7 reasons to study in Finland
Photo by Paul Theodor Oja
In Europe’s far North, Finland is a country that has steadily grown in popularity among international students. Why? It combines world-class education, innovative teaching, and a safe, modern society with spectacular natural landscapes. Granted, the winters get harsh - but that’s why they enjoy the sauna!
Keep reading to learn why Finland might be the perfect destination for your studies, and what challenges you should be prepared for:
Study in Finland: Find Bachelors & Masters
Finland is famous for its excellent education system, consistently ranked among the best in the world. Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences emphasize research, innovation, and student-centered learning.
Many institutions are internationally renowned, such as:
These and many other universities offer a wide range of English-taught degrees, available for international students.
Are you a student from the EU/EEA? Then congrats! You can study at public universities in Finland for free.
Students from outside the EU/EEA have to pay tuition fees in Finland, which range from €6,000 to €18,000 per year, depending on the programme and university. Some universities offer scholarships or tuition waivers, so it’s always worth asking them directly.
Studying abroad is an investment in your future and personal growth. Finland is not a cheap country to live in, but with some planning, even students on a budget can enjoy the unique experiences it offers.
Finland is regularly ranked one of the safest countries in the world. The country is also highly inclusive, with progressive policies and a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly. The society is egalitarian, and universities welcome students from diverse backgrounds.
Finns are often described as reserved, and it may take time to build friendships beyond the international student community. And yet, once you do, these friendships tend to be deep, lasting, and built on trust and respect.
From thousands of lakes to the Northern Lights, Finland is a paradise for nature lovers. Students can enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking, and even ice swimming if they’re brave enough!
The long summer days with endless light are unforgettable, and so are the dark but magical winters. During Christmas you can even visit Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, for a truly unique seasonal experience.
While the winters are long and adjusting to the limited daylight (especially in the north) can be challenging, many students find this a unique opportunity to experience Finnish traditions like sauna culture, winter sports, and cozy indoor living. Embracing the seasons can become a rewarding part of your study-abroad adventure, helping you grow personally while discovering a whole new way of life.
Finland has consistently ranked #1 in the World Happiness Report for several years in a row. A mix of social stability, good governance, access to nature, and strong social support systems contribute to this.
For students, this means an overall supportive environment and a great place to grow personally and academically.
Plus, if you care about climate and the environment, studying in Finland means being part of a society that takes sustainability seriously. The country is a global leader in sustainability and universities actively promote eco-friendly living, from renewable energy to innovative recycling systems.
Finland invests heavily in research, science, and technological innovation. Finnish universities are well-known for their strong research output, supportive academic environments, and cutting-edge facilities across fields ranging from engineering and ICT to education, biotechnology, and sustainability.
For students interested in doctoral studies, Finland offers a particularly attractive model: many PhD positions come with guaranteed funding, paid research roles, or even full employee-level salaries. This means that doctoral candidates can focus on their research without the financial pressure common in other countries. Additionally, international students are fully integrated into research teams and often collaborate with industry partners, giving them valuable professional experience and strong career prospects both in academia and beyond.
Finld has relatively flexible rules for part-time work as you study: International students can work up to 30 hours per week, and that can help cover living costs while. The catch is that it can be hard to find jobs that don’t require any Finnish. (Students that do a Masters in Finland may have it a little easier than those doing a Bachelors in Finland, since they already have a degree and more skills and experience.)
So it’s highly recommended to learn the basics as soon as possible, and ideally not base your funding on finding work immediately after arrival. That last bit is an important aspect to take into account, since the cost of living in Finland can be expensive, especially in the capital city Helsinki. While student housing foundations usually offer more affordable options, private rentals can quickly stretch your budget.
If the above excited you about Finland, then don’t wait until you start your study-abroad adventure:
Find Bachelors & Masters in Finland today!
596 Programmes in Finland
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