Universities in Finland

Finnish higher education has two branches: universities, which focus on research and academic study, and universities of applied sciences (UAS, ammattikorkeakoulu in Finnish), which focus on practical, work-oriented learning. According to Study in Finland, the official portal of the Finnish National Agency for Education, Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences, with more than 30,000 international students. Together they offer more than 600 bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English.

Finland is bilingual, and several institutions teach mainly in Swedish. Among the institutions listed on SpainExchange, Åbo Akademi University in Turku and Vaasa, Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki and Novia University of Applied Sciences on the west coast belong to this Swedish-speaking sector. The list also includes multidisciplinary universities in Helsinki, Jyväskylä and Oulu. Other universities of applied sciences on the list include Häme (HAMK), Vaasa (VAMK), Lapland and Savonia (formerly Pohjois-Savo Polytechnic).

Degrees and how they work

Both types of institution award bachelor's and master's degrees, but the paths differ. Only universities award doctorates. Typical durations, according to Study in Finland:

• bachelor's degree: 3 years at a university, 3.5 to 4.5 years at a UAS
• master's degree: 2 years at a university, 1 to 1.5 years at a UAS
• UAS master's degree: requires 2 years of relevant work experience
• doctorate: usually about 4 years

Quality is monitored by FINEEC, the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre. Universities range from large multidisciplinary institutions such as the University of Oulu, with 14,400 students in 8 faculties, to smaller ones; the University of Jyväskylä traces its history to 1863. Universities of applied sciences often have several campuses: HAMK, for example, has seven campuses in southern Finland, and Arcada has 2,900 students on its campus in Helsinki.

Admission

International students apply online through Studyinfo.fi, Finland's national application portal. The main joint application for English-taught programmes starting in September is held every January, and one application can include up to six programmes. Some programmes have separate application periods, mainly between December and January.

• Bachelor's programmes: a school-leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in your home country
• Master's programmes: a bachelor's degree, plus two years of work experience for a UAS master's
• Selection: depending on the programme, entrance exams, SAT or GMAT tests, or interviews
• English: commonly IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge English, with scores set by each programme

Students can accept only one study place per term. Non-EU/EEA students usually need a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to study in Finland for more than 90 days, and apply after they have been admitted.

Costs and funding

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland usually pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. According to Study in Finland (2026):

• tuition fees: typically €9,000 to €20,000 per year
• application fee for non-EU/EEA applicants: €100
• programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish, and doctoral programmes: no tuition fees
• minimum funds required by Migri: €800 per month (€9,600 per year); Study in Finland recommends about €900 to €1,200 per month
• student union fee at universities: about €50 to €70 per academic year

Scholarships and tuition fee waivers are offered by individual universities; there are no government scholarship programmes, and scholarships usually cover tuition only. International students may work up to 30 hours per week on average during term and full time in holidays. After graduation, they can apply for a two-year permit to look for work or start a business.

How to choose

• University or UAS: research-based study or practical, work-oriented training
• Language: English-taught programmes, or Finnish or Swedish, which are tuition-free
• Location: Helsinki and the capital region, university cities such as Turku, Jyväskylä or Oulu, or Lapland in the north
• Costs: tuition fee, scholarships or fee waivers offered by the institution, and the cost of living in the city
• Application route: joint application in January or a separate application

Frequently asked questions

Is university free in Finland for international students?

Not for everyone. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland usually pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, typically €9,000 to €20,000 a year. Programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish and doctoral programmes are tuition-free.

What is the difference between a university and a university of applied sciences in Finland?

Universities focus on research and award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Universities of applied sciences focus on practical, work-oriented learning; their bachelor's degrees take 3.5 to 4.5 years and their master's degrees require two years of work experience.

When do I apply to study in Finland?

The main joint application for English-taught programmes starting in September takes place in January on Studyinfo.fi. Some programmes have their own application periods, so check each programme's dates.

How much money do I need to live in Finland as a student?

The Finnish Immigration Service requires at least €800 per month for a student residence permit. Study in Finland recommends budgeting about €900 to €1,200 per month, depending on the city.