The world’s happiest country!
Finland is located in the far North of Europe, between its neighbors Sweden and Russia. The main language is Finnish; Swedish is also an official language thanks to a Swedish minority, a result of 600 years as part of the Swedish Empire. Helsinki, the capital, is by far the largest city in Finland. Other large towns include Espoo, Tampere and Turku. Finland is known for its harsh winters and short summers. Thanks to its proximity to the polar circle, it never really gets dark in the summertime – while
the sky does not really light up during winter, on the other hand.
As other Nordic nations, Finland typically celebrates the summer solstice, when the sun hours reach their annual maximum in mid-June Studies in Finland Finland offers many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree program in universities as well as in universities of applied sciences (UAS). The universities also offer English-taught doctoral degree options. Finnish higher education institutions have over 20 000 international students studying in several locations around Finland. All universities and universities of applied sciences have scholarship opportunities for international students.
BACHELOR’S DEGREES (Bsc)
To gain admission in to a bachelor’s degree program, you need an upper secondary school certificate or equivalent. UAS bachelor’s degrees amount to 210–270 ECTS credits and the duration is between 3.5–4.5 years, depending on the degree program. University bachelor’s degrees amount to 180 ECTS credits, and the duration is 3 years. University bachelor’s degrees usually offer continuation to a master’s degree.
MASTER’S DEGREES (Msc)
You need to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to apply for a master’s degree program. University master’s degrees take 2 years of full-time study, amounting to 120 ECTS credits. UAS master’s degrees take 1-1.5 years to complete, and amount to 60–90 ECTS credits. To be eligible to apply to a UAS master’s program, you also need to have gained at least 2 years of work experience in the field after completing your bachelor’s degree. (University Master’s do not usually include this work experience requirement).
DOCTORAL DEGREES (Phd)
Doctoral level education is provided by universities. You need a master’s degree to be eligible to apply for a doctoral degree program. A doctoral degree usually takes around 4 years to complete and consists of 240 ECTS credits. Finnish universities offer both graduate schools and doctoral program.
WHAT ARE ECTS CREDITS?
ECTS credits express the volume of learning based on the defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. One full-time academic year is equivalent to 60 higher education credits and one credit corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of work.
STUDENT UNION FEES
University students are required to pay an annual student union fee, which is approximately €50 depending a bit on the university. There are similar student unions at universities of applied sciences (UAS), but the membership is optional. When you join your local student union you get a student card entitling you to student discounts in places like student restaurants and when using public transport.
WORKING IN FINLAND
In addition to some useful extra cash, having a part-time job can be a good way of gaining valuable work experience and networks alongside your studies. If you are non-EU student, you can work within certain limits on a student residence permit. Finding a job in Finland can sometimes be challenging as not all fields of study offer opportunities for employment before graduation. Job applicants may also be required to have Finnish or Swedish language skills.
ELIGIBILITY
When applying for bachelor’s programs, you usually need to hold such school-leaving certificates that make you eligible to apply for higher education in your home country. You’ll need your upper secondary school certificates, even if you already have completed some higher education studies.
For master’s level admissions, you need to have completed a university-level bachelor’s degree, or equivalent. For UAS master’s, there is an additional requirement of at least two years of work experience in the field after completing your bachelor’s degree. The exact requirements may vary from one degree program to another. For example, if you are an eligible applicant, you may additionally be required to complete an entrance exam, an SAT test, or an interview. If English is not your first language, the university may require you to officially demonstrate your English proficiency level. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are the most commonly accepted options, but other alternatives may also be available.
TUITION FEES
If you are from outside the EU/EEA area, you are required to pay tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s level programs which are taught in English. The annual tuition fee depends on the university and the degree program, varying between 4,000€ and 18,000€ approximately. On doctoral level tuition fees are not charged, regardless of your nationality. Remember that if you are required to pay tuition fees, you are also eligible to apply for a scholarship from the university.
LIVING EXPENSES
In addition to possible tuition fees, you are usually required to independently cover your everyday living costs. You need to show that you have sufficient financial resources as well as insurance when you apply for your student residence permit. Monthly living expenses for students (including food, accommodation, travel, etc.) are around €700 – €900, depending on where you live and your personal living habits. Living costs are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones.
RESIDENCE PERMITS DIRECTLY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF STUDIES
If you come from outside the EU/EEA area, you usually need a student resident permit for studies in Finland. Your first student residence permit for bachelor’s or master’s studies in Finland can be granted to you for the entire duration of your studies, provided your passport is valid through the whole of that period. The permit allows you to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week. If your work is related to your degree (for example, practical training or thesis work) then this 30-hour restriction does not apply. If you are going to Finland to conduct Doctoral studies or research, you should apply for a residence
permit for scientific research instead. A first residence permit for research can be granted for a maximum of two years.
TWO-YEAR POST-STUDY RESIDENCE PERMIT
After your graduation, you may apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. You’ll have the option for this two-year post-study permit for five years after graduation, and you can also take the permit in parts if you like. Similar two-year permit options are also open for you, if you have conducted research or have completed your doctoral degree in Finland.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN FINLAND
Permanent residence is also possible, after you have lived in Finland on a continuous residence permit for four years and have for example found employment after your graduation. The period of your studies in Finland is naturally counted towards this time, too.
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