Finland is known for its high-quality education system and has been consistently ranked as one of the best countries for education. One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Finland is the opportunity to study for free, or at a significantly reduced cost, compared to other countries. In this guide, we will explain how you can study in Finland for free.
Choose the right university
The first step in studying in Finland for free is to choose the right university. There are many universities in Finland that offer free tuition for international students, but not all of them have programs that are taught in English. It is important to research and find universities that offer programs in your desired field of study and in English.
Some of the top universities in Finland that offer free tuition for international students include the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Tampere University, and the University of Oulu. These universities offer a wide range of programs in various fields such as business, engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Check eligibility criteria
Before applying to any university, it is important to check the eligibility criteria for admission. Each university has its own set of requirements that must be met before being considered for admission. Some universities may require you to have completed certain courses or hold specific qualifications.
Additionally, to be eligible for free tuition in Finland, you must be a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland. If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may still be eligible for reduced tuition fees.
Apply for scholarships
Even if you are not eligible for free tuition, there are still opportunities to receive scholarships that can cover your tuition fees. Many universities in Finland offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit or financial need. Additionally, there are several external organizations that offer scholarships for studying in Finland.
Some of the popular scholarship programs for international students include the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, the CIMO Scholarship Program, and the EDUFI Fellowship Program. These programs offer financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Find affordable accommodation
One of the biggest expenses for international students studying abroad is accommodation. In Finland, there are several options available for affordable accommodation such as student housing, shared apartments, or renting a room in a private home.
Most universities in Finland have their own student housing options at reasonable prices. You can also find shared apartments through websites such as Oikotie or Vuokraovi. Renting a room in a private home is another option and can be found on websites such as Airbnb or Homestay.
Budget wisely
Living expenses in Finland can be high compared to other countries, but with wise budgeting, it is possible to live comfortably on a student budget. The cost of living varies depending on the city you are living in, but typically includes expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.
To save money on food, consider cooking your meals at home instead of eating out. Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Finland, so consider using public transport instead of owning a car. Additionally, there are many free or low-cost activities available for students in Finland, such as museums, parks, and cultural events.
Learn the Finnish language
While most of the programs offered by universities in Finland are taught in English, learning the Finnish language can be helpful for daily life. Many Finns speak English fluently, but knowing some Finnish can make it easier to navigate everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or communicating with locals.
There are many language courses available in Finland, both online and in-person, and some universities even offer Finnish language courses for free to international students.
In conclusion, studying in Finland for free is a great opportunity for international students to receive high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees. By choosing the right university, checking eligibility criteria, applying for scholarships, finding affordable accommodation, budgeting wisely, and learning the Finnish language, you can make the most of your study abroad experience in Finland.
