Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Are you searching for scholarships to study abroad in Finland? To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of Free Scholarships in Finland for international students.
Free Scholarships in Finland are offered by the Finnish government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to finance their education.
There are application processes individual applicants must follow in order to forestall their scholarships. It is also necessary to note the deadlines and apply before the closure so as not to be rejected. Also, there are limited Finnish scholarships.
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Why Study in Finland?
Many international students are interested in studying in Finland. Finland is a beautiful country with a distinct and historic culture, beautiful architecture and a fascinating way of life. Located in Europe, Finland is home to some very exceptional colleges with an array of degree programs.
Finland is considered to have one the best, if not the top, education systems in the world. One of the most unique and greatest things for international students in Finland is that the education is completely free. Students are not required to pay tuition or fees, and even their meals are free.
Schools in Finland offer several different types of degree programs including engineering, business and medicine. Admissions to these universities are also different than in other educational systems. Admission is based solely on a student’s GPA and their scores on entrance examinations. Many students decide to further their education and apply for graduate level schools like masters programs and PhDs. International students from outside the European Union may have to pay for educational tuition and fees if proposed legislation is passed but currently there is not expectation.
International students studying in Finland who love the outdoors will feel right at home. There are a number of exciting activities available to students including skiing, golfing, fishing, lake activities like water skiing boating and kayaking. Finnish cuisine is quite delicious and students will be excited to taste plenty of great fare. Students who like sports will also enjoy Finland, as winter sports like skiing and snowboarding and ice hockey are very popular in the country.
What subjects can I study in Finland?
You can study virtually any academic subject in Finland. Finnish universities have been expanding the number of study programmes offered in English to attract more international students. There are now more than 600 study programmes at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate level, and the number is growing every year. Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medicine or Law: You can find an English-taught study option for any subject.
Do I need to have IELTS or TOEFL to study in Finland?
To be admitted to an English-taught study programme in Finland, you will need to demonstrate proof of your proficiency in English. You do not necessarily have to take a test like IELTS or TOEFL. The following criteria are usually enough to show that you speak English sufficiently well:
- You are a native speaker of English, or
- your previous academic degree was taught in English at a university in the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States of America.
- Some Finnish universities also accept if only part of your previous academic degree was taught in English – if that degree was obtained at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences.
If you do not meet those criteria, you will probably have to take an English test to prove your language skills. Make sure to take the test long before your university application, so that there is enough time to get the results.
What English Tests do Universities in Finland accept?
Every university in Finland accepts IELTS Academic as well as TOEFL iBT or PBT, and almost all also accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), the Cambridge ESOL’s Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), or the Cambridge ESOL’s Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).
If you still need to take a test, IELTS and TOEFL are the safest bet; otherwise, it is advisable to check with the International Office or the Admissions Office of the universities you want to apply to.
The admissions requirements for most universities in Finland are an IELTS academic score of 6.0 or 6.5, or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 to 92.
Admission Criteria to Study in Finland
If you plan to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Finland, you may be required to take the SAT test – particularly when apply to a university of applied sciences (UAS). The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) was originally a US-american test, but it is now offered around the world. The required SAT score for admission depends on the university and the study programme.
Some study programmes may also have specific additional admissions criteria. Master’s programmes might require you to have had a certain number of credit points (ECTS) in relevant academic subjects, previous work experience in the field, or a certain GMAT score or GRE score. In a few cases you might also have to do interviews with the university’s admissions officers. You will find that information provided by the universities.
Free Scholarships in Finland for International Students
The following are some of the free scholarships available in Finland and the required information necessary for their application.
Tuition Fees in International Master’s Degree programmes at the University of Jyvaskyla
- Full tuition fee
- University of Jyväskylä
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
Tuition Fees in International Master’s Degree programmes at the University of Jyvaskyla is open for students intrested in Masters scholarships in Finland.
Finnish Language Skills Scholarships at SAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland 2021-2022
- Partial Funding 3,000 €
- Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
- Bachelor, Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
Finnish Language Skills Scholarships at SAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland 2021-2022 is open for students intrested in Bachelor, Masters scholarships in Finland.
LUT University Finland First-Fee Waiver masters programmes 2021-2022
- Full tuition fee
- LUT University
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
LUT University Finland First-Fee Waiver masters programmes 2021-2022 is open for students intrested in Masters scholarships in Finland.
Aalto University International Incentive Scholarships, Finland 2021-22
- Partial Funding
- Aalto University
- Undergraduate
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
Aalto University International Incentive Scholarships, Finland 2021-22 is open for students intrested in Undergraduate scholarships in Finland.
International Masters Programs Scholarships – University of Helsinki Finland
- Fully Funded
- University of Helsinki
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
International Masters Programs Scholarships – University of Helsinki Finland is open for students intrested in Masters scholarships in Finland.
Hanken GBSN (Global Business School Network) Scholarship Finland – Opportunity for developing countries students
- Fully Funded
- Hanken School of Economics
- Masters
- Business, Economics, Finance, Intellectual Property
- Developing Countries
- Finland
Hanken GBSN (Global Business School Network) Scholarship Finland – Opportunity for developing countries students is open for students intrested in Masters scholarships in Finland.
Finland University of Oulu full funding
- Full tuition fee
- University of Oulu
- Undergraduate
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Finland
Finland University of Oulu full funding is open for students intrested in Undergraduate scholarships in Finland.
Find more scholarship information here.