Finland is becoming a popular destination for students from all over the world. With top universities and affordable living, it’s no wonder that over 20,000 international students choose Finland each year. EU/EEA students enjoy tuition-free education at public universities, and there are scholarships available for non-EU students to help cover costs.
How can you study for free in Finland?
Public universities in Finland offer free programs for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students can apply for scholarships that cover part or all of the tuition fees.
Programs like the Finland Scholarship cover tuition fees and offer up to €5,000 (around ₹4,30,000) for living expenses.
Some universities offer research-based programs where students receive stipends for their work.
Finland’s education is well-regarded worldwide, with eight universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. Whether you’re studying tech, business, or humanities, study in Finland for free options make it a great choice for your future.
Finland offers tuition-free education to certain categories of students at public universities. However, eligibility varies based on nationality, academic performance, and scholarship opportunities.
Who Qualifies for Free Education in Finland?
EU/EEA Students:
Tuition is free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland at public universities.
Students only need to cover living expenses and other study-related costs.
Non-EU/EEA Students with Fully Funded Scholarships:
International students can study for free if they secure a fully funded scholarship.
High-Achieving International Students (Tuition Waivers):
Many Finnish universities offer tuition waivers to top-performing non-EU/EEA students.
These partial or full waivers are based on academic excellence and can cover 50%–100% of tuition fees.
Exceptions & Additional Considerations:
PhD students in Finland typically study for free, regardless of nationality, as most programs are fully funded.
Some master’s programs offer tuition-free spots for research-based degrees.
International students must still cover living expenses (€560/month or ₹50,000) even if tuition is free.
Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Finland for Free
Finland is a popular destination for students looking to study abroad, with over 15,000 international students choosing to study there each year. The country offers several fully funded scholarships that cover everything you need: tuition fees, living expenses, and even extra costs like travel or health insurance.
1. Finland Government Scholarships (For Master’s & PhD Students)
Non-EU/EEA students applying for master’s and PhD programs in Finnish universities.
Finland’s government offers fully funded scholarships to attract top international talent. These scholarships are highly competitive and granted based on academic merit.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to non-EU/EEA students. Requires an admission offer from a Finnish university. Strong academic background (usually a GPA of 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale).
Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver for the entire program. Monthly stipend: €1,500 (₹1.35 lakhs) for living expenses. Travel grant: Assistance with airfare for selected students. Health insurance included in the package.
Application Process:
Apply through Studyinfo.fi while submitting your university application.
Deadlines vary but usually fall between December–January.
2. EDUFI Fellowships (For Doctoral & Research Students)
International PhD students & researchers conducting studies in Finland.
This fellowship is specifically for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers looking to work on projects at Finnish universities. The funding is meant for short-term research visits, typically lasting 3–12 months.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted by a Finnish university or research institute. Requires a strong research proposal. Faculty member from the host university must endorse your application.
Financial Coverage: Monthly research grant up to €1,900 (₹1.7 lakhs). Covers living expenses but not tuition fees (since PhD programs in Finland are tuition-free). Funding available for 3–12 months, depending on project length.
Application Process:
Apply through the host university, with support from a faculty supervisor.
Applications accepted year-round, so students can apply anytime.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships (For Master’s Degrees in Finland & EU)
Students applying for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees in Finland or other EU countries.
Erasmus+ is an EU-funded program that allows students to study in multiple European countries, including Finland. If you’re accepted into a joint master's program, you can receive a full scholarship covering tuition and living costs.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to students from any country outside the EU. Must apply for an Erasmus Mundus-affiliated master’s program. Academic excellence and motivation are key selection criteria.
Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver for the entire program. Monthly stipend: €1,000 (₹90,000) for living expenses. Travel allowance & relocation support included.
Application Process:
Check Erasmus Mundus partner programs that include Finnish universities.
Apply through the Erasmus+ website between October–January.
4. University-Specific Scholarships for Non-EU Students
International students applying to Finnish universities for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.
Many Finnish universities offer scholarships for non-EU students to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. These are usually merit-based and awarded to students with strong academic records.
Top Universities Offering Scholarships
University
Scholarship Name
Coverage
University of Helsinki
International Master’s Scholarship
Full tuition + €10,000 (₹9 lakhs) stipend
Aalto University
Aalto University Scholarship
50–100% tuition fee waiver
Tampere University
Tampere University Global Scholarship
Full or partial tuition fee waiver
University of Oulu
Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship
50–100% tuition fee waiver
LUT University
LUT Tuition Waiver
50–100% tuition fee waiver
Åbo Akademi University
Scholarship for Non-EU Students
Full tuition fee waiver
Application Process:
Submit your scholarship application alongside your university application through Studyinfo.fi.
Most deadlines fall between December and January.
Scholarships are usually renewable if students maintain high academic performance.
5. Finnish National Agency for Education Grants
International students already enrolled in Finnish universities who need additional funding.
The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) provides grants for international students, especially for short-term research and doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be enrolled in a Finnish university. Requires a strong research proposal for PhD and postdoc students. Open to non-EU and EU students.
Financial Coverage: Monthly grant: €1,500–€1,800 (₹1.35–₹1.6 lakhs) for living expenses. Covers 3–12 months of study. Research and conference travel grants available.
Application Process:
Applications are submitted through Finnish universities or research institutes.
PhD students must get a recommendation from a faculty supervisor.
No fixed deadline—applications are accepted year-round.
Top Tuition-Free and Low-Cost Universities in Finland for International Students
Finland is a top choice for international students due to its high-quality education system and affordable tuition fees. For non-EU students, many universities offer low-cost programs or scholarships covering 50–100% of tuition fees.
Top Tuition-Free & Low-Cost Universities in Finland
University
Tuition for Non-EU Students
Scholarship Availability
University of Helsinki
€13,000–€18,000 (₹11.7–₹16.2 lakhs) per year
Full tuition + stipend scholarships
Aalto University
€15,000 (₹13.5 lakhs) per year
50–100% tuition waivers
Tampere University
€10,000–€12,000 (₹9–₹10.8 lakhs) per year
Merit-based scholarships
University of Oulu
€10,000 (₹9 lakhs) per year
Full or partial tuition waivers
LUT University
€13,500 (₹12.1 lakhs) per year
Up to 100% tuition waivers
Åbo Akademi University
€10,000 (₹9 lakhs) per year
Full or partial tuition waivers
Facts About Studying in Finland:
Finland ranks among the top 10 countries for education quality and student satisfaction.
Many master’s and PhD programs include research funding and stipends.
85% of international students say Finland offers a good balance of affordability and quality education.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Finland
Securing a scholarship in Finland can help cover your living expenses and tuition fees. Here’s how to get started:
Step
Action
Example
1. Research and Select Scholarships
Explore scholarships offered by universities and the government.
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, Aalto University Scholarships
2. Meet Language Proficiency Requirements
Prove your English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL.
Example: University of Tampere requires an IELTS score of 6.5.
3. Prepare Application Documents
Gather documents like SOP, LORs, and transcripts.
Ensure all documents are official and meet university guidelines.
4. Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Keep track of deadlines (January-March for fall intake).
Confirm deadlines on university websites.
5. Prepare for Interview/Selection
Some scholarships may require an interview.
Be ready to explain your academic goals and why you want to study in Finland.
Part-Time Work Opportunities to Cover Living Expenses in Finland
Finland offers flexible work opportunities, and student-friendly labor laws make it easier to earn while studying.
Work Regulations for International Students in Finland
Working Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Job Restrictions: The work must relate to the student's field of study. Jobs outside the study area may have additional restrictions.
Minimum Wage: The average part-time salary in Finland ranges between €10–€14 per hour (₹900–₹1,300 per hour).
Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students in Finland
Retail & Customer Service – Jobs in supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Teaching Assistantships – University positions for research and academic support.
Freelancing – Content writing, graphic design, and digital marketing roles.
Delivery & Logistics – Food delivery and warehouse jobs.
Internships and Research Assistantships
Paid Internships: Many universities and companies offer paid internships in fields like IT, engineering, and business.
Research Assistantships: Master's and PhD students can work on funded research projects, earning €1,200–€2,000 per month (₹1.08–₹1.8 lakhs).
Cost of Living in Finland for International Students: Budgeting Tips
Living costs in Finland depend on the city. Helsinki is the most expensive, while cities like Tampere and Oulu offer more budget-friendly options.
Monthly Living Costs in Finland
Expense Category
Average Cost (EUR/INR)
Key Considerations
Accommodation (Shared)
€300–€600 (₹27,000–₹54,000)
Student dorms are cheaper than private rentals
Food & Groceries
€200–€350 (₹18,000–₹31,500)
Cooking at home saves costs
Public Transport
€30–€60 (₹2,700–₹5,400)
Student discounts available
Health Insurance
€50–€150 (₹4,500–₹13,500)
Mandatory for non-EU students
Internet & Utilities
€50–€100 (₹4,500–₹9,000)
Some student rentals include utilities
Entertainment & Miscellaneous
€100–€250 (₹9,000–₹22,500)
Varies based on lifestyle
Tips to Manage Expenses as a Student
Use Student Discounts – Save on public transport, gym memberships, and cultural events.
Live in Student Housing – University dorms can cut accommodation costs by up to 40%.
Buy Second-Hand – Many students sell furniture, books, and bikes at lower prices.
Take Up a Part-Time Job – Working 10–15 hours per week can cover rent and food costs.
How upGrad Abroad Helps You Study in Finland
Want to study in Finland? We make the process simple and clear. From choosing a university to applying for scholarships, we guide you at every step.
Get Ready for Entrance Exams
Many universities in Finland ask for exams like IELTS, GRE, GMAT, or SAT. We help you prepare with study materials, practice tests, and expert tips.
Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) are important. They help universities understand your goals and achievements. We make sure your documents are clear, strong, and well-structured.
How can I apply for a tuition waiver if I don’t get a full scholarship?
Many Finnish universities offer partial tuition waivers based on academic merit or financial need. You can apply directly through the university’s scholarship portal during the admission process.
What GPA is required to get a scholarship in Finland?
Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). However, competitive programs may expect a higher GPA and strong academic records.
Are scholarships in Finland renewable every year?
Yes, most tuition waivers and merit-based scholarships are renewable if students maintain the required academic performance (typically a minimum of 55 ECTS credits per year).
Do I need to submit an SOP or LOR for scholarship applications in Finland?
Yes, some scholarships require an SOP (Statement of Purpose) explaining your academic goals and financial need. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) may be needed for research-based scholarships.
Can I study in Finland for free if I enroll in an English-taught program?
Only EU/EEA students receive tuition-free education in Finland. Non-EU students must pay tuition but can apply for scholarships or waivers to reduce costs.
What happens if I miss the scholarship application deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait for the next intake or explore university-based financial aid that allows late applications.
Are there any scholarships in Finland that do not require IELTS or TOEFL?
Some universities waive English proficiency tests if your previous degree was taught in English. Otherwise, you may need IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (79+) for scholarship eligibility.
How do I prove financial stability for my student visa if I get a full scholarship?
Even with a full scholarship, Finland requires proof of €560/month (₹50,000) for living expenses. The scholarship letter can be used as part of your financial proof.
Are tuition-free universities in Finland the same as public universities?
Yes, public universities in Finland offer tuition-free education for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students must apply for scholarships to reduce costs.
Can I switch to a different university in Finland while on a scholarship?
Some scholarships are university-specific, so switching institutions may result in losing funding. Check your scholarship terms before transferring.
Do Finnish scholarships cover research expenses for master’s and PhD students?
Yes, PhD scholarships and research-based master's programs often cover tuition, research costs, and provide a stipend for living expenses.
Can I apply for both Finnish government scholarships and university-specific scholarships?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships. Some universities allow stacking of funding sources, but check the terms before applying.
Are there any post-graduation financial aid options for international students in Finland?
Post-study work permits allow students to stay and work in Finland. Some universities also offer research funding and career grants for international graduates.
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.
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