Study destination

Study in Finland

Technology, education and design programmes, including English-taught master’s degrees.

Explore courses ↓

Find your study options in Finland

Finland offers technology, business, design and education programmes, including many English-taught master’s degrees. The academic year often begins in August, with a smaller January intake. Helsinki generally has higher living costs than smaller university cities.

Teaching language
English · Finnish

Confirm your programme’s language and accepted evidence.

Programme starts
August · January

Starts and deadlines vary by programme.

Study budget
Plan your total costs

Compare tuition, living costs and initial expenses.

After graduation
Explore your next step

Work and residence options have their own conditions.

Our team can help you compare courses, understand entry requirements and build a shortlist around your qualifications and budget.

Explore courses in Finland

Start with a subject you enjoy. Explore selected programme examples, then compare study levels and teaching languages in the course directory.

Page 1 of 3

Universities to explore

Explore university campuses and study options. Visit the official admissions pages for current programmes, entry requirements and fees.

University photo credits

Plan your study budget

Your budget has three parts: tuition, day-to-day living and the costs of getting settled. Use the references below to start planning, then confirm the figures for your course and city.

Tuition & fee references

Typical non-EU/EEA fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Exemptions depend on programme and residence status.

Living-cost planning range

€900–1,200per month

Study in Finland’s recommended planning range for accommodation and living expenses.

Tuition and initial expenses are additional. Migri’s minimum funds assessment is a separate requirement.

Study in Finland: fees and living costs (opens in a new tab)

Fees vary by programme, year and legal status. A semester fee, annual fee and full-programme fee cover different periods. Confirm what is included, payment dates and refund terms with the institution.

Allow for initial expenses

Include application and visa charges, document preparation, insurance, travel and accommodation deposits. Ask what is included before paying; any agency service charge is separate from university and government fees.

Check funding early

Review scholarships with the university or award provider. Check eligibility, deadlines and what an award covers. Build your plan around confirmed funds.

Entry requirements & how to apply

Requirements depend on your qualification, citizenship and chosen programme. Check the university’s current instructions before preparing your application.

Academic entry requirements

Bachelor’s applicants need a secondary-school qualification. Master’s programmes, including those at Aalto, generally require a related first degree and can be competitive.

Language & course requirements

English-taught programmes set English language requirements. Programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish require proficiency in the relevant language.

For a master’s degree

Check the recognised first degree, relevant subject background and grades required by the programme. Some courses also ask for professional experience, a portfolio, research proposal or an interview.

Study in Finland: admissions (opens in a new tab)

Documents to prepare

  • Passport, qualification certificates and academic transcripts.
  • Accepted evidence of your programme’s teaching language.
  • A personal statement, references, portfolio or research proposal where requested.
  • Qualification assessment, legalisation and certified translations where required.

Qualification recognition

Check the university’s country-specific qualification requirements and selection method. Universities of applied sciences and research universities can require different tests or experience. A scholarship is a separate decision from admission.

Recognition, legalisation and translation are separate steps. Confirm each receiving authority’s requirements.

Choose your intake before you apply

Most programmes start in August or September. Check the course’s Studyinfo listing and whether it uses a joint or separate application. Aalto’s Technology, Business and Design example starts in 2027.

  1. Choose your programme

    Compare subjects, qualification, campus, teaching language and total cost. Confirm eligibility with the institution.

  2. Prepare and apply

    Check the application route, gather the required documents and complete any assessment by the course deadline.

  3. Plan your arrival

    After admission, follow the applicable immigration process and arrange funds, insurance and accommodation.

Visa, work & student life

Residence permit for studies

Applicants from outside the EU/EEA generally need a study residence permit for longer study. Follow Migri’s instructions for admission, financial evidence, tuition and insurance.

Check the permit requirements for your individual circumstances before travel, including arrangements for any accompanying family.

Migri: studying in Finland (opens in a new tab)

Use the instructions for your actual citizenship and residence jurisdiction.

Working during and after study

A student residence permit allows work within its conditions, including an average-hours limit. Degree-related practical training can have different rules; check Migri’s guidance.

A separate permit may be available to seek work or start a business after graduation. Admission does not guarantee a job or later residence.

Migri: study and post-study permits (opens in a new tab)

Prepare for your arrival

Arrange accommodation, including temporary housing if needed, before travelling. Include suitable clothing for Finland’s climate in your budget and carry your admission letter and insurance documents.

Your questions about Finland

How much should I budget?

Add the exact tuition for your course and year to accommodation, food, transport, insurance and personal expenses. Include application charges, document preparation, travel and deposits. The figures above show what each reference covers; a housing example or visa funds requirement is only part of the total.

Study in Finland: fees and living costs (opens in a new tab)

When should I apply?

Most programmes start in August or September. Check the course’s Studyinfo listing and whether it uses a joint or separate application. Aalto’s Technology, Business and Design example starts in 2027.

Study in Finland: admissions (opens in a new tab)

Are these the only courses and universities available?

These are selected examples to help you explore. Universities offer many more programmes. Tell us your subject, study level and preferred destination so we can help you compare a broader shortlist.

Can I fund my studies through part-time work?

Plan tuition and essential living expenses using confirmed funds. Student employment can be restricted and a job is not guaranteed. Review the work guidance above and the conditions of your own immigration status before accepting employment.

Migri: study and post-study permits (opens in a new tab)

Will my qualification be recognised?

Check the university’s country-specific qualification requirements and selection method. Universities of applied sciences and research universities can require different tests or experience. A scholarship is a separate decision from admission.

Study in Finland: admissions (opens in a new tab)

Ready to explore studying in Finland?

Talk with our team about course options, entry requirements and the budget you’ll need. We’ll help you understand the next steps.

Request a free consultation. Our team will contact you to arrange a conversation.

Explore other destinations