As far as study abroad destinations go, choosing to study in Finland tuition-free is one of the top choices available. This was true for a long time until government regulations changed everything.
Does this mean that international students can no longer enjoy tuition-free education in Finland?
Yes and no. Well, let’s explain.
In 2016, the Finnish Parliament passed new regulations to introduce tuition fees for non-European Union students starting from €1,500 per year. It means universities in Finland now require tuition fees for non-EU international students.
Here’s the good news. You can still study in Finland tuition-free this year using three clever moves.
3 Methods Towards Tuition-Free Education In Finland
Finnish universities offer diverse study programs. To score a tuition-free education in Finland you can:
- Choose to study in one of the local languages (Finnish or Swedish),
- Research hidden scholarships offered by Finnish universities
- Choose to do your Ph.D. in Finland, as they are always free, regardless of the language that you speak.
1. Opt For A Program In The Local Language
Local languages spoken in Finland include Finnish and Swedish. If you want to study abroad without having to pay fees, you should sharpen your skills in either of these two languages.
Universities in Finland offer free programs and courses in both Finnish and Swedish. If you are able to speak, understand and demonstrate your knowledge in either of these languages, you will be able to study without having to pay for tuition.
Likewise, if you are not proficient enough in either of the local languages, you should look for foreign language schools that teach those courses. Finnish universities do not provide entry-level courses that cover their official languages.
Before you get ready to study abroad in Finland, make sure to devote your energy to learning the local languages. Contact your local Finnish Embassy for any instructions necessary to obtain a licensed certificate to prove your knowledge of the local languages! To get a head start on learning, you can try online self-guided learning.
2. Find Hidden Scholarships And Incentives
Finnish universities offer a plethora of scholarships, both full and partial, to exceptional students who are interested in studying in Finland. With 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences, Finland has a broad range of studying programs to offer.
However, finding and securing scholarships can be a complex process. The list of Finnish universities offers a peek at where the universities are located and available courses. Each university has its own website, where they frequently post and update about scholarships and incentives that may not be found elsewhere.
As an international student, the best way to score a scholarship is to investigate the university that you are interested in. Then, scour the programs that cover your area of interest. For example, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences offers non-EU students full scholarships for all of their Bachelor’s Degrees.
Your university of interest provides all the necessary details on their website, where you can also apply for a scholarship or grant. Bear in mind that you may need to cover your living expenses even if you are on a scholarship.
3. Choose A Ph.D. Program
The third clever method towards a tuition-free education in Finland is to be admitted as a doctoral student. No matter if you want to study in the local languages or English, you are eligible to study tuition-free as a Ph.D. student.
You can search for doctoral programs that are offered by Finnish universities based on your area of interest. If you have finished your master’s degree, you are eligible to try and enroll in a doctoral program. From then on, you are still expected to cover your living expenses. You can even apply for research funding while you study!
All Set To Study In Finland Tuition-Free
Even with the updated regulations in motion, it is still possible to get a top education in Finland tuition-free.
It is always best to be fully aware of the possibilities for attaining a tuition-free education in Finland. The options are to learn in one of the local languages (Finnish or Swedish), to seek out hidden scholarships granted by Finnish universities, or to pursue a Ph.D. in Finland.
As you prepare to study in Finland tuition-free this year, the Apply to Study in Finland: A Complete Application Process course can be your guide. It takes you through all the necessary checkpoints and informs you about the entire application process.
Applying to study abroad can be tedious. So, prepare yourself for the application process by taking the course. Get all the help you need to study tuition-free in Finland in one place.