Finland Tuition Free Universities and Scholarships for Foreign Students
Why study in Finland as an international student? The Finnish education system is regarded one of the best in the world and Finnish Universities offer about 450 international programs in English. Finland is also one of the few remaining countries in the world where tuition fee is free for everyone including international students*. The Finnish Government also offers some doctoral scholarships for international students.
Tuition Free Universities in Finland
Higher education in Finland is supported by the Finnish government. There are currently no tuition fees charged in Finnish higher education degrees regardless of the level of studies and the nationality of the student*. However, living costs and other study costs are entirely the responsibility of the student.
*Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students will be introduced from autumn 2017 onwards for English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s program. Doctoral level studies will remain free of tuition fees. Updates concerning the forthcoming non-EU tuition fees and related new scholarships options can be found at www.studyinfinland.fi/tuitionfees2017.
See the list of all Finnish Universities and Polytechnics that offers tuition fee program.
Finnish Government/EU Scholarships for International Students
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
The Finnish Government offers scholarships of 3-9 months for Doctoral level studies and research in all academic fields at Finnish universities or public research institutes. The scholarship cannot be applied for Master’s level studies or post-Doctoral studies/research. The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool program is open to young researchers from Australia, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, and USA. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance of EUR 1500.
CIMO Doctoral Fellowships in Finland
The CIMO Fellowships program is open to young Doctoral level students and researchers from all countries and from all academic fields who wish to pursue their Doctorate (or Double Doctorate) at a Finnish university. Master’s level studies or post-doctoral studies/research are not supported in the program. The scholarship period may vary from 3 to 12 months. The monthly allowance is worth EUR 1,500 and is intended to cover living expenses in Finland for a single person.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs in Finland
Finnish Universities participate in a number of study programs which are funded by Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. You can apply for a scholarship to follow one of the existing high-level Erasmus Mundus program at masters or doctoral level, or one of the new Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree program, offered by a consortium of European and non-European higher education institutions including a Finnish University.
Finnish University Scholarships for International Students
Most Finnish Universities don’t offer scholarships or financial aid for international students. Only a few individual program offered by some Universities offers some scholarships. Some Universities like The University of Helsinki offers international student grants with a minimal amount.
Important Notes about Free Studies in Finland
• Please note that the tuition free policy for non-EU/EEA students might change in the future. Tuition fees could still be introduced for non-EU/EEA students at some stage in the future.You are advised to visit studyinfinland.fi for updates and follow what the individual higher education institutions say about tuition fees in their program by checking the info on their own Admissions pages.
• A student will need EUR 500 – 800 per month to cover basic expenses such as food, rent, and transportation. Student union fee cost about about 100 Euros.
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