Finland a country in Europe offers cheap or affordable but qualitative education opportunities for international students, compared to other Western countries. Below is a detailed overview of costs, scholarships, and key institutions:
1. Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA Students
Public universities in Finland charge tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, typically ranges from €4,000 to €18,000 per year, but depends on the institution and program. Doctoral programs (PhDs) are generally tuition-free, even for international students.
Undergraduate programs: €6,000–€12,000/year at public universities.
Master’s programs: Start as low as €4,000/year (e.g., Diaconia University of Applied Sciences) 4, with most averaging €8,000–€15,000/year.
MBA/Engineering programs: Often cost €12,000–€15,000/year
2. Affordable Universities
Below are some of the most budget-friendly institutions for non-EU/EEA students:
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (EUR) | Key Programs | Scholarship Options |
| Diaconia UAS | €4,000–€6,000 | Nursing, Social Services | Merit-based scholarships 4 |
| Kajaani UAS | €7,000–€11,000 | Tourism, Esports Business | High student satisfaction rates 4 |
| University of Eastern Finland | €8,000–€10,000 | Environmental Science, IT | 50–80% tuition waivers 11 |
| Tampere University | €6,000–€12,000 | Engineering, Health Sciences | Full tuition waivers available 11 |
| University of Lapland | €8,000–€12,000 | Arctic Studies, Social Sciences | Affordable fees for specialized programs 3 |
| Häme UAS (HAMK) | €9,700–€11,700 | Technology, Business | 50% fee reduction for academic performance 11 |
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most of the Finnish universities offer scholarships to reduce tuition fees, which often covers 50–100% of costs:
University-specific scholarships: Aalto University provides partial to full tuition waivers for Master’s students 14. Tampere University offers the Global Student Award (€7,000 stipend + full tuition waiver).
Government scholarships: For doctoral researchers, covering tuition and living costs.
Erasmus Mundus: Funds joint Master’s programs across Europe, including Finnish institutions.
4. Living Costs
Monthly expenses average €700–€1,500, depending on location:
Accommodation: €250–€700/month (cheaper in smaller cities like Oulu or Lappeenranta) 911.
Food: €200–€350/month.
Transport: €30–€60/month for public passes 9.
Tips to save:
Opt for university housing.
Cook meals at home.
Use student discounts for transport and entertainment 9.
5. Application Tips
Deadlines: For January 2025 intake, apply by 11 September 2025 via Studyinfo.fi.
Documents: Prepare academic transcripts, language scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and motivation letters.
Scholarship applications: Apply alongside admission forms; deadlines vary by university.
Post-Study Opportunities
Graduates can apply for a 2-year post-study work permit, with strong demand in tech, healthcare, and engineering sectors. Finland’s startup ecosystem also supports entrepreneurial ventures .
For more details on specific programs or scholarships, visit the official university websites or platforms link.
