Finland, known for its world-class education system and high quality of life, is an increasingly popular study destination for international students. While education is free for EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees. However, many Finnish universities offer scholarships to help offset these costs. In this post, we explore the top universities in Finland that provide scholarships to international students, including scholarship types, timelines, benefits, and where to find more information.
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Scholarship Opportunities in Finland
Finland offers various scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing Master’s programs, with application rounds currently open. To be eligible, applicants typically need a minimum of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of 2.5 or higher, along with language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS or PTE scores of at least 6.5 or 64, respectively. These scholarships aim to support students in covering tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Finland, making it an attractive destination for higher education in Europe.
List of Finnish Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students
1. University of Helsinki
Scholarship Types:
- University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme: Includes full tuition fee waivers and a grant to cover living expenses (€10,000).
- Finland Scholarship: Funded by the Finnish government, includes a tuition fee waiver and a relocation grant.
Timeline:
- Application Period: December–January (alongside degree application)
- Results: April
Benefits:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Up to €10,000 for living costs
- Possible renewal for the second year based on academic performance
Official website:
University of Helsinki Scholarships
2. Aalto University
Scholarship Types:
- Aalto University Scholarships: Tuition fee waivers (50% or 100%)
- Finland Scholarship: Full tuition + €5,000 relocation grant
Timeline:
- Application Period: December–January
- Scholarship Notification: Sent with admission results
Benefits:
- Partial or full tuition fee waivers
- €5,000 relocation grant for top-tier students
Official website:
3. University of Turku
Scholarship Types:
- Tuition Fee Waivers: 25%, 50%, or 100%
- Finland Scholarship: Full tuition + €5,000
Timeline:
- Application Period: Early January
- Notification: Spring (with admission)
Benefits:
- Tiered tuition waivers
- Relocation grant available
Official website:
University of Turku Scholarships
4. Tampere University
Scholarship Types:
- Tampere University Scholarships: 50% or 100% tuition fee waivers
- Finland Scholarship: Tuition + €5,000
Timeline:
- Application Period: December–January
- Scholarship Results: March–April
Benefits:
- Tuition fee coverage
- Living cost support
Official website:
Tampere University Scholarships
5. LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology)
Scholarship Types:
- LUT Scholarships: 50%, 100%, or Finland Scholarship
- Academic Achievement Scholarship: Based on GPA after first year
Timeline:
- Application Period: November–January
- Scholarship Offers: Alongside admission
Benefits:
- Multiple tiers of tuition fee waivers
- Additional merit-based rewards in the 2nd year
Official website:
6. University of Eastern Finland (UEF)
Scholarship Types:
- Tuition Waivers: 50%, 70%, or 100%
- Finland Scholarship: Tuition + €5,000
Timeline:
- Application Period: December–January
- Scholarship Notification: Spring
Benefits:
- Generous tuition waivers
- Stipend for relocation or living costs
Official website:
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7. Åbo Akademi University
Scholarship Types:
- Tuition Fee Waivers: 50% or 100%
- Finland Scholarship: Full tuition + €5,000
Timeline:
- Application Period: December–January
- Scholarship Results: March–April
Benefits:
- Free tuition for top applicants
- €5,000 grant for living expenses
Official website:
National Scholarship – Finland Scholarship
Offered by: Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland
Who Qualifies: First-year non-EU/EEA master’s students
Benefits:
- 100% tuition waiver
- €5,000 relocation grant
Available at: All universities listed above and more
Official website:
Study in Finland – Scholarships
Application Timeline Summary (Typical)
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Late November–December |
| Application Deadline | Mid to Late January |
| Admission Results | March–April |
| Scholarship Notification | With the admission result |
| Studies Begin | August–September |
Tips for Applicants
- Apply early and ensure your documents are complete.
- Write a strong motivation letter—often required for scholarships.
- Maintain high academic performance if your scholarship is renewable.
- Check each university’s official website for the most current information.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Finland can be a life-changing experience, and with the right scholarship, it can also be financially manageable. Whether you’re looking for a fully funded opportunity or partial assistance, Finnish universities offer a range of scholarships tailored to international students. Take time to research, prepare, and apply confidently.
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