Finland

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Finland attracts international students because of the high quality of education. More than 8400 students from abroad are studying for a degree in Finnish universities. Additionally, thousands of international students from over 100 countries visit Finnish universities annually. The universities' operations are still based on academic freedom and individual autonomy. Autonomy means that the universities have considerable freedom and independence in making their own decisions.
The Finnish Education System is classified by level. The education system consists of general basic education, secondary education and higher education. Adult education is also available at all levels. On average one in four Finns has a higher education qualification; the number of women here slightly exceeds that of men. Over half the population of working age takes part in annual adult education
Education in Finland is free at all levels leading to a qualification; this also applies to foreigners. Costs may however be incurred for meals, journeys, accommodation and study materials, plus healthcare and membership fees of student organizations.

There are universities and polytechnics (The new name for polytechnic is University of Applied Sciences) all over Finland. Finland has 20 universities: ten multidisciplinary universities, three technical universities, three schools of economics and business administration, and four art academies. All of them are owned and largely funded by the Finnish government. University studies are available to all, in principle, as Finnish universities do not charge term fees. The university network covers all the different parts of the country, and provides a study place for one third of the relevant age group.

For international students, Finland offers a multitude of opportunities, an inspiring environment at the crossroads of cultures and an efficient educational system.

Most importantly, Finland offers world-leading expertise in several fields of study, such as information technology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, architecture, music, art and design. But educational opportunities are by no means limited to these areas of Finnish know-how.

 

Cost of Study

The quality of education in Finland is high – but the cost of study is low: Finnish universities and polytechnics do not generally charge tuition fees. Higher education at university level is funded by the state through the Ministry of Education, which also monitors the standard of education through national quality assurance.

It is important that you as a student have sufficient funding for the entire study time. If not, you may have difficulties in completing your studies, and you may even have to leave the country if your residence permit is not renewed.

Tuition fees: University education in Finland is funded by the government through the Ministry of Education. Students enrolled in a full-time degree programme pay no tuition fees. Necessary books and study material is however paid by the student.

Cost of Living in Finland: The average cost of living in Finland is high and comparable to that of the rest of Europe. The minimum living expenses for a single student amounts to about 600 Euros / per month depending on cost of accommodation as well as for example health care expenses. As a student you need to make sure that you have got sufficient funding to cover all basic expenses such as food, rent, transportation, study materials, insurance, health care and any other expenses, which may occur during your time in Finland.

Financial Aid/Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to foreign applicants from all countries. There are several scholarship programmes, each of which has its own eligibility criteria, application procedures, application deadline and application form.

A scholarship normally consists of a monthly allowance. The amount of a scholarship varies according to the scholarship programme and the academic qualifications of the applicant. No additional expenses, such as travel, housing or insurance, are covered by a scholarship.

 

Scholarships for the whole degree programme are also available through the European Commission.
Student financial aid is granted for full-time studies related to an upper secondary school certificate, a vocational qualification, a polytechnic or university degree, and for additional studies qualifying for a profession or a post.

The student financial aid scheme includes a housing allowance, which is granted towards the cost of accommodation during studies.

Admission
The ultimate aim of Finland Education System is to ensure that all prospective students have equal opportunities for study, regardless of where they live. The nationality of the applicant is irrelevant. At one time, student can apply up to four different degrees. A gap in the studies does not affect the chances of getting admission. The universities and their faculties decide on the regulations applying to their degrees and on their own curriculums. They also decide how many students to admit each year to study the various subjects they teach.

The degree structure in universities is two-tiered: in most fields the students first complete a lower (Bachelor’s) degree and then proceed to the higher (Master’s) degree. It is possible to complete the lower university degree in three years, while the higher degree can generally be completed in two years. After the higher university degree, it is possible to go on to study at university for the licentiate or doctor’s degree.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor's Degree outside of Finland can apply in graduate admission, regardless of whether they are Finnish, EU or non-EU nationals. International students are not required to know Finnish language when applying to English programs. Normally IELTS/TOEFL results are not required when applying to the polytechnics for Bachelor's degree since the language skills are evaluated in the entrance exam. If student has completed IELTS/TOEFL with good marks, the student might be exempted from the language skill part of the exam.

Students can apply to Master's degree programmes if they have completed their Bachelor level studies. For Master's degree programmes IELTS/TOEFL is usually required. However, application time, other application and admission criteria can be different between universities.

For further queries regarding admission, please contact us - we are always at your service.

 

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