Explore All About Finland

Why Study In Finland?

Compared to other countries, it may not be large in size, but it has great benefits for international students. Read on for a roundup of five reasons to consider the “Land of Thousand Lakes” (in fact, 187,888 lakes) as your international study destination, as well as a school that offers access to everything Finland has to offer.

 

1. It boasts a top-notch education system.

Finland recently claimed #14 in the “Best Countries for Education” ranking of US News & World Report. Indeed, its international appreciation is that other nations, including the US, hold it as a model. In addition to hosting many high-quality higher education institutions, Finland prioritizes practical learning, research and innovation to improve the quality of life.

 

Lastly, Finland’s colleges and universities offer hundreds of English-taught programs — meaning whatever you are thinking of studying, there is an option available for you.

 

2. It’s an exceptional deal.

Finland not only offers all its citizens free tuition, but also citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Although students from outside these areas must pay fees, there are some exceptions-even if you choose to study in Finnish or Swedish.

 

In addition, international students in Finland have many scholarship options, including merit-based awards that can offer anything from percentage-based discounts to total fee waivers.

 

3. Its scenery is outstanding.

While your classes are likely to be your main focus during your study abroad, it’s also about the experience. And Finland is one of the best in this respect, especially in its scenery.

 

“One of Finland’s main attractions is its thousands of lakes offering fishing and boating. Another is the tradition of staying in rustic cottages on the lakeside far away in the country, creating the ultimate holiday destination for isolation, relaxation and easy access to ski resorts.

 

Thirty-nine national parks, various architecture and amazing landscapes complete the list of reasons Finland is the place to be and see.

 

4. It has very high English proficiency.

Most Finns speak it fluently as Finland’s unofficial third language. Finland is a perennial top finisher in the English Proficiency Index of the EF and joins a handful of other countries that qualify for English skills in the “very high” category.

 

But there is no English skill in a vacuum. There is a link between English skills and prosperity, quality of life, progressiveness, innovation and exports of technology, according to the World Bank.

 

5. Finland shines in many other areas, as well.

According to Finland’s statistics, “Finland’s population accounts for only 0.07 percent of the world’s population and its area and as much of the world’s total area, but even a small country can jump to the top of the world, and Finland has done so: In international countries, comparisons of great things are often among the top countries alongside other Nordic countries.”

 

Finland’s list of accolades includes being the world’s most stable country, the world’s freest country and the world’s safest. It has also been announced that it has the best governance in the world, its most independent judiciary and the least amount of organized crime.

 

Finland’s list of accolades includes being the world’s most stable country, the world’s freest country and the world’s safest. It has also been announced that it has the best governance in the world, its most independent judiciary and the least amount of organized crime.

Higher Education System In Finland

In the Ministry of Education and Culture, there are 14 universities, two of which are foundation universities (*) and the rest are public companies. A military higher education institution, the National Defense University, which is part of the Defense Forces, also provides university-level education. In 2012, there were a total of almost 170,000 university students.

 

Universities have been independent legal entities since the beginning of 2010 and have been separated from the state. However, the state remains the university’s primary financier. Direct government funding covers approximately 64% of university budgets. Universities are also encouraged to purchase private donations.

 

The Ministry of Education and Culture has 24 polytechnics. They will be independent legal entities from the beginning of 2015 and will operate as limited companies. The State will be the polytechnics ‘ main financier. In addition, in the self-governing province of Åland, there is the Åland University of Applied Sciences and the Finnish Police College subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior.

In the reform of polytechnics, the management of polytechnics based on financing and statutes and operating licenses have been renewed. From early 2015, the final part of the reform will take effect. The number of students studying polytechnics in 2012 was approximately 140 000.

 

Certification 

 

If a university student completes all the studies required for a degree, the student may apply for a certificate of graduation. The university or faculty shall award the certificate and the form of the certificate shall be decided by the university. On request, the university must also provide students with a certificate for the studies they have completed while they are still studying. Students will also receive a qualification certificate appendix (referred to as a diploma supplement). Each student’s study credits are recorded on the credit record, where appropriate, the student can request a transcript.

 

All over the country, university degrees and credits are recognized. Universities themselves decide on the intake of students based on their resources as a result of their autonomy. The university decides whether a degree can be accredited or compensated for studies completed at another institution.

 

When they complete a degree, polytechnics give students a degree certificate. Students can also receive a certificate on request for the studies they have completed while continuing their degree programme.

 

For people who have completed a polytechnic degree or study, Polytechnics also grants a diploma supplement. The supplement includes the necessary information about the institution and the studies and credits referred to in the graduation certificate and their level and status in the education system.

Cost of studying in Finland.

If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU), countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can study for free in Finland-you don’t have to pay any fees. You count as an international student if you are not from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland. Most international students must pay fees, but there are a few exceptions.

 

University fees in Finland apply only to international students, i.e. students from non – EU, EEA or Switzerland. Tuition fees are applicable to full – time students in bachelor’s or master’s programs, but doctoral programs are usually free of tuition.

 

Not all international students have to pay tuition fees, however. Exchange students from other countries do not pay tuition in Finland (although in their country of origin they may still have to pay).

There are also certain exceptions for those who are already in Finland under certain conditions; if you already have a permanent residence permit or a permanent residence permit, or an EU Blue Card, you are probably exempt from charges. Anyone who chooses to study in Finnish or Swedish is also exempt from tuition fees, as opposed to a degree taught in English.

 

So how expensive is it to study in Finland, if you have to pay? That depends on the institution: Each university sets their own fees, and they also differ from programme to programme. In the table below, we have compiled the ranges of what some of the largest Finnish universities charge their international students. Expect to pay 6,000 euros per year at the very least, and up to 18,000 at the prestigious University of Helsinki:

 

University	Tuition fees
Aalto University	12,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
Åbo Akademi University	8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
Arcada University of Applied Sciences	6,000 to 9,000 EUR per year
Haaga-Helia UAS	8,500 to 9,500 EUR per year
Hanken School of Economics	12,500 EUR per year
Helsinki Metropolia UAS	10,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
University of Eastern Finland	8,000 to 15,000 EUR per year
University of Helsinki	13,000 to 18,000 EUR per year
University of Oulu	10,000 to 13,000 EUR per year
University of Tampere	8,000 to 12,000 EUR per year
University of Turku	8,000 to 16,000 EUR per year

 

The most direct ways are university scholarships. Each university in Finland offers a range of scholarships for international students. These are largely based on academic merits, and there is often a certain quota for each degree programme. Some scholarships grant a complete fee waiver, others may reward you with a percentage deduction on the tuition charges, e.g. 50%.

Visa Process to Study In Finland

Eligibility Criteria for Finland Student Visa or Residence Permit

To be eligible for Finland Student Visa or Residence Permit you must fulfil the following conditions:

• You must provide the official letter of acceptance issued by your hosting Finnish university or educational institute or polytechnic

• You must have a valid passport

• Your passport must have validity that exceeds the duration of the visa or residence permit you are applying for by at least 3 months

• Your passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years

• You must have a copy of your completed and signed application form

• You must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support yourself financially during your entire period of study in Finland and for your return transportation. At present, a student must have a minimum of EUR 560 (INR 43,316.17) per month for staying in Finland. This means the student must have a minimum of EUR 6720 (INR 519,794.02) per year for his or her expenses in Finland.

• You must provide a recent statement of your financial situation from your bank that shows you have at least EUR 6720 in your bank account. Note that students undertaking degree courses in Finland must have funds for one year at a time. Exchange students must have funds for the entire duration of their stay in Finland. In case you do not have the above-mentioned amount in your account, you must provide written evidence of having received a stipend or scholarship or have been selected for benefits to be provided by your educational institute.

• You must provide proof of having obtained valid health and medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Finland. Refer to health insurance for detailed information.

• You must be in good physical and mental health and free from any kind of contagious diseases

• You must not have a criminal record

• You must not have been refused entry into Finland previously

• You intend to leave Finland at the end of your authorized stay

Note that the bank statements of an applicant’s parents or a shared or joint account will not be accepted for Finland student visa or residence permit.

Required Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Students

Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Studies (for application on paper) – EUR 330 (INR 25,525.60)

Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Studies (for an electronic application) – EUR 300 (INR 23,205.09)

Note:

• Your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a residence permit is refused or rejected for any reason.
• The conversion into Indian currency is based on current conversion rates, which may change.
• The visa application fee is subject to change at any time.

Our Partner Universities

Sr No.	Name	Website
1	Lappeenranta University of Technology - LUT, Lappeenranta	www.lut.fi
2	Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Porvoo	www.haaga-helia.fi
3	HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland	www.hamk.fi