May 22, 2023
Finland, a popular tourist destination for the magical Northern Lights, is rated no. 1 as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year since 2016 by the World Happiness Report. The country has received this position due to factors like social support, life expectancy, quality of living, etc. If you are planning to study in Finland, then you shall witness that educational institutes also promote a happy learning environment. To learn more about studying abroad in Finland, read on.
Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. There are many top-ranked universities in the country where students can seek high-quality education. Finnish universities ensure that you receive the best study experience and focus on practical learning. They also provide a range of affordable courses.
The university campuses are located in major cities in Finland. Besides, students can opt for various specialisation courses like medicine, business, law and engineering. Finland’s education system can be divided into two categories - polytechnic universities and universities. Polytechnic universities are meant for practical-oriented study where international students are prepared for careers in applied sciences and related fields. Whereas universities are more research-based and train students on different systems and methodologies. There are around 13 universities and 23 polytechnic universities in Finland.
Some of the top universities in Finland are:
• The University of Helsinki
• Aalto University
• University of Turku
• University of Eastern Finland
• LUT University
These universities have unique teaching styles and students develop interdisciplinary skills. Once you choose the programme and the college, you can reach out to KC Overseas for more details pertaining to admission criteria.
You can directly get applications to study in Finland via the University Admissions Finland (UAF). College deadlines for applications may vary but usually, applications for fall intake are accepted from November to January. At polytechnic universities, students can apply between August and September for the spring semester (only for selected programmes). The application procedure takes a month and some of the basic requirements are:
• An application form filled completely with the necessary details
• A copy of your passport
• A passport size photograph
• Academic transcripts from previous institutions that you have attended since secondary school
• Some colleges may require essays and SOPs
• Letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
• English-language proficiency test scores. Universities in Finland accept TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English (Academic), etc. Every university has different score cut-offs
• A copy of the birth certificate as well as a certified translation showing the birthplace of parents
• Proof of your health insurance
• Proof of financial support
The cost of studying in Finland varies depending upon the university and course selected, but the tuition fees are quite affordable in most Finnish universities. Most of these universities offer scholarships to meritorious international students. Notably, students from Switzerland, EU and EEA countries can study in Finland without having to pay any tuition fees. Other international students may have to pay anything between EUR 6,000 and EUR 18,000 per year, for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. For example, tuition fees at Aalto University are EUR 12,000 - EUR 15,000 per year and EUR 13,000 - EUR 18,000 per year at The University of Helsinki. However, doctorate programmes in Finland are usually free of cost.
International students in Finland require a visa as well as a residence permit if their studies in Finland take more than 90 days. It takes 1 to 3 months to process a Finnish residence permit. Let us look at some of the documents required for a student visa:
• Details of tuition fee payments
• Proof of funds
• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
While studying in Finland, students are allowed to take up part-time jobs to meet their expenses. They can earn around 9 to 13 euros per hour depending on the working hours and the job sector. You can not only study in Finland but also explore a wide range of job opportunities. Finland is known for its employee-friendly working hours. And, the country ranks second on The Global Gender Gap Index 2022. International students can work upto 25 hours per week. Finnish universities also provide career guidance services for international students.
In Finland, you can find an ideal job related to your field of study. While you are doing part-time jobs, you can build useful connections. Some of the highest-paying jobs in the country are surgeons, judges, college professors, bank managers, accountants, etc.
ConclusionFinland is home to a large number of foreign students. The country has a rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and high standard of living. Equality and freedom are also integral parts of the Finnish education and employment systems. Students planning to study in Finland can get in touch with KC Overseas, one of the leading ed-tech companies, for guidance regarding application procedures, scholarship applications, visas and more. |