Cost of Studying in Finland: Tuition, Living, and More

Finland ranks among the top 15 countries for education quality and student well-being. It’s no surprise that more Indian students are now choosing Finland for their higher studies—especially for master’s programs in tech, sustainability, and health.

But what’s the actual cost of studying in Finland?

Expect to spend around €15,000–€22,000 per year (₹13L–₹19.5L) including tuition fees and everyday living expenses like rent, groceries, transport, and insurance.

Here’s a quick look:

• Tuition fees: €8,000–€13,000/year (₹7L–₹11.5L) for most master’s and bachelor’s programs
• Rent: Shared apartments cost €400–€700/month (₹35K–₹62K)
• Groceries: Around €250–€300/month (₹22K–₹26K)
• Public transport: Monthly passes cost €30–€50 (₹2.6K–₹4.4K)
• Health insurance: €300–€600/year (₹26K–₹53K)

So is Finland affordable? That depends on where you study and how well you plan—but with tuition waivers and smart budgeting, it’s possible to manage comfortably.

This blog covers everything you need to know about the cost of studying in Finland—from tuition to scholarships, visa fees, and budgeting tips.

Want to compare tuition across countries? Here’s a detailed guide on the cost of studying abroad for Indian students.

Cost of Studying in Finland: Tuition Fees at Top Universities

Finland offers high-quality education, but for non-EU/EEA students—including those from India—tuition is mandatory at most public universities and UAS (Universities of Applied Sciences). The fees depend on your program, degree level, and the university you choose.

So how much should you expect to pay?

Quick Facts About Tuition Fees in Finland (2025):

• Bachelor’s and Master’s programs charge between €6,000–€18,000 per year (₹5.3–₹15.8 lakh)
• PhD programs are usually tuition-free for all, including Indian students
• Some universities offer early bird discounts and scholarships
• EU/EEA students study tuition-free at most public universities

Are There Free Study Options or Tuition Waivers?

Looking to explore more budget-friendly study destinations? Check out these guides on studying in Europe for free and how to study abroad for free.

Also, don’t miss this list of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students.

Tuition Fees at Top Finnish Universities (2025)

University/UAS	Tuition Range	Degree Level
University of Helsinki	€13,000–€18,000 (₹11.5L–₹15.8L)	Master’s
Aalto University	€12,000–€15,000 (₹10.6L–₹13.1L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
Tampere University	€8,000–€12,000 (₹7L–₹10.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
LUT University	€10,000–€11,000 (₹8.8L–₹9.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
Metropolia UAS	€10,000–€12,000 (₹8.8L–₹10.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s

These fees apply to non-EU/EEA students only. EU/EEA students usually don’t pay tuition at public universities in Finland.

Other Related Cost of Studying in Finland to Consider

Apart from tuition, you’ll need to budget for academic-related expenses:

Expense Type	Average Annual Cost	Notes
Student Union Fee	€100–€150 (₹8,800–₹13,200)	Mandatory in most universities
Books & Study Materials	€200–€300 (₹17,600–₹26,400)	Varies by program
Laptop/Software	€500–€1,000 (₹44,000–₹88,000) (one-time)	Needed for design, tech, and business
Printing & Misc. Costs	€50–€100 (₹4,400–₹8,800)	Optional, but helpful to include

Some universities offer digital resources, e-books, and shared equipment to reduce these costs.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Most tuition fees are for one academic year and may increase slightly every year
• Fees often include basic student services but not housing or insurance
• Some programs (like tech, design, or business) cost more than humanities or social sciences

Many universities offer scholarships that can waive 50%–100% of these fees, especially in the first year. This makes the cost of studying in Finland more manageable for Indian students.

Visa Costs for Studying in Finland

Before you apply for your Finland student visa, make sure your documents are in place. Here are helpful resources:

• How to write a winning SOP
• Sample LORs for various programs
• Gap certificate format and uses

Are There Free Study Options or Tuition Waivers?

Studying in Finland isn’t completely free for non-EU students—but there are ways to reduce or even fully cover your tuition costs. Public universities charge tuition, but almost all of them offer partial or full tuition waivers based on merit. Some even cover your entire first year, along with a relocation grant.

So no, it’s not free—but yes, you can avoid paying the full amount.

When Can Indian Students Study for Free in Finland?

• Scholarships with Full Tuition Waiver 

Many universities offer 100% fee waivers to top-performing students, especially in master's programs.

• Research-Based Master’s or PhD Programs 

Some fully funded PhD and thesis-based master's programs come with a salary or stipend and no tuition.

• Erasmus+ Joint Master’s Programs

These offer fully funded opportunities through Finnish universities partnered with other EU institutions.

Scholarships for International Students in Finland

Explore more funding options with this complete list of international scholarships available for Indian students.

Tuition Waiver Options in Finland for International Students

Type	What It Covers	Available At
Full Tuition Waiver	100% tuition fees (up to €13,000/year)	University of Helsinki, Aalto, LUT, Tampere
Partial Tuition Waiver	25%–80% of tuition fees	Most Finnish universities
Finland Scholarship	100% tuition + €5,000 relocation grant	Offered by top public universities
Early Bird Discounts	€1,500–€3,000 off tuition for early applicants	Metropolia UAS, Haaga-Helia, LAB UAS

Most tuition waivers apply for the first year, and can be extended based on your academic performance.

Don’t assume you have to pay full cost of studying. Apply early, meet the requirements, and you could lower the cost of studying in Finland by lakhs of rupees.

Also Read: What Is the Cost of Living in Finland for Students?

Get a detailed breakdown of rent, groceries, transport, and other monthly expenses so you know how to plan your budget before moving.

What Are the Visa Costs for Studying in Finland?

Applying for a Finland student visa comes with a few upfront costs that you should factor into your budget early. The main one is the residence permit for studies, which you need before entering Finland. Indian students must also show proof of finances and meet health insurance requirements.

So, how much should you plan for?

Finland Student Visa (Residence Permit) Costs – 2025

Visa Type	Cost	Notes
Online application (preferred)	€450 (₹39,600)	Faster processing, apply via Enter Finland
Paper application	€550 (₹48,400)	Slower, less preferred
Health insurance (1 year)	The insurance deductible shouldn't exceed €300.	Required for visa approval
Proof of funds required	€800/month = €9,600/year (₹8.4 lakh)	Must show you can support living expenses

Important Notes for Indian Students:

• Apply at least 2–3 months before your intake—Finland takes time to process permits
• You’ll need to upload your documents digitally through the Enter Finland portal
• You can work part-time (30 hrs/week) during your studies under this permit

The visa fee is just one part of the cost. You must also show you can afford to live in Finland for a year, even if your tuition is already paid.

Are There Scholarships for International Students in Finland?

Yes, Finland offers several scholarship options to help reduce the cost of studying—especially at the master’s level. Whether you’re applying to a university or university of applied sciences (UAS), most institutions have dedicated funding for international students.

Here’s a look at the top scholarship options available in 2025:

National-Level Scholarships (Open to Indian Students)

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility for Indian Students
Finland Scholarship	100% tuition + €5,000 (₹4.4 lakh) relocation grant	First-year non-EU master’s students at selected universities
EDUFI Fellowship	Monthly stipend for 3–12 months	Indian doctoral students or researchers

The Finland Scholarship is available at universities like Aalto, Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, and Jyväskylä.

University-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students (2025)

University	Tuition Waiver	Extra Benefits
University of Helsinki	100% or 50%	Some include a €5,000 (₹4.4 lakh) grant
Aalto University	50% or 100%	Merit-based, evaluated during application
Tampere University	50% or 100%	Renewable for 2nd year if GPA maintained
University of Eastern Finland	Up to 100%	Some offer additional living support
LUT University	50% or 100%	First-year tuition + option for full program waiver

These universities automatically consider Indian students for scholarships when they apply through the studyinfo.fi portal.

University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Scholarships for Indian Students

University of Applied Sciences	Scholarship Type	Details for Indian Applicants
Haaga-Helia UAS	50–70% tuition waiver	Based on 1st year academic performance
Metropolia UAS	25–50% waiver	Available for bachelor's and master’s students
Tampere UAS	Merit-based + early bird discount	Discounts up to €1,500 (₹1.3 lakh) available

These can lower the cost of studying in Finland by €3,000–€6,000 (₹2.6–₹5.3 lakh) per year, depending on the program.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Finland

• Apply through studyinfo.fi along with your university application
• Check the scholarship box or upload a separate motivation letter if required
• No separate fee for applying to scholarships
•  Submit early—most deadlines fall between December and January for autumn intakes

Scholarships can reduce your cost of studying in Finland by 50% or more. A few even cover full tuition and living support in your first year—so apply early and carefully.

Cost Comparison: Studying in Finland vs Other Countries

Is Finland more affordable than other popular study destinations like Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, or Canada? That depends on how you look at tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and long-term value.

Let’s compare the average total yearly cost.

Average Annual Cost (Tuition + Living) for International Students (2025)

Country	Tuition	Living Costs	Total Cost/Year
Finland	€8,000–€13,000 (₹7L–₹11.5L)	€7,000–€9,000 (₹6.1L–₹7.9L)	€15,000–€22,000 (₹13L–₹19.5L)
Germany	€0–€3,000 (₹0–₹2.6L)	€9,000–€11,000 (₹7.9L–₹9.6L)	€9,000–€14,000 (₹7.9L–₹12.3L)
Sweden	€9,000–€15,000 (₹7.9L–₹13.1L)	€8,000–€10,000 (₹7L–₹8.8L)	€17,000–€25,000 (₹15L–₹22L)
Netherlands	€9,000–€14,000 (₹7.9L–₹12.3L)	€10,000–€12,000 (₹8.8L–₹10.6L)	€19,000–€26,000 (₹16.7L–₹23L)
Canada	€11,000–€20,000 (₹9.7L–₹17.6L)	€10,000–€12,000 (₹8.8L–₹10.6L)	€21,000–€32,000 (₹18.5L–₹28.2L)

Note: Tuition in Finland is higher than Germany but lower than Canada or the Netherlands. However, Finland offers several scholarships that can reduce your first-year cost by up to €8,000 (₹7 lakh).

Cost Comparison: Studying in Finland vs Other Countries

Planning where to go next? Start by reading:

• How to choose where to study abroad
• Study in Helsinki: City & university guide
• University of Jyväskylä: Programs & rankings
• Cost of studying in USA

Tools to Plan Your Budget Better with upGrad Abroad

Worried about how much you’ll spend while studying in Finland? upGrad Abroad helps you plan every rupee before you move. From tuition fees to housing and food, you get a full picture of your expected costs.

What You Get:

• Expense Calculator for living costs
• City guides to compare affordable student locations
• Tips on scholarships and financial documents for your visa

Want to plan smart and avoid surprises?

Try the upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator and budget your Finland study journey with confidence.

Get your exam prep sorted:

• IELTS overview and tips
• TOEFL format and preparation guide