More than 14,000 international students pick Finland for their study abroad destination due to Finland having one of the best performing educational systems in the world and best universities in Finland. In Science, Maths, and reading test scores, Finland continues to outperform the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. As of 2019, Finnish universities were among the top 3% worldwide. Finnish educational system is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to live fulfilling lives from an early age. From preschool through university, students are taught using a multi-disciplinary method that integrates self-study, problem-solving, and self-development, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
While tuition at Finnish universities is free for citizens of Finland and other EU nations, it can cost anywhere between €6,000 and €16,000 per year for international students. In Finland, there is no lack of financial opportunities for education. International students often receive huge scholarships by several colleges, which are primarily given on the basis of academic achievement. Some colleges might provide a full scholarship, although it’s more typical for scholarships to offer a percentage tuition fee reduction.
The foundation of the Finnish educational system is equality and freedom. All students in Finland have an equal chance to acquire a top-notch education, and because Finnish institutions have a flat organisational structure, most students know their lecturers by first names. Another fundamental characteristic at Finnish universities is academic freedom. In Finland, unlike the United States or the United Kingdom, students are free to choose the courses they want to take, resulting in a diversified set of skills and knowledge for each graduate.
In Finland, there are numerous courses given in English for foreign students. In spite of the fact that English is not the official language of Finland, the Finns themselves speak the language fluently. In fact, Finland is one of the top 5 English-speaking nations. Foreign students have access to more than 400 English-taught courses in Finland. Students may be required to take tests like the IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate their English language skills at particular universities.
Best Universities in Finland For International Students
Best universities in Finland do not charge tuition to students from the EU or from Finland. You are also not required to pay tuition if you choose to enrol in a Finnish or Swedish course as an international student. However, fees must be paid by the international students enrolled in the English-taught courses. Even yet, the universities are still inexpensive when compared to other English-speaking countries.
Yet, the universities are still inexpensive when compared to other English-speaking countries and this is why one of the most popular places for international students to study is Finland. Quite ironic considering that it frequently experiences the lowest temperatures. Finland is home to several of the world’s top-ranked universities. Here is a list of some the best universities in Finland.
University of Jyvaskyla
One of the best universities in Finland was established in the year 1863. It is named the University of Jyvaskyla. It is regarded as Finland’s second-largest university. This conveniently located university has made a name for itself as one of the leading colleges for education and the humanities. Nearly all disciplines offer research-focused courses in an effort to provide the greatest education possible, and the school has long been driven by the pursuit of superior research. It is home to around 14,700 students enrolled in elite programs offered by 6 faculties in various fields.
Aalto University
Aalto University is also one of the best universities in Finland. It is a diverse academic centre that provides outstanding instruction in well-liked subjects. AU was established in the year 2010, earning a respectable 127th place in the world according to the QS Rankings 2020. The college has 6 prestigious faculties that provide top-notch degree programs in numerous subjects. Recently, AU achieved rankings of 7 in the category of art and design from QS, 33 in the field of information technology from US News, and 22 in the field of telecommunications technology from Shanghai Rankings. About 13% of the university’s 20,000 total students are from other countries.
University of Turku
The University of Turku, which enrols well over 20,000 students, is Finland’s second-largest university. The university, which is 276th in the world, has campuses in Rauma, Pori, and Salo in addition to its main campus in Turku, which is in the southwest of Finland. In 1920, the University of Turku was founded thanks to contributions from more than 22,000 locals. It emphasises international cooperation heavily and provides a number of master’s and PhD programs that are jointly offered by universities abroad which is why it made it to our list of top universities in Finland.
University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland, which is now placed 451-460 worldwide, is the seventh-highest ranked university in Finland. The University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio combined to form it in 2010. Today, one of the university’s four faculties is home to more than 15,000 students. The University of Eastern Finland has a strong reputation for research, a wide network of foreign collaborators, and frequently takes part in international projects. The main campuses of the university are located in the cities of Joensuu and Kuopio, and there are also some facilities there. All of these locations are in the south-east of the nation, in what was historically known as Eastern Finland. If you are considering studying in this country, this is one of the best universities in Finland for you.
Abo Akademi University
Abo Akademi University is the third university in Finland and unarguably one if the best universities in Finland. It was established in 1918 and since then, it has been distinguished by its distinctiveness as Finland’s largest linguistic minority’s only higher education provider in the Swedish language outside of Sweden.
The main campus is situated in Turku, the sixth-largest city in Finland. The college of education and welfare studies is situated in Vaasa. Both Turku and Vaasa are well-known academic cities, with Turku advertising itself as the “City of Students” and it being estimated that a quarter of the population, or just under 200,000 people, either teach or attend the university.
In 2019, there were 5,500 students enrolled at the university, including 780 postgraduates. They were distributed among the faculties of the arts, psychology, and theology, education, and welfare, as well as science, engineering, and social science, as well as business and economics. 1,000 people traveled from abroad, and 8,500 more participated in courses provided by the Centre for Lifelong Learning.
As the leading Finnish institution in the Baltic Universities Programme network, which connects 225 institutions in 14 countries, it views itself as playing “a unique position as the bridge between the university community in Finland and the other Nordic nations.”
Research on minorities, drug development and diagnostics, molecular processes, and the ocean are some of its main focal areas of competence. In the past year, scientists have developed biomass-based fuels with properties similar to those of fossil fuels and a technique of delivering medication using edible QR codes.
Tampere University
The University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology merged to form Tampere University in 2019, which is situated in Finland. It has the following faculties: management, business, education, culture, medicine, health technology, built environment, engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. Information technology and communication sciences are also included. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, and postdoctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines within these faculties.
The university is largely a research institution, offering specialised courses in topics like tumour genetics and game culture studies. The institution is home to ten Finnish Centres of Excellence. There are four distinct campuses, each with a distinct focus. For instance, the Kauppi campus is close to the Tampere University Hospital, whereas the Hervanta campus and its surroundings are a significant technology hub. It serves as the hub for the biological sciences and medicine.
Students can participate in sports on campus hence there are numerous sports-related services are available, such as personal training, group exercise courses, and indoor and outdoor gyms. Additionally, there are 30 various team sport clubs. Additionally, Tampere University has collaborations with other universities around the world that give students and faculty the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad in more than 80 different nations. For international students, Tampere University provides 38 master’s, six bachelor’s, and 23 doctoral programs in English.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, current Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and former Finance Minister Mika Lintilä are notable graduates of this university.
University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki is a public research university that has been in Helsinki, Finland, since 1829. However, it was first established in Turku in 1640, making it Finland’s oldest and largest university with the broadest selection of academic fields. There were around 31,600 students enrolled in the university’s degree programs in 2020, distributed among its 11 faculties and 11 research institutions.
The institution confers bachelor’s, master’s, licenciate, and doctoral degrees while adhering to the unified framework established by the Bologna Process across all of Europe. For bachelor’s degrees, admission to degree programs is typically determined by entrance exams; for master’s and postgraduate degrees, it is typically determined on previous academic performance. Entry is extremely competitive (only about 15% of candidates are accepted each year). In 2016, ARWU, QS, and THE rankings place it among the top 100 universities in the world.
Oulu University
One of the biggest and best universities in Finland, University of Oulu is situated in the city of Oulu. Established on July 8, 1958. The university has about 2,900 personnel and 13,000 students enrolled. The university offers 21 international master’s programs. The university frequently appears in lists of Finland’s best universities and the top 400 universities globally.
The University of Oulu is a reputable and frequently mentioned institution of higher learning in Finland, and it continues to rank in the top 3% of universities worldwide. It is also a popular choice for international students who want to study and work in Finland. Due to their extensive offering of programs and immaculate facilities, domestic applicants favour the University of Oulu.
The University of Oulu accepted 2,497 new students in 2022 out of 17,667 applicants from within the country, for a domestic acceptance rate of 14%. The University of Oulu is a difficult institution to gain accepted into as a result.
Hanken School of Economics
With 110 years of expertise in research and education in economics and business administration, Hanken School of Economics is a renowned university. EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, the three most esteemed accreditations for business schools, are all held by Hanken. Only 1% of business schools globally have succeeded in doing this. We take great pride in being one of Finland’s most globally diverse universities.
Hanken has two facilities, in Helsinki and Vaasa, where it offers academic programs at all levels (BSc, MSc, and PhD). We provide PhD and MSc programs for international students.
International students at Hanken are a part of the talent management program called Hanken International Talent, which promotes building your network in Finland and establishing significant relationships with future employers while you pursue a master’s degree.
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology
Technology University of Lappeenranta-Lahti Since 1969, LUT (LUT University), a public science university in Finland, has brought together the disciplines of business and science.
With their skills in technology and business, LUT University looks for fresh approaches to the clean energy, water, and air are resources that are vital to life. LUT aids in the sustainable rejuvenation of society and industry. The concepts of ecological, economic, and social sustainability inform LUT’s strategic decisions as well as its scientific research, academic programs, and social interactions. In terms of promoting climate action, LUT is a top 10 university worldwide.
In the areas of technology and business, It provides 26 Master’s, 6 Bachelor’s, doctorate, exchange, and seasonal programs. Business administration, chemical engineering, computational engineering, electrical engineering, energy technology, environmental technology, industrial engineering and management, mechanical engineering, and software engineering are among the specialties available to applicants.
More than 80 different nations make up the 6,500 members of the LUT worldwide community. Lappeenranta and Lahti, both in Finland, are home to campuses. The lush and contemporary campuses of LUT University provide a condensed array of all the services required by students. There are several top-notch sports and recreation facilities nearby, and the majority of student flats are close by.
Conclusion
Finland is not only the best for studying, it also benefits for post-studies opportunities. International students can access career services at the majority of Finnish universities. Whether you’re looking for a part-time work while you’re still in school or a full-time career after you graduate, they can help you with your job hunt.
In Finland, working a part-time job while you are a student is quite typical; in fact, 55 percent of university students reported having a job while they were enrolled. Your student visa will allow you to work up to 25 hours per week if you want to work part-time during your study abroad. You will be given a 1-year post-study visa to cover your stay while you look for a job if you are an international student who falls in love with Finland and decides to stay after graduating.
You can apply for a work-based residence visa as soon as you land a job that pays you on a full-time basis. Additionally, work-based residence permits are a step toward permanent residency; after four years of continuous employment in Finland, you’ll be qualified for a permanent residence visa.