Studying in Finland: FAQ

Considering Masters study in Finland? With no tuition fees for EU and EEA citizens and generally low cost of living, Finland could be a good choice if you’re concerned about finances.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of common questions about studying in Finland.

#1 How much does it cost to study a Masters in Finland?

If you’re from the EU or EEA then you won’t have to pay any tuition fees to study in Finland. But you will have to pay a small member fee to your university or Students’ Union, usually around €50.

For non-EU and non-EEA students studying an English-language Masters, you’ll be looking to pay between €8,000 and €20,000 for your course, plus the membership fee.

#2 Can I get funding to study a Masters in Finland?

If you’re a non-EU/EEA Masters student, you’ll be after some financial support to cover your tuition fees as well as general living costs. The Finland Scholarship covers your first-year tuition fees and also gives you a €5,000 relocation grant.

You may also be able to access the Erasmus+ scheme which provides funding for certain courses like Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and Erasmus loans.

If you’re from the US then you may be eligible for a grant from the Council on International Educational Exchange, Fund for Education Abroad or a Fulbright Scholarship.

#3 Where can I study a postgraduate degree in Finland?

There are two types of universities in Finland where you can study a Masters: standard universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) which specialise in vocational training and applied research. A Masters at a UAS tend to last between one year and 18 months, and you can only apply for one if you’ve done a Bachelors and have three years of professional experience.

#4 How long does it take to do a Masters in Finland?

A standard Masters course in Finland is two years long. However if you’re studying at one of the universities of applied sciences (UAS) then they typically last between one year and 18 months.

#5 What are the entry requirements for Masters study in Finland?

It’s always a good idea to check with the university for the entry requirements to study your chosen Masters, but usually you’ll need a Bachelors degree in a related subject. If you’re applying for a course at a university of applied sciences (UAS), you’ll also need three years of professional experience. You’ll also need to prove your proficiency in English, Finnish or Swedish depending on which language your course is delivered in.

#6 Where will I live as an international student in Finland?

Most students in Finland will opt for university accommodation or student flats. It is possible to rent in the private sector, but it’ll be hard to secure a place before you move to Finland and you won’t necessarily be sharing with students.

Rents will vary depending on where you are and what type of accommodation you go for. The average monthly rent for a single room in a shared student flat ranges from €160 to €380.

#7 Do I need a visa to study in Finland?

If you’re a student from outside the EU or the EEA, you’ll usually need to apply for a visa to enter Finland and live there during your Masters degree.

You’ll need a student visa known as a student residence permit (not a viisumi as this is only for three months maximum). Once you’ve been accepted by your university, you’ll be able to apply. You’ll need to visit your local Finnish embassy in person. You’ll need to prove that you have been accepted onto a course, that you can finance yourself (have access to €6,720 per year) and that you have health insurance.

#8 Do I need health insurance as an international student in Finland?

If you’re from the EU/EEA, then you should be covered by the European Health Insurance Card. Anyone from a non-EU/EEA country will need student health insurance as part of your residence permit application. Be sure to check with your institution as sometimes health insurance is provided by the local authority (particularly for students at a UAS).

#9 Can I work whilst studying in Finland?

As an international student, you should check with the Finnish embassy or your university what restrictions there might be on working while studying. For EU and EEA students, you’ll usually be able to work while studying, but there may be some restrictions around the number of hours.

#10 Can I work in Finland after graduating?

Finland has a two-year post-study residence permit option that you can apply for after graduation. This will allow you to look for work or start a business in the country.