
Finland is an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education in a country known for its innovative teaching methods, strong academic culture, and vibrant student life. Studying in Finland offers a world-class education with various opportunities for career growth and personal development.
Studying in Finland offers numerous advantages, from exceptional education quality to opportunities for personal and professional growth. Finland has a reputation for innovation in teaching, research, and technology, with many of its universities ranking among the best in the world. Finland also offers an excellent work-life balance, a safe environment, and a culturally rich student life. Additionally, international students benefit from a unique social welfare system, affordable living costs, and the possibility of part-time work during their studies. Finland’s stunning natural beauty and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal place to live and study.
Here are some of the best universities in Finland for international students:
|
# |
QS World University Ranking (2025) |
University Name |
Approximate Tuition Fees (€) |
Highlights |
|
1 |
112 |
University of Helsinki |
€13,000 - €18,000 |
Finland’s oldest university, offering diverse programs, especially in social sciences and natural sciences. |
|
2 |
135 |
Aalto University |
€12,000 - €15,000 |
Known for its engineering, technology, and business programs, Aalto is a leader in innovation. |
|
3 |
170 |
University of Turku |
€10,000 - €14,000 |
Offers comprehensive programs in health sciences, arts, and technology. |
|
4 |
188 |
University of Eastern Finland |
€8,000 - €12,000 |
Renowned for its biological sciences and education programs, with a strong focus on research. |
|
5 |
195 |
University of Oulu |
€10,000 - €15,000 |
A leading university in information technology, engineering, and environmental sciences. |
|
6 |
220 |
Tampere University |
€10,000 - €12,000 |
Known for its engineering, health sciences, and social sciences programs. |
|
7 |
240 |
Hanken School of Economics |
€12,000 - €18,000 |
A top business school offering courses in business and economics, with a focus on international trade. |
|
8 |
250 |
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) |
€10,000 - €12,000 |
Specializes in engineering, business, and sustainability studies, focusing on renewable energy. |
|
9 |
280 |
University of Lapland |
€8,000 - €10,000 |
Known for its arts and tourism programs, as well as cultural studies. |
|
10 |
300 |
Åbo Akademi University |
€8,000 - €10,000 |
Offers programs in humanities, natural sciences, and engineering, with an emphasis on multilingualism. |
To study in Finland, international students must apply for a student visa. There are two types of Finland student visa:
Both visa types require proof of enrollment, financial support, and health insurance.

Finland offers a diverse range of programs for international students. Some of the most popular fields of study include:
|
# |
Course Name |
Leading Universities in Finland |
Estimated Tuition Fees (€ / year) |
|
1 |
Computer Science & Information Technology |
Aalto University, University of Helsinki |
€15,000 – €25,000 |
|
2 |
Business Administration / MBA |
Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, Tampere University |
€12,000 – €20,000 |
|
3 |
Renewable Energy & Sustainability |
LUT University, Aalto University |
€13,500 – €22,000 |
|
4 |
Forestry & Environmental Technology |
University of Eastern Finland, Aalto University |
€12,000 – €18,000 |
|
5 |
Early Childhood Education |
University of Helsinki, University of Turku |
€10,000 – €12,000 |
|
6 |
Tourism & Hospitality Management |
Haaga-Helia UAS, Lapland University of Applied Sciences |
€10,000 – €15,000 |
|
7 |
Design & Digital Media |
Aalto University, Tampere University |
€18,000 – €25,000 |
|
8 |
Biomedical & Health Sciences |
University of Turku, University of Eastern Finland |
€10,000 – €15,000 |
|
9 |
General Engineering |
Tampere University, University of Oulu |
€8,000 – €15,000 |
|
10 |
Business Analytics & Digital Business |
Metropolia UAS, South-Eastern Finland UAS (XAMK) |
€9,000 – €12,000 |
*Note: With a strong emphasis on innovation, many universities also offer interdisciplinary programs in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.
Best Master’s Degree Programs to Study in Finland (2025)
These Master's degree programs in Finland provide high-quality education with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and practical application, making graduates well-prepared for the global job market.
To be eligible to study in Finland, international students must meet the following criteria:
Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the course and university.
To apply for a student visa and study in Finland, you must meet the following general requirements:

|
Visa Type |
Fee (€) |
Additional Costs |
|
Finland Student Visa |
€ 350 |
Medical certificates, police certificates, biometric processing (additional costs may apply) |
*Note: The fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon application submission. Please check with the Finnish consulate for current fee details.
Here’s the information in table format:
|
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
Additional Information |
|
Finland Student Visa |
2 to 3 months |
Apply well in advance, especially during peak application seasons. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate for faster processing. |
Admission Requirements to Study in Finland for International Students
To gain admission to Finnish universities, international students typically need:
Each university may have additional requirements, such as entrance exams or interviews.
To apply for a Finland student visa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Receive an Acceptance Letter
The first step is to secure an acceptance letter from a recognized Finnish university or educational institution. This letter confirms that you have been admitted to a program and is a requirement for the visa application. Ensure you meet the university’s entry requirements and have all necessary documents, including language proficiency and academic records.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
After receiving your acceptance letter, you need to gather the necessary documents. These typically include:
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
Submit your completed student visa application at your nearest Finnish embassy or consulate. Be sure to complete the application form accurately and submit it along with all the required documents. Some embassies may allow online submissions, while others may require in-person applications.
Step 4: Attend Visa Interview (if necessary)
In some cases, you may be required to attend a visa interview. This will typically involve confirming your purpose of stay, your financial ability, and your intent to return to your home country after your studies. Make sure to be prepared to answer questions about your course, accommodation, and future plans in Finland.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval
Once your application is submitted, the Finnish authorities will process it, which usually takes between 2 to 3 months. Ensure that you have provided all the necessary documents to avoid any delays. Check with the embassy for any additional documents they may require.
Step 6: Travel to Finland
Once your student visa is approved, you will receive a notification and can travel to Finland. Upon arrival, you may need to complete some post-arrival procedures, such as registering with local authorities or obtaining a residence permit. Once everything is in place, you can begin your studies and enjoy your time in Finland!

Finland offers various scholarships to help international students finance their education. Some popular scholarships include:
*Note: Check with individual universities for specific scholarship opportunities and eligibility criteria.
Y-Axis offers comprehensive support to students aspiring to study in Finland. Their assistance includes a range of essential services such as,
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future