Individuals who prefer to migrate to European countries for further education often face confusion when it comes to choosing the right university and country. Europe is home to numerous reputable universities that provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the job market, and Finnish universities are among the best in this regard. Before selecting a university, it is crucial to assess the associated expenses and then decide which option is more favorable. In this article, we aim to examine the tuition for Finland’s universities.

Is there a possibility of studying for free in Finland?

 One of the most notable features of the Finnish education system is its affordability. Despite the high quality of education in Finnish high schools and universities, there is no need to pay tuition fees for them, provided that you are proficient in the Finnish or Swedish language. If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you will not be required to pay tuition fees for studying in Finland. However, if you are not a citizen of these countries, you will be considered an international student and, depending on your circumstances, you may be required to pay tuition fees.

Who needs to pay tuition fees for studying in Finland?

The cost of education in Finnish universities will only be applicable to international students, meaning that students from outside the European Union or Switzerland will be required to pay for their studies. This fee is applicable to undergraduate and master’s degree students, but there is no need to pay tuition fees for doctoral studies.

It is important to note that this rule does not apply to everyone. Students who are able to pursue their studies in Finnish or Swedish language programs do not need to pay tuition fees. However, students who are only proficient in the English language will be required to pay fees to participate in these programs. Therefore, if you strive to attain a good level of proficiency in the Finnish language prior to your educational migration to Finland, you will be eligible for tuition-free education at Finnish universities. tuition for Finland’s universities has more subjects to discover.

Analyzing the cost of studying at Finnish universities

 If you are not proficient in the Finnish language and are required to pay tuition fees, the amount you will need to pay depends on the educational institution of your choice. Each university sets its own fees, and the tuition fee for each program or field of study may vary. The table below provides the average fees paid by international students to give you a better understanding of the cost of studying at Finnish universities. According to this table, the tuition fee for Finnish universities ranges from a minimum of 5000 euros per year to a maximum of 18000 euros.

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on the university, program, and specific circumstances. It is essential to check the official websites of the universities you are interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tuition fees.

Here is a breakdown of the tuition fees for various universities in Finland:

Aalto University	12,000 – 15,000 euros per year.
Åbo Akademi University	10,000 – 12,000 euros per year.
Arcada University of Applied Sciences	5,000 – 9,000 euros per year.
Haaga-Helia UAS	9,500 – 10,500 euros per year.
Hanken School of Economics	12,500 euros per year.
Helsinki Metropolia UAS	10,000 – 13,000 euros per year.
University of Eastern Finland	8,000 – 10,000 euros per year.
University of Helsinki	13,000 – 18,000 euros per year.
University of Oulu	10,000 – 13,000 euros per year.
Tampere University	6,000 – 12,000 euros per year.
University of Turku	8,000 – 12,000 euros per year.

If you intend to estimate the approximate cost of studying abroad and tuition for Finland’s universities, it is important to note that the list provided above only includes tuition fees and does not encompass expenses related to meals and accommodation.

In addition to considering the average costs of each university, it is also necessary to take into account the field of study. For example, at the University of Turku, the expenses are as follows:

• Social Sciences programs: 8,000 to 10,000 euros per year.
• Science, Engineering, and Medicine programs: 12,000 euros per year.
• Humanities and Economics programs: 10,000 euros per year.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes, Finland provides various avenues for free education and scholarships to foreign students, enabling them to pursue their studies in the country without financial pressure. All universities in Finland offer a wide range of scholarships, primarily based on academic merits and individual knowledge. Some of these scholarships cover the full university expenses, while others offer a percentage reduction in tuition fees. For example, there may be a 50% scholarship where you only need to pay half of the tuition fee. If you intend to apply for scholarships at Finnish universities, be sure to submit your documents within the specified timeframe so that your application can be considered.

When should the tuition fee for Finnish universities be paid?

If you are not among the students who have been successful in obtaining a scholarship, you will need to pay the tuition fee for the upcoming semester during the registration process. Upon acceptance by the university, you will receive an acceptance letter along with an invoice for the first-year tuition fee, which you will be required to pay the tuition for Finland’s universities. If your scholarship comes in the form of a percentage reduction in the university expenses, that amount will be deducted from the tuition fee, and the remaining balance will be invoiced to you.

Tuition for Finland’s universities : Payment conditions

Payment conditions for Finnish universities vary from one institution to another. Generally, it is expected that the full annual tuition fee is paid within a period of two weeks to one month. Until your payment is complete, your acceptance into that program and university will be conditional. Some universities offer the option for students to pay the annual tuition fee in installments, which can help alleviate the financial burden at the beginning of the academic year. It is important to ensure that the university fees are paid on time to avoid any issues with obtaining a study residence permit or acceptance.

Cost of living

The monthly cost of living in Finland cannot be described as very affordable, but with a student budget, you can comfortably manage your expenses. The amount you spend per month depends on your daily habits and lifestyle, regardless of the country you live in. Additionally, the city in which you reside plays a significant role. For example, Helsinki tends to be slightly more expensive than smaller cities in Finland. For studying at the University of Helsinki, it is recommended to budget approximately 700 to 1000 euros per month, taking housing costs into account. It is advisable to rent a dormitory or student residence as renting a complete apartment can incur higher expenses.

Here is an overview of the average budget required for major cities in Finland, including accommodation costs and tuition for Finland’s universities:

• Helsinki: Between 980 to 1580 euros per month
• Jyvaskyla: Between 700 to 1100 euros per month
• Oulu: Between 660 to 1000 euros per month
• Tampere: Between 870 to 1300 euros per month

The housing costs will vary depending on where you live. Here is an overview of the expenses:

Student Housing: In student dormitories, the cost of a single room ranges from 160 to 380 euros per month.

Apartment Rental: If you decide to rent an apartment with another person, the cost will be between 400 to 800 euros per month.

Another aspect to consider after accommodation is the amount you spend on food. The cost of groceries can also vary depending on the city and the store, but as a general estimate, you should budget around 200 to 250 euros per month for shopping at local supermarkets. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets such as Lidl, Sale, Alepa, and K-Market. If you enjoy eating out, a meal at a restaurant will cost approximately 11 euros.

To save on living expenses in Finland, it is advisable to use public transportation. A public transportation card for students costs between 35 to 50 euros per month, and if you choose to rent a car, it will cost around 230 euros for 5 days. Given the beautiful nature of Finland, walking can be a healthy and enjoyable recreational activity while also saving on living expenses. Most student accommodations are located near universities, allowing you to reach the campus within a few minutes’ walk that lowers down the tuition for Finland’s universities in total.

tuition for Finland’s universities : Top universities in Finland

The universities in Finland are among the best in the world and have a good ranking in international university rankings. The top university in the country is the University of Helsinki, which is ranked among the top 20 universities in Europe. Another top university in Finland is Aalto University and the University of Turku, both of which are strong research-focused institutions in Europe. Before submitting your application, it is advisable to compile a comprehensive list of Finnish universities and choose the best option based on your desired field of study.

If you need guidance and more information regarding admission to Finnish universities, our experts at “FinlandQ” can provide answers to your questions.