🎓 Scholarships & Admissions in Finland – Your Ultimate Guide

1. Why Choose Finland?

Finland stands among the top global locations for higher education, offering around 600 bachelor’s and master’s programmes taught entirely in English—making it an attractive destination for international students Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9.

2. Who Needs to Pay Tuition?

EU/EEA students: Tuition-free across all study levels.
Non‑EU/EEA students: Required to pay tuition for English‑taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees (typically €8,000–€20,000/year) Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9.
Doctoral students: No tuition fees regardless of nationality Study in Finland+2Study in Finland+2Study in Finland+2.

3. Scholarships: What’s Available?

No government-funded scholarships for bachelor’s or master’s; claims of “fully funded government scholarships” have been debunked Study in Finland+1Study in Finland+1.
University-specific offerings: Many Finnish universities and UAS (Universities of Applied Sciences) offer tuition waivers or partial/full scholarships to non‑EU/EEA students Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9.
Apply early: Scholarship applications are usually submitted alongside your degree programme application Study in Finland.

4. Admissions Process

Browse programmes on Studyinfo.fi and individual university sites Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9.
Joint application (January for September intake), select up to six programmes; separate rounds may be available in autumn Study in Finland+2Study in Finland+2Study in Finland+2.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s: upper secondary certificate
- Master’s: bachelor’s degree (+ 2 years work experience for UAS) Study in Finland+6Study in Finland+6Study in Finland+6.
Submit necessary documents, including proof of English proficiency, transcripts, motivation letters, etc.
Apply for scholarships concurrently, where available Study in Finland+3Study in Finland+3Study in Finland+3.
Receive results, accept your study place, and—if applicable—scholarship offer.
Apply for student residence permit (non-EU/EEA), with proof of insurance, tuition payment or waiver letter, and €800/month minimum funds (recommended €900–€1,000/month living budget) Study in Finland Study in Finland+5Study in Finland+5Study in Finland+5.
Plan logistics: housing, insurance, travel…

5. Financial Reality Check

While scholarship offers may waive tuition, living costs are never covered Study in Finland Study in Finland.
Expect to budget €900–€1,000/month for living expenses; student union and health fees apply Study in Finland.
Part-time student jobs (up to 30 hrs/week) are possible but not guaranteed; don’t rely on earnings to cover your budget Study in Finland Study in Finland.

6. Tips to Maximize Your Chances

Select programmes that offer scholarships—check each programme’s details on Studyinfo.fi or the university’s own admissions pages.
Match criteria: some scholarships may be merit- or country-specific—read the requirements carefully.
Submit strong applications: polished essays/references/proof of goals can make a big difference.

7. Final Takeaway

No universal government scholarships for bachelor’s/master’s—claims are misleading Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9Study in Finland+9.
University scholarships are real and merit-based; apply early and smart.
Plan financially: tuition + living = solid independent budget; scholarships only assist with tuition.

🔗 Official Resources

Main scholarship guidance: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/funding-your-studies/bachelors-and-masters-scholarships
Broader funding overview: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/funding-your-studies
Programme search/access: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions/bachelors-and-masters-admissions

🎯 Finland offers excellent education—but it’s crucial to apply early, budget wisely, and rely on verified university scholarships. Good luck on your academic journey to Finland!

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