Finland is becoming a more and more favorite choice for international students due to the quality of education and culture. But tuition is expensive for a lot of people. Luckily, there are many scholarships out there that will relieve some stress. In this article, we will look at the Scholarships for international students in Finland which will contain all the information you need to get money for your education.
Types of Scholarships
- Scholarships by University: Many Finnish universities also offer scholarships for foreign students. They’re scholarships usually full or partial, which will cover tuition and sometimes housing.
- Scholarships by the Government: The government also offers scholarships in the form of programs designed for international students, especially for those pursuing a PhD.
- Scholarships by Merit: Scholarships are often given on merit. College students with good grades can receive a large bursary.
Top Scholarships for International Students
These are some of the best scholarships for foreign students in Finland:
University of Helsinki Scholarships:
- There are fully funded scholarships at the University of Helsinki for international Master’s students.
- Such scholarships pay for university fees and provide a €10,000 per year stipend.
- Academic merit and enthusiasm to attend university are the conditions of admission.
Aalto University Scholarships:
- There are several types of scholarships for foreign students who are pursuing Master’s studies at Aalto University.
- The scholarship covers either all tuition, living expenses, or both depending on the category.
- Awards are awarded according to previous academic record.
University of Tampere Scholarships:
- The University of Tampere provides scholarships to brilliant foreign students for Master’s studies in English.
- The scholarships can be for full or partial tuition and are given on merit.
EDUFI Fellowships:
- EDUFI Fellowship is open to young PhD students and researchers in any discipline.
- It is a fellowship offering a monthly salary of €1,500 for living costs while studying in Finland.
CIMO Doctoral Fellowships:
- They are awarded by the Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) and fund doctoral students.
- The fellowship is €1,500 per month and 3–12 months.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Scholarships:
- Metropolia provides Finnish language scholarships for students who have to pay tuition.
- A student can get €3,000, depending on his/her Finnish skills.
Hanken School of Economics Scholarships:
- Hanken offers fees-paying foreign degree students scholarships based on academic merit and Finnish proficiency.
- These are scholarships to promote language learning in school.
How to Apply for Scholarships
For applying for Finnish scholarships the procedure usually goes like this:
- Check Out Scholarships & Other Opportunities: Check websites of universities and scholarship websites to see which scholarships are available that meet your skills and needs.
- Prepare Required Documents: Academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV, and proof of language proficiency are common documents that will be needed.
- Apply at the Same Time As Admission: Many schools will permit you to submit a scholarship application at the same time as your application for admission. Ensure you meet all deadlines.
- Follow up: After you’ve submitted your application, monitor the status regularly and reply in time if more information is needed.
How To Apply For Scholarships In Finland?
The good school and friendly culture of Finland makes Finland a very desirable place for foreign students. But tuition is not everyone’s thing. And good news is, that many scholarships can be obtained to ease your financial strains. Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for scholarships in Finland, so you can have the best possible chance to get funds for your studies.
1. Choose Your University and Program
Begin by picking a university and program that is right for you, both in terms of education and career. Finland has a lot of universities that have English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Programs to suit you are available on university websites or the Studyinfo.fi website.
2. Research Scholarship Opportunities
Once you have decided on your dream program, look into what scholarships are offered at that college. Finland has scholarships for international students in almost all universities. Common types include:
- University-Level Scholarships: Rewarded by individual universities according to academic merit.
- State Scholarships: Such as the Finland Government Scholarship which grants a lot of money.
- Private Scholarships: You can also find money from a lot of organizations for foreign students.
3. Prepare Required Documents
Normally to apply for a scholarship you’ll have to put together a couple of documents, like:
- Curriculum Vitae: Academic record.
- Motivation Letter: Personal Statement about why you want to study in Finland and how the scholarship will benefit you.
- Recommendations: Usually from faculty or people who have an idea of your experience and reputation.
- Evidence of English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL. shows you have what it takes to thrive in an English-speaking university environment.
Prepare all your documents in advance and free from errors.
4. Complete the Application Process
Most scholarships will want you to apply with your application. Follow these steps:
- Fill in the Application Form: Fill out the application form given by the university or scholarship program.
- Fill In Your Application: Apply before the deadline. Deadlines vary from university to university and program but generally fall in January to March for fall semester programs.
- Check Submission Requirements: Depending on the university, they might need extra documents or certain formats, so make sure to check their instructions.
5. Await Admission Decisions
When you’ve applied, wait for the admission decisions from the schools you applied to. Once admitted, your application is automatically considered for any associated scholarships from that school.
6. Prepare for Interviews (If Applicable)
Some scholarship programs will also ask you to interview as part of the selection process. If you are selected, get yourself set by asking common interview questions and getting to know the purpose of the scholarship.
7. Follow Up on Your Application
After submitting your application, track its status on the admissions portal of the university or you can contact the admissions office of the university with questions about your application.
How To Apply for Government-Funded Scholarships in Finland
The Finnish education system is famous for the high standard and multicultural environment of the students. This is made possible by the fact that the Finnish government provides various scholarships to help defray the costs of living abroad. Here is a detailed article on how to apply for state scholarships in Finland and get the most chances to get funding for your studies.
Understanding Government-Funded Scholarships
Scholarships are provided by the government of Finland for international students, especially from the developing world, to gain a Master’s or PhD. They will generally pay tuition, accommodation, and even travel expenses which is a great choice for students who want to study in Europe excellently.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Finland Government Scholarship Pool: The Finland government provides funding to researchers and students in different academic fields. A €1,500 per month living allowance is part of the scholarship.
- EDUFI Fellowships: Aimed at undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers, the fellowship also offers a €1,500 per month stipend to cover living expenses during study abroad in Finland.
- College-Specific Scholarships: Many Finnish colleges and universities have more scholarship programs that are financed by the government or the colleges themselves. They can be full or partial tuition waivers on academic merit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
How to apply for government-funded scholarships in Finland:
1. Research Scholarship Opportunities
Start by reading about all the possible scholarships offered by the Finnish government and private universities. Websites such as Study in Finland offer you good details about the programs and the eligibility criteria.
2. Choose Your Program and University
Choose a university and program that suits your interests. Make sure that the program is available to government grants (not all programs will qualify).
3. Prepare Required Documents
You need to gather all your supporting documents for your scholarship application, usually, these are:
- Letter of Motivation: A letter in which you tell us why you want to study in Finland and how the scholarship will help you.
- Research Strategy: If it is a research-based program, lay out your research goals and procedures.
- Transcripts of your past academic record: Attach evidence of your grades in the past.
- Letters of Recommendation: Request 2 letters from professors or industry experts that will attest to your qualifications.
4. Complete the Application Form
Open the official scholarship website or your university’s admissions webpage for the application form. Please fill it in exactly and to the point.
5. Submit Your Application
Apply early and bring all documents required. Deadlines vary from university to university and program to program but are January to March for programs starting in the fall semester.
6. Await Admission Decisions
After applying, wait for the acceptance letters from the universities you applied to. If accepted, then you are generally automatically put on the shortlist for any applicable government scholarships.
7. Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
You may be asked to take an interview in some scholarship programs. If you get shortlisted, go in prepared with common interview questions and know what the scholarship is for.
8. Follow Up on Your Application
Follow up on your application status on your university’s admissions website or contact the admissions office at your school if you have any questions about your application.
Finland can be a nice place to study, which has numerous scholarship programs that cater to foreigners. Learn more about these programs, and submit a good application to minimize the financial load while completing your studies in this Nordic paradise. Whether you are looking for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, several routes in Finland will help fund your education through funding.
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