Updated on July 20th, 2023
In the last week of October 2022, while traveling to attend ICEF Berlin, my stay was in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Finland is a beautiful country, geographically in the most northern part of Europe. It is also the most densely forested country in Europe. Because of its geographical scenario, Finland has a harsh climate in the northern part of the country.
And all this resulted in a concentration of population in the southern part and mainly around the main city of Helsinki. Still, most people live in small towns and cities. They are always close to nature, especially forests. Here in this article, we will discuss the options for studying in Finland for International, especially Indian students.
Best Environment for Students in Finland
For quality education, Finland is a country that comes very first in mind. Finland is a good choice for students from around the world. One of the most environmentally conscious countries, Finland has a high level of infrastructure and technology where international students get the best for their learning. Finland is also called a ‘Country of Lakes’, and so scenic beauty of Finland makes a student feel an ideal place to live and explore.
There are over 400 programs that are offered purely in the English language. While not a necessity, higher education institutions also offer language courses in Finnish or Swedish for students that wish to learn the national languages. Being a student in Finland has many advantages. From high-tech labs to well-stocked libraries, they equip university campuses with all the facilities that knowledge-hungry students need.
Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs in Finland
There are several programs offered at various levels in Finland, whereas programs at Bachelor and Master levels are mostly in demand for international students, especially for Indian students.
Bachelor’s degree has a duration of 3 years (180 ECTS credits) whereas a Master’s degree has 1-2 years duration (60 or 120 ECTS credits). A doctoral degree in Finland usually lasts about 4 years.
English Language requirement
Most of the university courses are in English, particularly in the Master’s programs. As an applicant, you need IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The least language requirement for a Master’s program is 6.5, and some universities require a special score or a skill score. Similarly, for undergraduate courses requirement is 6 bands in IELTS.
Subjects to study in Finland
As an international student, you can easily find a subject you want to study. Some of the most popular subjects to study in Finland are Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Education and training, Natural Sciences, and many more. Ask for more details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com
Tuition Fee & Scholarship in Finland
Tuition Fees are mandatory for students from non-EU/EEA countries and will vary between universities. Finnish higher education institutions also offer scholarship opportunities to students who pay fees, so contact your chosen institution to find out more about their funding options. Each university sets its own fees, which can differ from program to program, but they set somewhere annual tuition fees between €8,000 and €18,000, not including general living expenses.
Students can work while they study in Finland
Student jobs are a valuable part and experience of a student’s life before entering the labor market. To support themselves and to gain some experience, students opt to work in the meantime. All the students studying in the university, national or international, can work while pursuing their graduate and post-graduate degrees. Students can work for 25 hours per week. During the holidays, there is no such time limit. As soon as the student works, he has to pay taxes based on his average salary.
Major admission intakes in Finland
Major intakes in Finland are in Autumn & Spring. Autumn is September whereas Spring is January. September is the Primary Intake. All universities offer all the courses to international students. Spring intake is a Secondary Intake. Plenty of courses are available for students who missed the Autumn intake.
Can you bring your dependents on a Finland student visa?
As a student with a residence permit, you can bring your spouse and children to Finland during the course duration. They will have to apply separately for the permit to join you in the country. You can submit your application together to save time and get processed as a family. Please note that you have to prove to have enough funds to cover your family expenses in Finland.
Stay back and working options after study
International students with a residence permit in Finland can work as many hours as they wish if the job is related to the program they are studying. As an international student, you can work up to 25 hours a week during term time, and full-time during holidays. However, since the beginning of 2022, the government of Finland has increased the number of hours international students can work during their study stay to 30 per week. Finland offers excellent opportunities for international students, including the possibility of getting a quality position while studying abroad.
When they completed their studies, they still stay back and work in Finland. You may apply for a work permit in Finland after studying to look for work or start a business. You’ll have the option for this two-year post-study permit for five years after graduation, and you can also take the permit in parts if you like. Another beautiful study destination NETHERLANDS: A LAND OF FLOWERS, BEERS & BEST STUDY OPTIONS
Read more: Finland, a promising study destination in coming years
If you feel this article is useful and you are also planning to study in Finland, drop your query at Adv. Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965
No Comment