Do you wish to study abroad in Finland?
As the third-largest country in the European Union with good colleges, a beautiful language, and a robust economy, Finland has a lot to offer international students seeking an English study abroad program. It is a member of several key social organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union. This article is an excellent resource for those considering studying abroad in Finland.
An Overview of Finland
Finland is a Nordic country in Europe’s northwestern hemisphere. It is bounded by three countries which are Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Helsinki, Finland’s capital, has a population of roughly 5.5 million people. Finland’s geography is extremely diversified, ranging from lakes and forests to tundra in Lapland. The Finnish language is spoken by around 95 per cent of the population and is one of Finland’s two official languages. Swedish, Russian, and English are also spoken.
Finland has a lengthy history of being a sovereign state. It is the cradle of the Nobel Prize and has one of the best education systems in the world. For international students, studying in Finland provides a one-of-a-kind experience. The Finnish higher education system provides high-quality, inexpensive, and flexible study options. Finland offers a huge number of universities and colleges that are internationally known for providing high-quality education. In Finland, there are about 200 higher education institutions, and about 40% of the Finnish population has a degree from a university or college.
Why You Should Study Abroad in Finland?
There are various reasons you might consider studying abroad in Finland, including the following:
- You will learn how to communicate in Finnish.
- You will receive a degree from an international university that will be recognized all around the world.
- Studying abroad in Finland provides an excellent opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions.
- Tuition fees in Finland are very affordable.
- Finnish universities are of excellent calibre.
- Studying abroad can help you advance in your profession.
- The Finnish educational system places a premium on teamwork, creativity, and innovation.
- There are about 20 universities in Finland that offer English-taught programs.
- Finland is one of the greatest countries in the world for computer science students to study.
- It boasts the region’s most stable economy.
The Finnish Education System
For many years, the Finnish education system has been recognized as one of the greatest in the world, with a student literacy rate of 99 per cent on average, it is believed that Finland’s emphasis on academic excellence as well as creativity is one of the reasons for their success. Finland’s education system was ranked first in mathematics and second in reading skills among all OECD countries, with students performing much higher than kids in most other countries, Students learn mathematics for around six hours per week and reading skills for about seven hours per week. This is significant since Finland has a well-rounded school system that is keen on academics as well as creative excellence.
The three levels of education in Finland are; Preschool, Primary School and Secondary School (or high school). Preschool students are between the age of three to six years old; while the Primary students fall between age seven to sixteen years old, and Secondary students range in age from sixteen to eighteen years old. Finland’s educational system is based on a solid academic foundation, making sure that all students are equipped for tertiary education or jobs after graduation.
Universities and applied science universities make up Finland’s higher education system. Universities have the authority to confer doctorates and conduct both instruction and research. Universities of applied sciences are multidisciplinary centers for higher-level professional training. Research and development are conducted in applied science universities.
Credits are used to measure first- and second-cycle higher education coursework. Study courses are assessed depending on the required workload. A full year of full-time study is equal to 60 credits, or roughly 1600 hours of student labor. In accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, the credit system (ECTS). There are first cycle programs available at polytechnics and universities alike. University bachelor’s degrees can be earned in three years, whereas polytechnic bachelor’s degrees can be earned in 3.5–4.5 years.
Students must first complete the Bachelor’s degree at universities before proceeding to the Master’s program. Students are typically permitted to pursue the higher degree. In Finland, earning a bachelor’s degree is mostly seen as the first step toward earning a master’s degree. This is because a master’s degree is typically required for entry into many regulated professions.
In the medical areas, where students study directly for a Master’s degree, the two-cycle degree structure is not applicable. A three-year, 180 ECTS credit bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry into most universities. A Polytechnic Bachelor’s degree typically entails 210–240 ECTS credits, or 3.5–4 years of full-time study. University first and second cycle programs are identical. The twenty areas of study in higher education are as follows:
- Theology
- Law
- Humanities
- Sociological Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology
- Education
- Scientific disciplines
- Forestry and Agriculture
- Sports Sciences
- Architecture and Engineering
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dental Care
- Medical Sciences
- Animal Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Music
- Art and Design
- Theatre Arts
- Fine arts
Although degrees are often earned in accordance with the subjects studied, several fields can offer multidisciplinary degree programs. Studies in one major field and one or more minor disciplines are typically required for academic degrees. There may still be specialization options in some fields. In order to increase the variety of educational options available to students, universities have come to an agreement on flexible minor subject rights. One military institution, the National Defence College, which is overseen by the Defense Staff, offers military instruction. Students have the option of studying in the army, navy, or air force.
There is polytechnic education available in the following areas:
- Education and the humanities
- Culture
- Business, social sciences, and administration
- Environmental sciences
- Transportation, technology, and communication
- Natural sciences
- Sports, health, and social services
- Domestic, catering, and tourism services
What are the Requirements for Studying in Finland?
The requirements for studying in Finland varies, depending on the type of study you wish to undertake. If you wish to study at a Finnish university, you must first take an entrance exam and achieve a high enough score to be accepted. And to study in a Finnish vocational school, you must have completed at least basic education. Though, most Finnish colleges require applicants to have an academic IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score between 79 and 92 in order to be considered for admission. These tests might not be necessary if you are a native speaker of English or if your first degree was taught in English.
Which Course Is Best To Study In Finland?
The Bachelor’s Degree in International Business is the best course to study in Finland. This course is available in English and is taught by the Helsinki University of Technology. The degree has a strong international focus and allows students to learn from people from many cultures. The learning scheme covers areas in business management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship, and other topics in this course. Students can also study abroad for one semester or an entire year as part of their degree program.
The Best 10 Universities in Finland
Great universities, breathtaking natural scenery, and exciting activities await international students in Finland. In Finland, international students will receive genuinely great academic training and the chance to experience living in a different country. Finland takes pride in having one of the best educational systems in the world. This is why Finland is home to 14,000 international students. The following list of Finland’s top universities may be of interest to you if you want to study there.
1. University of Helsinki
The Institution of Helsinki is a public research university situated in the Finnish capital of Helsinki. It was founded in 1640 and is the country’s oldest and largest university. There are around 40,000 students and 4,800 staff at the University. Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Economics and Business Administration, Philosophy, Linguistics and Cultural Studies, Mathematics and Natural Sciences (including Biology), Education Sciences (including Psychology), Fine Arts (including Music), Design are just some of the degrees and programs available at the University of Helsinki (including Architecture)
2. University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland is a multidisciplinary university with around 20,000 students and 4,000 employees. The main campus is in Joensuu, and it procures a broad range of degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. There are 12 faculties at the university: the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, the School of Teacher Education, the School of International Services, and the School of Public Administration and Management.
3. Aalto University
Aalto Institution is a research college in the Finnish city of Espoo. It was founded in 2010 because of the merger of the Helsinki University of Technology and the Helsinki School of Economics. The university contains six schools, with about 16,000 students and 4,500 faculty and staff personnel. The Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture is one of Europe’s top international art, design, and architecture schools.
4. University of Oulu
The Institution of Oulu is a public university in the Finnish city of Oulu. It was established in 1958 and is Finland’s northernmost university. The University of Oulu provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as postgraduate courses. It also offers distance education, part-time education, and chances for lifelong learning. At the University of Oulu, all students can study either Finnish or English.
5. University of Turku
The University of Turku is a Finnish research university that has been in operation since 1920. It has two campuses, one in Turku and the other in Rauma. The college provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs. It also offers a variety of professional continuing education courses. Furthermore, through its International Office and Study Abroad Programs, it offers a variety of international options to students.
6. Lappeenranta University of Technology
The Lappeenranta Institution is a Finnish university in Lappeenranta, Finland. It was established in 1968 and now boasts over 6,000 pupils. Engineering, technology and architectural degrees are available at the university. The university also features an international business school that offers English-language programs. According to the Times Higher Education and QS rankings, LUT University has been listed among the top 600 universities in the world since 2014 and is also one of the top 20 most promising challenger universities in the world.
7. Tampere University
Tampere University of Technology (TUT) is a university in Finland that was founded in 1849. With nearly 20,000 full-time students and 4,000 staff members, it is Finland’s largest technical university. Engineering and technology degrees, business, economics and social sciences degrees, health sciences degrees, and architectural degrees are all available at the University.
8. University of Jyvaskyla
The University of Jyvaskyla is Finland’s largest. It was established in 1958 and is named after the Finnish city of Jyvaskyla. This institution offers a wide range of courses in the arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The University of Jyvaskyla has also been named one of the top universities in Europe for its high levels of teaching and research.
9. Åbo Akademi University
The Akademi Institution is a Swedish-language university located in Turku, is Finland’s second oldest university and the third-largest in student enrolment. The faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the faculty of Business Studies, and the faculty of Science make up the Åbo Akademi University. The University is a research-intensive institution with a good international reputation. It provides undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
10. University of Lapland
The Institution of Lapland is a Finnish university that provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. The university was founded in 1968 and it is divided into two campuses: the main campus in Rovaniemi and the Arctic Campus in Sodankylä. The University of Lapland is one of Finland’s major universities, with roughly 9,000 students and 500 faculty and staff employees.
How to Choose the Right University for You
Finland‘s universities are among the best in Europe, and there are numerous options for international students to pick from. Choosing the best university is an important decision. It has the potential to create or shatter your future success in life. The first thing that you should consider is the type of degree you wish to pursue. If you’re not sure what to do, start by thinking about what you want to do for a living. Once you’ve made this selection, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and find the ideal university for you.
Next is to consider the university’s location, this is significant since different places have different cultures and opportunities. You should also investigate how far away that particular university is from home, so that it does not feel too far away or too close to home. And lastly, think about the financial aid options available at that institution and whether they match your score and criteria.
University Admissions Process in Finland
The Finnish university admissions procedure consists of two steps. The first step is to apply to your preferred university, taking the entrance exam, which can be written in Finnish, Swedish, or English, is the second phase. An online application form or a paper application form can be used to apply to a university. The online form is available on each university’s website and requires basic information such as name, address, and contact information.
Do Universities in Finland offer Scholarships?
The Finnish government provides scholarships to international students who wish to study in Finland. The Finnish National Board of Education and the Ministry of Education and Culture are offering scholarships. There are scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The scholarship is competitively given, with selection criteria based on academic merit, language ability, and financial necessity.
Student Visa Requirements For Finland
A student visa allows a foreigner to study in Finland. To study in Finland, all students who are neither EU citizens nor Nordic citizens must have a valid student visa, according to the Finnish Immigration Service. If an applicant does not meet the standards for obtaining a student visa, the Finnish Immigration Service has the authority to deny the application. To be awarded a student visa, applicants must show proof of enough financial resources and health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Finland.
Post Study Opportunities in Finland
In Finland, graduates can pursue a variety of post-graduate studies. However, to make use of them, you must first obtain a post-study work visa. A post-study work visa is issued to a person who has completed their education and wishes to remain in Finland to pursue employment. The permission is granted by the Finnish Immigration Service provided the applicant meets specific requirements. The applicant must have a valid resident permit or residence card and must have studied in Finland for at least six months before applying.
These are some post-study opportunities in Finland:
- Studying a master’s at the University of Helsinki
- Working at the University of Helsinki
- Working at Aalto University
What Career Paths Can I Pursue as an International Student in Finland?
An extended residence visa for up to two years after graduation is available to non-EU students. This is meant to support recent graduates as they look for employment or launch a business. Check out the career services provided by your Finnish university before you begin your job search.For information about employment prospects in Finland, visit the Work in Finland website. Visit their pages for jobs in Finland as well! An international student can pursue a variety of career routes in Finland. Engineering, business, and law are just a few of the various fields of study available to them. In comparison to other nations, Finland has a comparatively high demand for specialists in these sectors.
On a final note, the easiest approach to learning anything is to study it in the environment in which it is most applicable. That is why we are so enthusiastic about the possibility of you studying in Finland. Finland is a lovely country that is gradually becoming a technology and startup hotspot. We hope you enjoyed reading our article on studying in Finland.