Top Universities in Finland: Courses, Fees & Eligibility Criteria

Dreaming of studying in a country ranked 1st among the happiest countries in the world? If yes, then look no further than Finland!

Finland has rapidly emerged as a top destination for higher studies, drawing students from around the globe with its exceptional universities, advanced education facilities, and innovative teaching methods. This Nordic nation is becoming preferred for Indian students seeking top-tier education.

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Finland is building an excellent higher education system with the aim of attracting 15,000 international students a year by 2030. In recent years, more than 7,000 international students, including 1,155 Indian students, have received residence permits in Finland for higher studies.

The Finnish education system is well-regarded for its affordability. Top universities in Finland offer competitive tuition fees and numerous scholarships to attract talented students worldwide.

Excited to learn more? Dive deeper into this article to explore the top universities in Finland, the unique benefits of studying there, the exciting scholarship opportunities that can reduce the cost of studying in Finland and much more.

Key Highlights:

This table will give you an overview of key components you need to know to start your study-abroad experience in Finland, from top-ranked universities to the average tuition fee range and eligibility criteria.

Please note: Eligibility criteria, test requirements, and costs can vary depending on the university and program. Always refer to the official university website for the latest information. This table provides estimated costs; actual costs of studying in Finland may vary.

Also Read: Study in Finland 2024: Universities, Visa and Costs

5 Top Universities in Finland for Indian Students

Finland boasts a high-quality higher education system, with universities such as the University of Helsinki and Aalto University ranked among the top 120 universities in the world. The Finnish education system is designed to foster creativity and critical thinking, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a holistic educational experience. 

Most top universities in Finland require language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, requiring scores at a minimum of IELTS (6.0- 6.5) or TOEFL (iBT 79-92).

This section delves into the best universities in Finland for Indian students, highlighting their top courses, QS World Rankings, and tuition fees.

Now that you know the top universities in Finland and their rankings, let’s briefly discuss them.

Aalto University

Ranked 25th among the top universities in Europe, Aalto University is renowned for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and design. It is one of the top public universities in Finland. Aalto University was formed in 2010 by merging three prestigious universities, combining expertise in technology, business, and the arts.

The university offers an extensive selection of programs and more than 90 master’s courses in English in the fields of engineering, arts, and business.

Student Life: Aalto University has its main campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, and a smaller campus in Mikkeli. The university offers a vibrant student atmosphere with modern facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students at Aalto University can access self-study and group workspaces, library services, studios, and workshops.

Here is the table highlighting the top courses and tuition fees at Aalto University:

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the Aalto University:

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University of Helsinki

The oldest and one of the top-ranked universities in Finland, the University of Helsinki boasts a prestigious reputation and a comprehensive range of programs across various faculties, including humanities, social sciences, medicine, law, and science.

The University of Helsinki is the only university in Finland consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world’s approximately 18,000 universities. It is home to over 2,240 international students and offers more than 30 postgraduate programs.

Student Life: Helsinki, the vibrant capital city, offers a dynamic atmosphere with world-class museums, a thriving music scene, and excellent public transportation. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive student community with over 250 student organisations and numerous activities. Students can participate in choir groups, theatre clubs, sports and games clubs, etc.

Here is the table highlighting the top courses at the University of Helsinki:

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Helsinki:

University of Oulu

Located in northern Finland, the University of Oulu is a leader in technology and natural sciences. It fosters a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and has close ties to industry partners.

The university offers 26 master’s programmes and has over 1,814 international students enrolled in different disciplines.

Student Life: Oulu, nicknamed the “Silicon Valley of Northern Scandinavia,” offers a vibrant student life with a thriving music scene, numerous festivals, and easy access to stunning natural landscapes, like witnessing the spectacular Northern lights. There are inexpensive clubs and organisations that students can attend, as well as engage in fun adventures like skiing, bicycling, and other sports activities on and off campus.

Student Testimonial: “Here, students have a lot of personal freedom. We learn a lot from lecturers but also a lot through studying autonomously and in groups. Discussions have stuck with you for a long time, and I think that collaboration and conversation are very efficient. The University of Oulu wants the students to learn for life, not just for the exam.” – Vinay 

Here is the table highlighting the top courses at the University of Oulu:

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Oulu:

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University of Turku

Located in the historic city of Turku, the University of Turku is a leading research university with a strong focus on social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences. It is ranked 55th among the top universities in Europe and one of Finland’s best public universities.

The University of Turku offers an excellent education environment with an inspiring international academic community of over 25,000 students and staff worldwide.

Student Life: Turku, Finland’s former capital, offers a charming blend of mediaeval architecture, modern amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Student Union provides the students with various leisure time pleasures—culture, sports, and events. The city also offers easy and well-functioning public transport and affordable accommodation.

Here is the table highlighting the top courses at the University of Turku:

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Turku:

Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT)

Located in the southeastern city of Lappeenranta, Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) is a leading public university in technology and economics. It strongly focuses on practical learning and industry collaboration, with an inspiring international community of 8,000 students and experts engaged in scientific research and academic education.

The Lappeenranta University of Technology is one of the best universities in Finland for masters courses. It offers students a wide range of disciplines to choose from including business administration, chemical engineering, computational engineering, industrial management, mechanical engineering and more.

Student Life: The university offers a unique blend of urban amenities and stunning natural beauty, including easy access to the beautiful Lake Saaima.

The Lappeenranta campus offers essential on-campus services and facilities, such as student-priced restaurants, FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service) services, a bookstore, a library, group workspaces, fitness and sports halls, saunas, and club facilities. A band rehearsal facility and a photography studio are also available for students.

Here is the table highlighting the top courses at the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT):

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT):

Intakes in Finland for 2024-2025

To live your dream of studying abroad, you must also know the best intake for your chosen university and subject. Finland’s higher education institutions offer multiple intakes throughout the academic year, allowing flexibility for international students, including those from India. 

In the joint application round held in January 2024, top universities in Finland attracted 63,000 applicants, bringing a 3% growth compared to last year. 

Most Finnish universities have two primary intakes.

Autumn Intake

The primary intakes in Autumn and Spring offer various programs and opportunities. 

Joint Application Advantage: Most English-taught Master’s programs participate in the centralised application round coordinated by the Finnish Universities Admissions Service (FUAS) in early to mid-September. This streamlined process allows you to apply to up to six programs, maximising your options.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Application Period: Typically from December to January
• Course Start: Late August or early September
• Application Deadlines: Specific deadlines vary by university, generally falling in mid-January.

Spring Intake

The spring intake, usually starting in January, provides a valuable alternative for students who might have missed the autumn deadline or are seeking a program with a later start date.

Fewer programs are available compared to the Autumn intake, but many universities still offer various options, especially in technology and business.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Application Period: Typically from June to September
• Course Start: January or February
• Application Deadlines: Specific deadlines vary by university, generally falling in mid-September.

Separate Applications and Rolling Admissions (Throughout the Year)

Some universities and specific programs in Finland might have separate application procedures and deadlines outside the joint application round. These programs might offer intakes throughout the year.

5 Popular Courses at Top Universities in Finland

Finland’s universities offer a diverse range of Master’s programs, catering to various academic interests. According to recent data, Engineering is one of the most popular fields of study chosen by international students in Finland, with 4,950 students in the field. 

Other popular subject areas attracting the most international students include Business, Law, and Information and Communication Technology.

Here are five of the most popular choices for Indian students, along with the universities that excel in these fields:

Job Opportunities and Salaries in Finland

After graduating from top universities in Finland, landing a job can be an exciting prospect for international students. Aside from being the happiest country in the world, Finland also has an employment rate of 73.6%, higher than many other countries. 

Finland is a global leader in the tech industry, with companies like Accenture, Elisa, and Tietoevry offering numerous job opportunities for graduates in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. Nokia is one of the top companies hiring the most number of IT graduates in Finland. 

The University of Helsinki boasts an impressive 98% employment of master’s graduates with an average salary of 4L per month.

Please note: The salary figures above are rough estimates and may vary by location and currency exchange rates.

Cost of Living in Finland for International Students

While Finland offers a world-class education and exciting career prospects, understanding the cost of living is crucial for international students planning their studies there. 

The costs may vary depending on the city and lifestyle; however, students can spend around INR 80K – INR 2L on average.

Below, we provide an overview of the cost of living in Finland for international students, including accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and other expenses.

Note: The costs mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location and currency exchange rates.

Also read: Cost of Living in Finland in 2024

Scholarships for Indian Students in Finland

Finnish universities and the government offer many scholarships for international students, including those from India, to support their education and living expenses. Finnish universities, government organisations, and other institutions provide these scholarships. 

These scholarships can be partial or full tuition waivers, merit-based awards, or need-based financial aid. Research the scholarship opportunities offered by the universities you’re interested in. Below, we highlight some key scholarships for Indian students seeking higher education in Finland.

Finland Government Scholarships

Finland Government Scholarships, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, are provided for Master’s and Doctoral degree studies conducted in Finnish research and arts universities.

Under the Finland scholarship, students are awarded a tuition fee waiver and an INR 4.5 Lakhs (5000€) relocation grant for the first year of the program.

Many top universities in Finland participate in the Finland Government Scholarships, including:

• Aalto University
• University of Helsinki
• University of Oulu
• University of Turku
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant should be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
• The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• The applicant must fulfil the requirements to obtain an entrance visa and residence permit for Finland.

To learn more about the application process and deadlines, read Finnish Dreams: Finland Government Scholarships for International Students.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Program

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJMs) are prestigious international postgraduate (Master’s) degree programs offered by various European universities. The EU funds these exchange programs by providing competitive scholarships to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs to the best students worldwide. 

EU provides individuals a monthly scholarship of INR 1.2L (€1,400) for up to 24 months.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants from their respective countries must have completed an undergraduate degree.
• 1st year graduate students can apply if they can complete the degree before the master’s program starts.

Also read: Erasmus Scholarship 2024- Eligibility, Application, and Selection.

Student Visa and Residence Permit in Finland for International Students

Did you know Finland offers a high student visa success rate, with only 1.7% rejections? For stays exceeding 90 days, international students require a residence permit for studies, which functions as your visa and allows you to reside and study in Finland for the duration of your program.

Here’s a breakdown of the process and documents you need for the residence permit application.

• Obtain the official letter of acceptance from a recognised Finnish university.
• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
• Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of financial resources: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees. Students must also show a minimum of INR 50K per month to cover living expenses in Finland for their studies. This could include bank statements, scholarship awards, or sponsorship letters.
• Proof of health insurance: All international students require valid health insurance coverage throughout their stay in Finland.
• Create an account, fill out the residence permit application, and upload the required documents. (available online through the Enter Finland service website).
• Biometric Appointment (Optional): Visit a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate) for biometric data submission (fingerprints, photo).
• Pay the Application Fee: Approx INR 31K
• Await Processing and Decision: Processing times for student visa applications can vary depending on individual circumstances. You can track the status of your application through the Enter Finland service.
• Collect Your Residence Permit: Follow instructions to collect your permit from a Finnish embassy or consulate or by mail if approved.

Note: The residence permit issued for higher education is continuous (an A permit). With an A permit, you can get a municipality of residence in Finland and use the services provided by that municipality. 

A temporary residence permit (a B permit) is issued for completing a degree that is not a higher education degree.

Work Permit for International Students in Finland

Students may work up to 30 hours per week with a residence permit. However, If your work is an integral part of your studies (e.g. practical training, thesis work), this restriction does not apply.

In part-time jobs, international students in Finland can earn around INR 811 to INR 1,171 per hour. The wages may vary depending on the job sector and role.

Some popular part-time jobs for international students in Finland include:

• Retail
• Hospitality (restaurants, cafes)
• Customer service
• Administration
• Teaching Assistant/ Research Assistant 
• Library Attendant 
• Freelancing jobs 

Summing Up

Studying in Finland is more than just an educational opportunity; it’s a chance to be part of a progressive and innovative community that values learning and development. 

With top-ranked universities like Aalto University and the University of Oulu leading in technology and innovation, as well as programs like the Master of Science in Data Science at the University of Helsinki, your academic and professional aspirations can find the right path here.

So, set forth on your dream education journey and join Finland’s 7,000+ inspiring community of international students. Dive into a holistic educational experience that prepares you for global success in the happiest country in the world!

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