For students from other countries, studying in Finland presents a special opportunity. However, students must know the tuition charges and the financial commitments first. In this post, we discuss all the International students Tuition fees in Finland and any waivers and discounts that might apply.
Current Tuition Fee Structure
To international students not from EU/EEA: the fee applies to the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in English. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Bachelor’s Programmes: Tuition is generally between €5,000 and €15,000 per year.
- Master’s Degrees: €10,000-€18,000 average per year.
- Doctorate Programmes: Almost all doctoral programs are free for all international students.
These charges are determined by the universities themselves, and they can vary significantly from one program to the next.
Upcoming Changes to Tuition Fees
Finland is going to charge an application fee for international students to universities from Jan 1, 2025. The fee is €100 and must be paid within seven days of applying. This law reform is to provide them with 100% funding to attend college and ensure a higher education is financially stable. These proposed updates are designed to improve applications and ease the administration of university endowments, especially for poorly produced applications.
Tuition Fee Waivers and Discounts
The cost of tuition can be high, but there are several ways that non-EU/EEA students can reduce it:
- Scholarships: Many Finnish universities have scholarships, especially for foreign students. They are partial or full tuition scholarships. Be sure to ask each school for their scholarship program and application process.
- Tax Breaks Based on Residence Permits: For some residence permits, students may not have to pay tuition:
EU Blue Card holders
- Permanent residents (Type A) issued for other than research reasons.
- Exemptions can also be given to relatives of EU citizens.
- Updates on Exemption Criteria: Starting in January 2019, tuition fee exemptions for some residence permits will be subject to changes. Applicants need to submit legitimate evidence that they qualify for fee reductions.
Financial Planning for Living Costs
Then there’s the cost of living, besides the tuition fees you need to account for in Finland. The students should budget on average between €700 and €1,300 per month for housing, food, transport, and living costs. This is to say that even if you receive a scholarship or waiver, you’ll still need to be budgeting in advance.
What are the benefits of studying in Finland for international students?
There are plenty of advantages to studying in Finland for foreign students and Finland has always been a popular destination for university study. These are some of the major benefits that prove Finland is one of the best places for international students to study.
1. World-Class Education System
Finland has a very good education system that consistently gets at the top of the list worldwide. The Finnish philosophy of education focuses on comprehensive education, analytical skills, and problem-solving. With universities such as Aalto University and the University of Helsinki scoring well on international tests, students can be assured of an academic atmosphere ready for tomorrow.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees
Some degree programs might charge tuition for students outside the EU/EEA, but that’s relatively low compared with most other countries. The cost of tuition at the Bachelor and Master level can be €5,000-€18,000 per year. And you’ll also have access to scholarships and grants to help you off the hook.
3. High Quality of Life
Finland is also a country that is often referred to as one of the happiest nations in the world. This is because of its standard of living, healthcare system, and emphasis on work-life balance. This is where students can feel safe, and comfortable and can be themselves, both in academic and in personal life.
4. English-Taught Programs
Most Finnish universities have English-taught programs, and therefore it’s easy for foreign students to attend the university without knowing Finnish or Swedish. This is why students from all walks of life have a very easy time coming into the classroom.
5. Strong Job Market
Finland is a country with economic success and increasing employment in various fields such as tech, health care, and renewable energy. International students benefit from this active work market, and most colleges offer career centers for alumni looking for internships and jobs.
6. Supportive Learning Environment
Finnish universities are about having an open and friendly environment for learning. Students are pushed to participate fully with their classmates and faculty to develop an environment of community that will benefit the learning process.
7. Unique Cultural Experience
Finnish students can study in a diverse culture with lush landscapes, old architecture, and vibrant customs. Hiking, skiing, a visit to Finland’s beautiful lakes, and many more can be done during the summer and winter.
8. Safety and Inclusivity
Finland is considered to be safe and inclusive which is why it is a great option for international students. It’s a society that promotes egalitarianism and tolerance of difference so that all students are treated with dignity and respect when they come to the country.
In addition to being quite expensive, non-EU/EEA students can have lots of fun when they study in Finland. Annual tuition fees of between €5,000 and €18,000 are charged and there are also new legislation on application fees and exemptions coming, so aspiring students have to know how they will pay. The students can get a better idea about the educational experience in Finland after they know about the scholarship and fee policy.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Finland straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Spouse Visa, Visitor Visa, or Study Visa, we handle every step from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need in Finland. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
