Last Updated on September 27, 2022
Finland has some of the top universities in the world and offers amazing educational opportunities for international students. Over the past few years, the country has established itself as one of the most popular study destinations in the world.
This Nordic nation sees upward of 12 000 undergraduate qualifications achieved yearly and roughly the same amount of Master’s graduates.
They impressively offer more than 400 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in English. The programs are offered throughout 35 Universities and Universities of applied science. Even more impressive is that a little over half of the graduates are females, once more solidifying their place as a leader in the space of equal opportunities.
Arts and Humanities top the list as the most popular field of study in Finland. Business, Administration, and Law follow behind and Engineering and Construction round off the top 3 most popular disciplines in the country.
As for international students, specialty degrees are becoming increasingly popular. BA in eSports Business is one such a niche degree from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. It gives students an in-depth look at a market set to break the billion-dollar mark in the next 3 years. BA in Business Administration continues to be a popular choice for both local and international students, focussing on the fields of international trade or computer applications.
International student enrolment has remained constant in the recent past. Roughly 20 000 students flock to Finland yearly to take up studies here.
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Top 10 Universities in Finland for International Students
If you wish to become an international student in Finland, here is a list of top 10 universities that are highly recommended for international students.
1. University of Helsinki
Finland’s largest university has 4 campuses in the capital city but also has 11 other localities spread across the country. This ensures enough space for top facilities dedicated to their 11 faculties. They were founded in 1640 so the university comes with a long and rich history. The University of Helsinki is considered the best university in Finland for international students.
Helsinki University is at the forefront of research and innovation in scientific fields. Student life in Helsinki offers endless opportunities for leisure and extra-curricular activities. It is a highly liveable city with a calm spirit, effective services, and impeccable infrastructure.
2. Aalto University
Aalto University is the youngest on the list, founded in 2010. It was formed through the merger of three esteemed universities in the metropolitan area of Helsinki. At Aalto students are encouraged to study across disciplines and customize their study experiences to suit a specific goal. Many students graduate Aalto with extensive experience in their chosen career field as the university emphasizes the importance of a work/study balance.
3. Tampere University
At Tampere University, they only offer 2 undergrad programs in English, but their master’s programs are the main attraction. 34 programs are available over an expansive range of fields. From Innovative governance to Game Studies, there is no shortage in their range of programs.
4. University of Oulu
Oulu University is another enticing university for individuals drawn to research. The city of Oulo is located along the coast of central Finland. Because of this northern location, they have the unique opportunity to research and innovate based on the distinctive landscapes surrounding the university. The institution is more than half a century old and they are keeping their eyes fixed on the future. Their main areas of focus are innovation and sustainability. Learning from the past to adapt to the future. As one of the top universities in Finland for international students, the University of Oulu has a very large research output that is very attractive to those looking to pursue studies in scientific research and training.
5. University of Turku
To the southeast of Finland lies the University of Turku who offers a multitude of courses and master’s degrees in English. 3 BA and 17 Masters programs and 300 individual courses to be exact. It is particularly favorable for international students as it has a vast support network across Europe through the Coimbra group. UTU has a large English-speaking community. That, along with the size of the campus, allows international students to settle in quickly.
6. University of Eastern Finland
UEF does not currently offer any undergraduate programs in English, but their master’s programs are so highly regarded that they simply need to be added to the list. These 27 programs are offered across 8 faculties. This great university in Finland for international students aim to keep their student groups small to ensure students get quality time and attention in the learning environment. Moreover, they have a long list of candidates eligible for free studies, including EU citizens and exchange students!
7. Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT
LUT is one of the leading technological institutions in Finland. Here students have a choice of 5 Engineering and Technology degrees in English, 4 of which are double degree programs. This university also guarantees any accepted student automatic entry into a master’s program after their degree has been obtained.
8. University of Jyväskylä
The University of Jyväskylä is another top university in Finland for international students in the master’s degree realm. Jyväskylä is a relatively small city where nearly 1 in 3 residents is a student. This creates a vibrant environment with many extra-curricular opportunities. JYU delivers a high output of research mainly in the fields of natural science and human and social science. They also offer many options for student exchanges and scholarship opportunities.
9. Åbo Akademi University
AAU has 9 different master’s degree programs cover a variety of fields. They pride themselves in high-quality student-teacher relationships by keeping classes small. The campus is spread over two cities, Turku and Vaasa. Nearly a quarter of residents in these towns are affiliated with the university so international students can assure themselves that they will be met with bustling student culture.
10. Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Our list of top universities in Finland for international students ends with Tampere University of Applied Sciences, This University offers courses completely in English, in 6 fields. There are various engineering options as well as business, arts, and nursing portfolios to choose from. The disciplines of natural sciences and technology produce many studies along with research into their application into business and industry.
The list of the Top 10 Universities In Finland For International Students was compiled based on an indicator focused on teaching performance, research impact, international perspectives and knowledge transfer.
Want more information on top international universities? If so, be sure to visit that section of our site. There are tons of valuable information on international universities you may find interesting.