Education in Finland
Finland has an exciting student culture. Universities are the social and cultural center of many cities with a young population. In 2023, there were over 31,000 degree-seeking international students in Finland, making up about 9% of total students according to the Finnish National Agency for Education.
Universities in Finland pride themselves on their practical and hands-on approach to studying and their multidisciplinary style of education. The World Economic Forum has called Finnish universities the most effective in the World. And, according to their Global Competitiveness Index, Finland’s higher education and training performance ranks second in the world for its innovative approach that prepares students for the modern world. Finland has high academic standards, and admissions to Finnish universities can be competitive.
Why should you study in Finland?
The Pros and Cons of Studying in Finland
Pros
A top ranked academic system in Europe.
English is widely spoken.
Upon completing your bachelor’s you will be automatically admitted for a master’s degree program at the same university without needing to apply again.
Students are permitted to work part-time while studying.
Student housing is very affordable.
Cons
It can be difficult to get a student job without speaking Finnish.
Winters can be harsh with cold temperatures, lots of snow, and long nights.
Finnish is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn in Europe, but if you can master the language you can study for free!
How to study in Finland as an International Student
To move to Finland and qualify for a student visa, you must study in a degree-awarding program. In most cases, any university program you apply for will qualify for this. However, programs from an “Open University of Applied Sciences” do not award qualifying degrees and consequently do not qualify international students for a residence permit.
The Skola university database only includes universities that offer degrees that meet this requirement.
Highlighted Universities
Who should study in Finland?
Deciding which country to study in can be a challenge. Students must balance their personal happiness, professional ambitions, academic opportunities, and financial standing to find a location which can grant them the ability to reach their long term goals.
If you would like to dive deeper into which countries are uniquely suited to you and your lifestyle, consider booking a consultation with one of our experts or purchasing a personalized Go Euro Guide. We will work with you one-on-one to set you up for success and explore the best universities and locations for you and your future.
On a less individualized level, a good starting point for deciding what country would be best for you is to look at the largest and most critical industries that are located there. These industries are not only indicators of what types of jobs will be available upon graduation, but also what subjects universities will specialize in.
Key Industries in Finland
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Tech & Digital
Finland is known for its embrace of innovation, with Helsinki being regarded as the Startup center of Northern Europe.
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![A large white cruise ship named 'Color Magic' sailing through icy water with snow-covered hills and trees in the background, surrounded by mist or steam near the water's surface.]()
Maritime
With an expansive coastline and strategic geopolitical location, the maritime, port, and shipbuilding industries thrive in Finland.
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Motor Industry
Along with shipbuilding, Finland has a large industrial machinery industry producing tractors, trucks, military vehicles, and buses.
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Biotech & Clean Tech
Finland is investing in the circular economy. The country’s roots in forestry lay the foundation for research and development of clean tech.
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Forestry
Historically, pulp and paper made up one of Finland’s largest exports. Now the industry is reshaping thanks to the tech and innovation spaces to focus on green and renewable solutions, such as wood-based plastics alternatives and fully biodegradable packaging.
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![Three wind turbines on a hilltop at sunset, with a purple sky and forested landscape in the background.]()
Clean Energy
Finland’s energy is 40% renewable, including biomass, wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy, with the aim of being carbon-neutral by 2035.
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