Before 2016, there were no tuition fees for higher studies in Finland. Students were needed to participate in entrance exams. Upon successful results, students were given 100% scholarships on tuition fees.
With time, Finnish authorities introduced tuition fees in the higher studies for the non EU/EEA students. So, if you are coming from a European country, then you do not need to worry about the tuition fee.
Although they implemented tuition fees for the Non EU/EEA students, there was scope for achieving a certain percentage of scholarship. It reduced the tuition fees for the students and more students were capable of getting admission in the universities. Even, I got a scholarship from the university and I will tell you my story at the end of this blog.
A lot of students have been coming to Finland for higher studies in recent years. Even though they implemented tuition fees, the influx of students did not stop.
If you look at the tuition fees in the Finnish universities, you will see that it is quite expensive. If you are coming from an Asian country, these tuition fees can be a burden for you.
There comes the question, can I study in Finland for free? or What are the scholarship opportunities? Here is everything you need to know.
Scholarships can ease the financial obstacles towards your higher studies
There are 3 different ways through which you can come to Finland and study for free:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Finnish Government Scholarship
- University Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship:
Erasmus mundus scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe that offers masters degrees to the students. This program gives you the opportunity to complete your masters in at least two different universities in two different countries.
Finland is one of the partner countries of the Erasmus program. You can come to Finland and study for free if you are granted admission in a program where Finland is one of the partner countries. Additionally, you will be given a monthly stipend from the Erasmus.
2. Finnish Government Scholarship:
The Finnish government offers scholarships every year to the top applicants in the universities. The scholarship is given to encourage the academically bright and talented students to come to Finland. This scholarship includes 100% scholarship on the tuition fees and a 5000 euros relocation grant. That means, you can study for free and also you will not have to worry about the initial costs of settling in a new country.
3. University scholarships:
All the university offers some scholarships to the international prospective students. This scholarship covers about 20% to 100% of the tuition fees based on the applicant’s profile. However, the percentage of scholarship is not specific for all the programs in a particular university. You need to check the university website if the department of your choice is offering any scholarship or not.
When you are applying for university admission in Finland, you have to select this option that you want to apply for the scholarships. No separate applications needed to apply for scholarship. The university will inform you if you are granted scholarships or not through the admission letter/ offer letter.
Sometimes, there are some additional scholarships are often offered by the universities. If you go the scholarship webpage of a university, you will get more information. In case if you do not found that page, ask your program coordinator or search on google “**University name** scholarship opportunities”. For example: “Aalto University scholarship opportunities”
I was awarded this university scholarship during 2022. The University of Oulu offered me 75% scholarship per year which was the highest percentage of scholarship offered by my chosen department. So I had to pay 25% of the tuition fees each year. However, there was a specific condition that I have to complete 60 ECTS by the end of my first year of studies. Otherwise the scholarship will be discontinued during the second year.
Remember: The chance of getting a scholarship in a good university is getting competitive each year. So you should consider continuously develop your results, skills and overall profile to step ahead in the competition of getting a scholarship.