Your Complete Guide to Scholarships in Finland for International Students
Thinking about studying in Finland? You’ve made a great choice. Known for its world-class education system, innovative culture, and stunning natural beauty, Finland offers an exceptional experience for international students. This guide will walk you through the various scholarships available to help make your academic goals a reality.
Understanding the Scholarship System in Finland
For students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), Finnish universities charge tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs taught in English. However, to attract top talent from around the world, the Finnish government and the universities themselves offer a variety of scholarships.
It is important to know that most scholarships in Finland are provided directly by the individual universities. There is no single application portal for all scholarships. Instead, you typically apply for a scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to your chosen degree program.
Doctoral (PhD) studies are a different case. They are generally tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality. Furthermore, PhD candidates are often employed by the university as researchers, receiving a salary to cover their living expenses.
The Finland Scholarships Programme
One of the most significant funding opportunities is the Finland Scholarships programme. This is a government-funded initiative aimed at gifted non-EU/EEA students applying for Master’s programs at participating Finnish universities.
What Does the Finland Scholarship Cover?
This is a generous package designed to give you a strong start to your studies. It includes:
- A 100% tuition fee waiver for the first year of your Master’s studies.
- A relocation grant of at least €5,000 paid directly to you after you arrive in Finland. This is a one-time payment to help with initial costs like accommodation deposits, travel, and settling in.
Many universities also extend the financial support into the second year of study for students who meet the academic progress requirements. This often comes in the form of another tuition fee waiver or a different university-funded scholarship.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Finland Scholarships programme, you must be:
- A citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Applying for a Master’s degree program at a participating Finnish research university or university of applied sciences.
- Liable to pay tuition fees.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the university and degree program you are applying to.
How to Apply
The application process is streamlined. You apply for the Finland Scholarship directly from the university as part of your application for admission. You do not need to submit a separate application. During the online application process for your chosen Master’s program, there will typically be a section or a checkbox where you can indicate your interest in being considered for the scholarship.
University-Specific Scholarships
Beyond the national Finland Scholarships programme, every major Finnish university offers its own range of scholarships for fee-paying students. These are most commonly awarded in the form of tuition fee waivers.
These scholarships are almost always merit-based, meaning they are awarded based on your academic performance in your previous studies. Here are some examples from top Finnish universities to give you an idea of what is available.
Aalto University
Aalto University has a significant scholarship program based on academic excellence. Their scholarships are awarded as tuition fee waivers of either 50% or 100% of the tuition fee. When you apply for a program at Aalto, you are automatically considered for these scholarships.
University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki offers grants that cover either 50% or 100% of the tuition fee. Students who receive a 100% grant may also be eligible to apply for a student union membership fee grant. Like other universities, you apply for these scholarships when you apply for admission to their international Master’s programs.
Tampere University
Tampere University provides a large number of scholarships for talented students. These include:
- Tampere University Tuition Fee Scholarships: These cover 100% of the tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Finland Scholarships: The university also participates in the national programme, offering the first-year tuition waiver and the €5,000 relocation grant.
University of Turku
The University of Turku offers scholarships based on academic merit to the most successful students. The scholarships typically cover a percentage of the tuition fee and are awarded for a two-year period for Master’s degree studies.
University of Oulu
Oulu offers a scholarship program for academically gifted international students. The scholarships are granted in the form of a tuition fee waiver covering 75% of the full tuition fee. Students can apply for this scholarship as part of the admissions process.
Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list. You must visit the official website of the specific university and program you are interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information on available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
Funding for Doctoral (PhD) Studies
As mentioned, PhD studies in Finland operate differently. You are considered a researcher, not a student, and you do not pay tuition fees. Most PhD candidates secure a funded position at a university, which comes with a contract and a monthly salary that is sufficient to cover living costs.
These salaried positions are competitive and are advertised on university websites, academic job portals, and the official Study in Finland website.
Another option for doctoral students is the EDUFI Fellowship, administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education. This fellowship is intended for doctoral students from all countries and academic fields who wish to complete their doctorate at a Finnish university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a scholarship that covers both tuition and living expenses? While very rare for Master’s studies, it is not impossible. The Finland Scholarships programme provides a significant €5,000 grant for living costs in the first year. For full coverage of all expenses, you would typically need to combine a university scholarship with other sources of funding or personal savings. For PhD studies, a salaried position effectively covers all living expenses.
Are scholarships available for Bachelor’s students? Yes, universities that offer Bachelor’s programs in English for non-EU/EEA students also offer scholarships. These are typically tuition fee waivers, similar to the Master’s level scholarships. Check with your prospective university for details.
Do I need to speak Finnish to study or get a scholarship in Finland? No. Finland offers hundreds of high-quality degree programs taught entirely in English. You do not need to know Finnish to be admitted or to receive a scholarship for these programs. Proof of English language proficiency (like a TOEFL or IELTS score) is usually required.
What is the general application period for scholarships? The application period for Master’s programs and their associated scholarships usually runs from early December to mid-January for studies beginning the following autumn. However, deadlines can vary, so always check the specific dates on the university’s website.