in January, the application period is in September the year before your start.
Application Process at University in Finland
First you should decide for which programs at which universities you want to apply. Use the national application portal database at Studyinfo.fi to find the right option for you. The Finnish polytechnics handle all applications for Bachelor programs and many applications for Master programs through their central application system at Studyinfo.fi. For degree programs not handled via that website, you need to apply directly to the polytechnic or university according to their admissions process.
You will find the entry requirements either in the course descriptions on the university websites. Meanwhile, there are many programmes taught in English for international students.
While, There are two ways to apply to a higher education degree programme in Finland.
- Joint Application
- Separate Application
There is no Application fee, applying is always free.
Joint Application for study in Finland
A Joint Application means that you can apply to up to six study programmes with one Application form. These six options may include degree programmes from one or several different higher education institutions.
There are two joint applications per year, which offer study programmes in English.
In the Autumn Joint Application you must place the study programmes in order of preference, and you can be offered only one study place.
In the spring joint application for study programmes offered in English, you do not have to place the study programmes in order of preference, and you can be offered several study places.
Separate Application for Study in Finland
If you apply through a separate application, you apply directly to a higher education institution’s study programme.
Separate application forms are filled separately for each study programme or institution.
Depending on the institution’s application procedure for each programme, you can send, for example, separate applications individually for each study programme in an institution or one separate application form to several study programmes in one institution. There is no limit to how many study programmes you can apply to. Applying can be done through the university’s or university of applied sciences’ own website or in Studyinfo.
Documents Required for Admission in Finish University
These are the following documents; you need to submit to secure admission to any Finish University.
- High School Diploma for Admission in Under Graduate Program.
- Bachelor’s Degree for Admission in Post Graduate (Masters Program).
- Master’s Degree or Equivalent for Admission in Post Graduate (PhD Program).
- Transcripts of Academic Certificates.
- IELTS or TOFEL.
- Filled Application Form & Motivation Letter & Resume.
- Passport.
- Two Recommendation Letters.
- Two Recent Passport size photographs.
Application Process for Student Visa at Finish Embassy
You need a residence permit after you acceptance at higher education institutions such as universities and universities of applied sciences. However, the residence permit is only valid for the duration of your studies, if your studies take less than two years.
While, You need to apply for a residence permit for scientific research if you come to Finland for postgraduate studies after completing a master’s degree.
Residence permits are not granted for studies at open universities.
Meanwhile, Make sure you meet the requirements for the residence permit you are applying for in Finnish Embassy or consulate nearby you. While, Letter of Health Insurance & Police clearance certificate is a very important documents for students to submit at the consulate.
So, Make sure you have all the attachments needed. If necessary, have them translated and legalized. The processing time may be longer if you have not filled in your application sufficiently.
So, After you receive your official letter of acceptance, you can begin the student residence permit application online at Enterfinland.fi. Remember that you must personally visit a Finnish embassy or consulate as part of this process.
Meanwhile, You should wait for the residence permit in the same country or locality where you submitted your application and proved your identity.
Lastly, you need to take care of Bank Statement to show one year’s living expenses in your personal account.
Total Cost of Student Visa in Finland?
There are two different aspects to consider when you make up your mind for studies in Finland. If you are an international student, the point of concern is the tuition fees and related scholarship options, and in addition to that, your everyday living costs. Below, we’ve broken down both aspects respectively.
What is the Tuition fees?
The annual tuition fee depends upon the university and the degree programme. Finnish universities charge a tuition fee of 4,000 euros per year at the very least, and up to 18,000 euros.
Check here Studyinfo.fi the tuition fee of the programme you wish to apply.
At the doctoral level no tuition fees, regardless of your nationality.
Remember that if you are required to pay tuition fees, you are also eligible to apply for a scholarship from the university. Each university has its scholarship programme, so the university or University of Applied Sciences you’re applying for, always double-check if they have a scholarship option for the particular course or programme you are applying for.
What is Living Cost?
Monthly living expenses for students including food, accommodation, travel, insurance are around 700 to 900 Euros, depending on where you live and your personal living habits. Living costs are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.
Some individual universities may also have such scholarship options that include a living cost allowance. Check with the university you are planning to apply to.
There are two types of accommodation in Finland, Student accommodation and private housing.
While, Student housing providers have listed on the SOA (Finnish Student Housing Ltd.) website.
How to Find Job in Finland?
Students can work on a student visa. Part-time jobs can be helpful to bear living expenses. Visit the Work in Finland site to learn about work opportunities in Finland. Also, see their Jobs in Finland pages! General advice and tips on where and how to look for employment is on the InfoFinland website.
Bank Statement is required for Student Visa?
So, It’s important to show necessary funds in your bank account at the time of application in the Finish embassy.
According to Finish migration rules, students need 560 Euros every month to be able to pay for their accommodation, food, and other needs.
For a two-year stay, you must have 13,440 Euros in your bank account. For a one-year stay, you must have 6,720 Euros n your bank account.
You must have the necessary funds in your own bank account that is for your personal use only.
Scholarships for Study in Finland
All universities and universities of applied sciences have scholarship opportunities for international students. Universities offer a range of options for scholarships both for bachelor’s and master’s level international students. You usually apply for a scholarship at the university at the same time when you apply for admission. The details of scholarships for each programme is at the degree programme description.
While, Scholarships are largely based on academic merits, and there is often a certain quota of scholarships for each degree program. Meanwhile, The annual tuition fee depends on the university and the degree programme.
- Tampere Universities Scholarships, Finland
- Finland scholarship for Master’s Students
- Merit Based Scholarship Programme, Finland
- Incentive-Based Scholarship, Finland
At the doctoral level, There is no tuition fee, but you will need to cover your living expenses. So, If you are admitted as a doctoral student, contact your Finnish university department for advice on research funding options.
International students can also apply for a one-year job search visa after completing their studies. Graduates can search for work. More information is available at www.migri.fi.
Universities for study in Finland
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- Tampere University
- University of Turku
- University of Eastern Finland
- LUT University
- University of Oulu
- University of Jyväskylä
- Åbo Akademi University
- Arcada University of Applied Sciences
- Centria University of Applied Sciences
- Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
- Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Finally, You can approach Consult Studies Abroad for Guidance about scholarships, University admissions, and much more useful information. Because We prepare a strong Scholarship Application by emphasizing Personal statements and Motivation letters. Meanwhile, We Prepare Scholarship Applications for all countries.
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