Study in Finland

Did you know that Finland is the world’s happiest country?

Since 2018, Finland has been the world’s happiest nation, according to the World Happiness Report, making a streak of seven years. It’s followed closely by fellow Scandinavian countries Denmark and Iceland.

The high quality of life and a deep sense of trust among Finns attracts more than 20,000 international students to the country. In addition, the Nordic country offers one of the best education systems in Europe and the world. In fact, 7 of its universities feature in QS’s top 500 universities in the world.

The following topics explore the Finland study experience for international students.

• Study in Finland Statistics
• Why Study in Finland
• Top Universities to Study in Finland 2025
• Affordable Universities and Colleges in Finland 2025
• Scholarships in Finland
• Top In-Demand Careers in Finland 2025
• Grading System in Finland
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in Finland
• Study in Finland Admission Process
• Important Timelines for Study in Finland
• Cost of Living and Studying in Finland
• Student Life In Finland
• Best Cities to Study and Live in Finland
• Top Jobs in Finland for International Students
• Temporary Graduate Visa in Finland
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Finland
• Conclusion

Study in Finland Statistics

As of 2023, the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) estimates the number of international students enrolled in higher education institutions in the country to be over 20,000. The students study in 35 universities offering more than 500 programmes of study.

Here are other interesting facts about studying in Finland:

• The latest data (2022) indicates that the government spent around €14.9 billion on education
• According to the Finnish Immigration Service, application for residence permits for international students in Finland increased by 48% in 2023. A majority of the applications (86%) were from degree students
• More than 53,800 international students applied to join Finnish universities in September 2024. About 80% of them came from non-EU countries. In addition, the courses that students applied to the most include business, law and ICT.

Why Study in Finland

Here are reasons why most international students find Finland appealing as a study destination.

a) Finns are Friendly

As an international student, you may have a lot on your plate, like feeling homesick or adapting to new cultures; in Finland, that is less likely to happen. This is because Finnish people are a jovial bunch not just to other Finns but also to foreigners. Infact, the World Happiness Report of 2024 places them as the happiest country in the world.

b) Affordable Education Compared to Other European Countries

International students can get quality education from top Finnish universities for tuition fees less than €10,000 per year. This is more affordable compared to other countries in Europe. For example, Studies in the UK costs around €14,000 to €45,000 per year.

c) Experience Excellent Living Standards

Finland is a highly developed country; therefore, studying in the country offers a good standard of living for international students. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Better Life Index, Finland’s standard of living numbers are as follows:

• Around 72% of people between 15 to 64 are employed, well above the OECD average of 66%
• The average disposable income per capita is $33,471, nearly 10% above the OECD average of $30,490
• The country has less polluted air: about 5.5 micrograms per cubic meter below, well below OECD average of 14 micrograms per cubic meter

d) Get a Permit to Work During Studies and After Studies

International students in Finland get a residence permit for studies when they get accepted into any of the country’s higher education institutions. With this permit, you are allowed to work for up to 30 hours in a week which is the highest international students can work compared to other countries.

In Finland, it is also possible to get a residence permit to look for work after studies lasting up to 2 years. This is good news for international students, especially if the country has grown on you and you wish to continue living there. With this permit, you can work in any field.

e) Study in a Green and Clean Environment

According to the Environmental Performance Index of 2024, Finland ranks fourth in climate change alleviation, sustainability, and biodiversity protection, behind Estonia, Luxembourg, and Germany. Students taking environmental and sustainability courses will particularly love this about the country.

In addition, international students also appreciate the lush green that is synonymous with the country. In fact, around 72.9% of Finland is covered by forests, according to UNFAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization). You can explore this vast forest cover during your free time by engaging in activities such as hiking.

Top Universities to Study in Finland 2025

The Finnish National Agency for Education offers some of the best universities in Europe featuring modern facilities, cutting-edge study methods, and real-world practical application of their courses. From a pool of 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences, here are the top 10 according to 2025 THE World University rankings.  

Affordable Universities and Colleges in Finland 2025

While university tuition fees are low in Finland compared to other European countries, non-EU students still incur costs that can go beyond €20,000 per year for some courses like medicine.

However, at some universities, you can get a quality education for less than €11,000. They include: 

Scholarships in Finland

If you’re looking to save costs even further for your studies in Finland, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of scholarships available for Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Most of them cover tuition fees, and you apply for them when you make your university application. They include:

• Finland government scholarship – These scholarships are mainly intended for non-EU postgraduate students. Examples include the EDUFI Fellowship and the Finnish government Scholarship Pool, which recently merged into one scholarship programme. 
• University-specific scholarships
• If you apply through Craydel, you can get the following discounts and scholarships from our partner university, the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. (Applicable only for undergraduate programs at the university)
  • An early bird 10% discount if you’re a first-year student who pays their tuition fee early.
  • A 20% scholarship if you’re a continuing student based on merit and good academic progress from your first year of studies.
  • Up to 35% scholarship if you’re active in the local Finnish community. It is also a progression scholarship awarded based on your performance in the first year of studies.

Top In-Demand Careers in Finland 2025

In a country that has around 5.5 million people, there are certain careers in Finland that are highly sought after due to a variety of factors like a decreasing working age population due to the baby boomer generation nearing retirement age or already retired.

As a result of the shortages, Finland seeks to fill many of the following positions with foreign talent.

1. Early Childhood Education and Care Teachers

According to KEVA, a public sector pension provider, there was a shortage of 6,000 ECEC teachers in the country in 2022.

In addition, ECEC sector stakeholders in 6 of the country’s major cities estimate that they will need an additional 9,000 professionals with an Earch Childhood degree by 2030 so as to meet the obligations of the Early Childhood Education Act of 2018. This may come as no surprise given Finland’s world-renowned early childhood care system.

With a salary that can reach up to €37,465 per year, international students can enrol in ECEC courses and utilize their much-needed skills in the country.

2. Real Estate and Construction

According to the Skills Anticipation Forum, (a Finnish skills and education needs forecasting forum) the real estate and construction sector is estimated to have around 130,000 – 140,000 new jobs between 2020 and 2040. This indicates a growing need for professionals like construction managers, surveyors, and commercial real estate agents in Finland.

After studies, graduates can enjoy lucrative salaries averaging around €81,000 per year for a construction manager.

3. Social Workers

The European Centre for the Development of Professional Training (CEDEFOP) projects the demand for social workers will increase from 150,000 to 220,000 in 2025. The demand is attributed to factors like an ageing population of the current workforce, and a lack of specialised skills in the field.

This means that international students who choose to study a course related to the social work disciplines have a high chance of employability. In addition, social workers can receive an attractive remuneration of €50,082 per year, equivalent to an hourly rate of €24.

4. Technology

Finland’s technology industries estimate that the country will need around 130,000 experts over the next 10 years. To meet the sector’s skills requirements, 60% of these experts will need to have a university degree. For example, the semiconductor industry is estimated to need 1,700 employees with a doctorate degree. This gives international students enrolling in Finnish universities a unique edge in the market after graduation.

Careers in the Technology sector are also very attractive. For example, Information Technology Specialists can earn upwards of €51,788 per year, which is also a testament to the industry’s potential for international students. Those who work in high-tech fields can earn five times this amount. 

5. Sales and Marketing Executives 

According to CEDEFOP, the business field has the highest number of vacancies in Finland. For example, there are more open vacancies (around 7,000) for commercial sales representatives than unemployed job seekers (around 4,000). This trend replicates itself in other business careers.

In addition, sales and marketing executive careers attract salaries of up to €260,481 per year. This makes it an in-demand career that offers plenty of job opportunities after graduation.

Grading System in Finland

The grading system in Finland is based on a number scale of 0-5, with the top grade being excellent and the bottom grade being a fail. This grading method is used in both bachelor’s and master’s programmes. However, some courses like Medicine and Dentistry may use a slightly different pass-or-fail grading system.

In Finland’s grading system, each student receives a grade based on their performance, not on the performance of others, like the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

For comparison, the table below shows the Finnish grading system alongside the corresponding ECTS scale.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Finland

The requirements needed to study in Finland for either bachelors or masters are in most cases similar to those in your home country. Therefore if you meet the qualifications of enrolling in a university in your home country, chances are that you qualify to study in Finland too.

Craydel’s counsellors can give you more details on your eligibility for a certain course.

However general requirements to study in Finland is as follows:

• You must have completed a high school level qualification to enrol in a bachelors and an undergraduate degree to enrol in a masters programme.
• The main language of instruction for International programmes is English, so you also need proof of English proficiency. You can take tests from IELTS and TOEFL.
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose or application essays if needed by the university you are applying to

Do you need to speak Finnish to study in Finland?

No, you don’t need to speak Finnish to study in Finland, as most courses for international students are taught in English.

However, some courses, like medicine, require mastery of the Finnish or Swedish language. For example, to become a medical student at the University of Eastern Finland, you need to take an entrance examination, which is usually conducted in Finnish or Swedish.

Other instances where learning Finnish will be an advantage include:

• When getting a part-time job or a full-time job after studies
• If you wish to get Finnish citizenship, you must show satisfactory spoken and written Finnish or Swedish language skills. However, it is important to note that speaking Finnish is not a requirement to get Permanent residency in Finland. 

So, where can you learn Finnish? Craydel’s partner university, South Eastern Finland University, offers Finnish language courses at no extra cost.

Study in Finland Application Process

International students who wish to study in the country can apply directly to the university. However, programmes can have their own special requirements. In addition, some degrees can have their own application periods away from the normal periods.

It is therefore important to have an expert Finland counsellor by your side during the application process. At Craydel, we take you through the following steps.

1. Choosing Your Programme and University

If you already know what you want to study in Finland, you’re halfway through the first step.

Supposing that you don’t know what to study?

Don’t worry, as your Craydel counsellor will take you through your options. In addition, you will have at your disposal an industry-leading Career Match Assessment that matches you to suitable careers based on your personality and other personalised factors.

2. Applying at Your Chosen University

After you identify a suitable course and university, your Craydel counselor will help you determine its requirements and whether there may be other special provisions for the course.

For example, the joint application period for the August semester of 2025 starts on 8 January 2025 to 22 January 2025. It’s paramount that you complete your application in this period, as late applications may not be considered.

3. Getting Your Admission Results

Your admission results can have either of the following statuses:

• Accepted with a condition – The higher education that you applied to needs more information on your application
• On a waiting list – Admission is offered if other applicants before you fail to accept their offers
• Cancelled – Points required for the course were not met
• Accepted – You met all the conditions of your chosen programme and can accept your offer of admission

4. Applying for a Finland Study Visa

After accepting your admission and confirming your place in a Finnish higher education institution, you need to apply for a student residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service. Applications are done on the Enterfinland.fi website then you proceed to the Finnish Embassy or consulate near you to complete the process.

Requirements to get the Finnish student residence permit are as follows:

• You must be accepted to a study programme that leads to a degree or vocational qualifications
• You must also show sufficient proof of your ability to cover your living costs. Your bank needs to have a balance of about €9,600. It should also be your personal account, and you must also provide a bank statement showing transactions for the past 6 months.
• You must also provide a certificate from the university showing that you have made the tuition deposit payment that is needed. If you have not yet paid the full tuition fee, you need to provide your bank statement showing that you have the rest of the money to cover tuition fees for a year.
• You must also have insurance that covers your medical expenses. A copy is needed to make the application.
• You must have a valid passport. Colour copies of your passport are also needed for the application.
• You must not pose a danger to public security or public health
• For applicants less than 18 years, your parents or guardians must fill in a consent form 

It’s important to remember that you can track the status of your application on the Enter Finland Portal.

Finnish Immigration also states that the student residence permit is valid for the entire duration of your study.

5. Preparing for your Stay and Enrollment

As soon as you receive your results for the student residence permit, you can start looking for accommodation and plan for your stay in Finland. You can also buy your ticket and prepare to land at Helsinki Airport (the largest airport in Finland) or any of the international airports in the country.

Important Timelines for Study in Finland

When planning to study in Finland it is important to take note of crucial deadlines in order to have a smooth process applying, studying and living in Finland.

Below are the popular intakes, information for when you should apply and course durations. 

Popular Intakes for Study in Finland

There are two main intakes in Finland.

• January intake
• August / September intake

When Should You Apply?

Applications for placement in Finland universities start many months before enrollment as follows:

• January intake – Applications start on 28th of August at 8am to 11th September at 3pm (Time reference here is UTC+3)
• August / September intake – Applications start on 8th January at 8 am to 22nd January at 3 pm. (Time referenced here is UTC+2) 

For the January application you will get your admission results latest on the 21st of November. You will also be required to accept your admission before the 28th of November.

For the August intake you will get your admission results latest on 28th of May. You will be expected to accept your place in the Finland university by 10th of July.

Some universities may allow late applications and acceptances.

Course Duration for Study in Finland

University bachelor programmes in Finland take 3 years. However bachelor courses in University of Applied Sciences (UAS) may vary from 3.5 – 4.5 years. Masters programmes take 2 years to complete. However Masters programmes in UAS take shorter times, typically 1 or 1.5 years.

Cost of Living and Studying in Finland

Finland may be a highly developed country, but its higher education fees are reasonably low, especially when compared with other popular study destinations. Annual tuition fees range from €8,000 to €11,000 depending on the university or programme.

International students studying in Finland use around €800 to €900 per month on accommodation, food and transport.

Student Life In Finland

As an international student, studying and living in Finland is a unique experience that is a balance between studies and out of school activities.

First, you won’t break the bank while studying in Finland. Fees are affordable and there are many ways to save on costs. University cafes often have low priced student meals including some local delicacies like Karelian pie and Finnish rye bread.

Finland has also made the process of moving within cities and around the country easy with an average commute time of around 20 minutes. In addition students studying and living in Helsinki can get discounts for their commutes as long as they have a valid student card.

If you enjoy either playing or watching sporting activities, then Finland will suit you well. Ice hockey in particular is a big part of Finland’s sporting culture and it is not unusual to find an attendance of more than 8,000 people in a single game. In your free time you can become part of this exhilarating experience and watch Finland’s hockey teams in action.

In regards to culture, the Finns have incorporated aspects of the Russian and Scandinavian neighbors in their own Finnish culture and language. The main official languages are Finnish and Swedish. It is often a good idea to learn either of these languages to have a wholesome Finnish experience.

Oh, and don’t worry if your attempts at small talk are not encouraged when interacting with the locals. Finnish people don’t engage in small talk, especially when there is no topic to discuss. They are also comfortable with moments of silence in between conversations. As an international student you’ll quickly discover that their conversations are deep, full of insight and may include a great sense of humour.

Best Cities to Study and Live in Finland

We know how important it is for international students to settle in a city that is affordable, has employment prospects, offers a high quality of living, and has a thriving student community. In line with these factors, we have done the research for you and made a list of the top student cities in Finland where you can study and live.

Helsinki

Helsinki is Finland’s capital and the country’s largest city. It has a population of about 681,800 people in 2024. It is also one of the country’s most southern cities and is therefore closer to the rest of Europe. Here are the reasons why Helsinki is popular with international students.   

a) Helsinki offers world-class institutions of higher learning

The city is home to Finland’s top-ranked institution of higher learning – The University of Helsinki. It ranks 107 globally according to Times Higher Education rankings which is a testament to its top-tier qualities.

Other notable institutions of higher learning in the city or in the general metropolitan area of Helsinki include Aalto University, University of the Arts Helsinki, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, and Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

The multitude of universities in the area makes Helsinki a student city with approximately 70,000 students. This represents around 10% of the population in the city. It’s not uncommon to find a fellow student in the city’s cafes, parks or popular entertainment joints in the city. In addition, around 8,000 are international students, which is also a testament to the city’s diverse outlook.

b) The city is green

Helsinki is an area where you can get the allure of a modern urban space with outstanding architecture and the appeal of a lush green space of parks, trees, and grass. If you like green spaces near your living area, then Helsinki is an ideal study destination.

According to data from the city’s official website, Helsinki has a green space of nearly 34% of the total area. This represents more than a third of the area covered by land. The parks and forests that extend from the centre of the city and further away from the Baltic sea are sometimes referred to as the Green Fingers.

c) Superb urban transportation

Moving around in the busy urban area of Helsinki is a breeze thanks to the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL). The operator manages the buses, trains, an underground metro service, ferries, trams, and city bikes.

In addition, the World Economic Forum has rated the city as the world’s most future-ready city for urban transport. This is in line with efforts by the government to ensure all cars in the city are electric by 2030.  

d) Plenty of career opportunities

Helsinki is a vibrant urban area that promotes innovation. In 2022, the World Economic Forum even named it as one of the top 25 most innovative cities. This makes Helsinki one of Europe’s major economic hubs, with major industries in telecommunications, energy, service, and electronics.

In addition, the city has a high employment rate. This means that students can often find jobs during and after their studies in major companies like Nokia, Supercell, Stora Enso, Kone, and Fortum, which are all based in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

e) Plenty of sites and highlights

Wondering what to do with your free time in the city? There’s plenty that you can do!

You can join tourists and visit the Ateneum art gallery, the Helsinki Cathedral, Linnanmäki Amusement Park, the Helsinki Zoo, and the ancient Island fortress Suomenlinna which is a UNESCO World site. The Hietalahdenranta, popularly known as the Hietsu beach, is a popular spot for activities such as swimming or just taking leisurely strolls.

Kouvola

Kouvola is a small city in southeastern Finland. It has a population of about 81,000 and is a city of sports, culture, and nature. Here is how these factors and many more influence it to be a student city.

a) Kouvola is home to South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences 

South Eastern Finland University is an institution of higher learning in Kouvola with other campuses in Kotka, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. It’s a reputable institution of higher learning offering affordable English taught programmes.

In addition, the university supports your integration into the Finnish society by providing ample training of the Finnish language. This is key in helping you make necessary networks for getting employment.

The university’s attention to international students has seen it attract more than 600 students from 68 different countries. If you’re wondering how you can get into Southern Eastern Finland University, Craydel’s team of admission counselors can ensure that your application and documents are complete and accurate.  

b) Plenty of interesting places to visit

If you are looking to unwind after studies, you can visit Tykkimäki, the third-largest amusement park in Finland.

If you love hiking, then the rugged scenery of Repovesi National Park will appeal to you. During winter, the Mielakka Ski Resort provides excellent conditions for snowboarding and skiing. 

c) Connected to nature 

Kouvola is an urban centre surrounded by forests, rivers, and lakes. Just next to the city is the Kymi River, and there are about 450 lakes nearby. If you are an outdoor enthusiast who likes water-related activities like boating and fishing, you’ll love living in the area.

d) It’s a transport hub

One of the well-known facts about Kouvola is that it’s a transport hub well connected to the rest of Finland by road and railway. In fact, it began as a small train station in 1875 but has now grown to be Finland’s biggest rail yard junction, serving both people and goods.

The Kouvola Rail terminal, which handles kilometre-long trains, is a key employment site for international students studying in the area. 

e) Affordable cost of living

According to the Economic Research Institute comparison tool, living in Kouvola is 22% less costly as compared to living in the capital, Helsinki. Living factors like food, and health services are even more affordable compared to Finland’s national average. This makes it very appealing to international students.

Top Jobs in Finland for International Students

In Finland, you can work part-time as you study for up to 30 hours in a week under a residence permit. This is one of the highest allowances in the world for international students, as many countries limit international students to working no more than 20 hours per week!

To maximise your chances of getting a job we recommend that you learn Finnish or Swedish language which you can do while on campus. However, many jobs, especially on campus, do not require you to learn another language.

After getting a job, how much do you get paid?

First it is important to note that there is no minimum wage in Finland. The employer and employee agree on the compensation terms based on the collective agreements in their industry. However, the remuneration must be reasonable and normal. For example, as of 2024, the minimum acceptable gross monthly wage is around €1,800.

With that in mind, there are plenty of jobs available both on and off campus. Here are part-time jobs that you can find in Finland.

On-Campus Jobs in Finland

On-campus jobs are readily available in the university, and are mostly academic in nature. They include:

• University tour guide
• Research assistant
• Laboratory assistant
• Library assistant
• Residence Hall assistant

Off-Campus Jobs in Finland

Off-campus jobs are more varied, unlike on-campus jobs, since they are not limited to the academic field. They also pay slightly more but you may incur additional costs on transport commuting to work and back to school. They include:

• Mail and food delivery
• Waiter
• Receptionist
• Web and mobile developers
• Call centre customer service representatives
• English language teachers

Temporary Graduate Visa in Finland

During your studies in Finland, you may get used to the friendly nature of the Finnish people and wish to remain in the country after graduation. Under Finnish Immigration law, this is possible.

You can apply for a residence permit that lasts up to 2 years to look for a job.

It’s also possible to take the permit in three parts of at least 6 months each. Requirements needed to make the application include:

• The application for the residence permit should be made within a period of 5 years from the expiry of your residence permit for studies
• You must have completed your studies in Finland
• If you make the application outside Finland, you must present yourself at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity. If you’re inside Finland, you must book an appointment at a Finnish Immigration Service point.

During the period of your residence permit, you can utilize tools such as the Work in Finland website to search for open opportunities in Finland.

Once you find a job, you need to apply for a new residence permit for an employed person (TTOL). Requirements to get the permit include:

• You must have the required education and qualifications for the job
• Your salary must be sufficient to sustain you for the entire duration of the validity of your residence permit
• Your employer must fill in the terms of employment in your application
• If applying electronically, the fee is €590, and the fee for extending the permit is €170. If applying through paper, the application fee is €750, and the fee for extending the permit is €430.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Finland

In Finland, you can get permanent residency provided you have stayed in the country uninterrupted for a period of 4 years on a residency permit. You are allowed to submit your application 3 months before the expiry of your residency permit.

Other requirements of PR in Finland include:

• You need to have met all the requirements of your current residence permit.
• If you apply electronically, you’ll pay €220, and if you apply through paper, you’ll pay €270.
• You need a valid passport. When making the application, you’ll need to provide colour copies of your passport pages and a passport photo complying with Finnish police photo guidelines.
• Knowledge of the Finnish language is not necessary when applying for PR but it is a requirement when applying for citizenship.

Other important things to know about PR in Finland include:

• You can only make an application for PR while in Finland
• Finland immigration doesn’t allow travel outside Finland during processing of your PR if your current residence permit is expired. 
• After making an electronic or paper application, you’ll have to wait for 3 to 13 months for the processing of your PR.
• After getting PR, you’ll be able to work in Finland without any restrictions. 

Conclusion

Are you ready to start a fun-filled education journey in the Nordic nation of Finland? Do you wish to study in the best universities in the world? Are you ready to experience the spectacular Northern lights? Do you wish to have fewer expenses when studying in the country as opposed to other European countries?

If you answered yes to these questions, then Craydel is your trusted study abroad partner, ensuring you get all the benefits of studying in Finland. You’ll get guided support and utilize industry-leading matchmaking tools to guide you to your desired course and university in Finland!