Dreaming of studying in Europe without breaking the bank?
Finland might be the perfect place for you!
This beautiful Nordic country is known for more than just its snowy forests and the Northern Lights. It’s also home to some of the world’s best schools and universities. Better yet—many of them offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
Whether you’re planning to start a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Finland has something for you. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more. From top universities like the University of Helsinki to Aalto University and Tampere, you’ll find amazing opportunities here.
No IELTS? No problem! Some programs even allow you to apply without it.
So if you’re ready to explore a new world of education and adventure, keep reading. This guide will help you find the right scholarship and start your journey in Finland—debt-free and full of hope.
Government Scholarships in Finland
Finland offers several government-funded scholarships to help international students cover the cost of education. These scholarships are designed to support students from outside the EU/EEA.
Finland Scholarships (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Finland Scholarships are funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. They are available for non-EU/EEA students who are applying to English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
Eligibility:
- Must be a non-EU/EEA applicant
- Must apply to an eligible degree program in Finland
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- €5,000 relocation grant (paid in the first year only)
Duration: Covers the full duration of the degree
How to apply: When you apply to the university, you are automatically considered. No separate application is needed.
EDUFI Fellowships (PhD Students)
The EDUFI Fellowship is offered by the Finnish National Agency for Education. It supports doctoral-level research in Finnish universities.
Eligibility:
- Non-Finnish PhD students or researchers
- Must be invited by a Finnish university or research group
Benefits:
- Monthly grant (usually €1,900/month)
- Covers living costs during research stay
Duration: From 3 to 12 months
How to apply: Submit your application through the EDUFI official website, usually via your host university in Finland.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Finnish universities also provide their own scholarships. These are usually merit-based and support students who are required to pay tuition fees.
Aalto University Scholarships
Aalto University offers scholarships to students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
Types of Scholarships:
- Excellence Scholarship: Covers 100% of tuition fees
- Merit Scholarship: Covers 50% of tuition fees
Eligibility:
- Open to non-EU/EEA students
- Awarded based on academic performance
How to apply: Apply during your admission process. Scholarships are awarded automatically based on your application.
University of Helsinki Scholarships
The University of Helsinki provides scholarships only for Master’s programs taught in English.
Types of Scholarships:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- 50% tuition fee waiver
Requirements to maintain the scholarship:
- Complete at least 55 ECTS credits per academic year
- Stay enrolled full-time
- Make satisfactory academic progress
How to apply: You must apply for the scholarship as part of your degree application.
University of Oulu Scholarships
The University of Oulu has a scholarship program for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
Types of Scholarships:
- University of Oulu International Scholarship
- Nokia Scholarship
- CWC Scholarship
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver, depending on the program
Eligibility: High-performing international students applying to an English-taught degree program
How to apply: Apply through the university’s online admission portal. Some scholarships require separate applications.
Tampere University Scholarships
Tampere University supports international students with several scholarship options for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Benefits:
- 50% tuition fee waiver for top students
- Early bird discount of €2,000 for those who pay tuition within two weeks of admission
- An additional €2,000 reduction for Tampere Bachelor’s graduates continuing to Master’s
Tuition Fees: Range from €10,000 to €12,000 per year
How to apply: Submit your application through Tampere University’s online system. You will be considered for scholarships during this process.
University of Turku Scholarships
The University of Turku offers merit-based scholarships for students applying to Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
Key Points:
- No scholarships for first-year students, but they get a 20% Early Bird discount if they accept the offer and pay fees on time
- From the second year, 50% tuition fee waivers are awarded based on academic results
How to apply: During the admission process. The university evaluates your eligibility automatically.
LUT University Scholarships
LUT University gives multiple scholarships to support Bachelor’s and Master’s level studies.
Scholarship Details:
- Some scholarships are automatic
- Others require a separate application
- Covers partial or full tuition depending on the program
How to apply: Visit LUT University’s scholarship page to check which programs require a separate application.
PhD Funding Opportunities in Finland
Most PhD programs in Finland are salaried positions, not tuition-based. That means you get paid while doing research.
PhD Scholarships and Funding Options
Here are some common ways to get PhD funding in Finland:
| University/Program | Type of Funding | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki Doctoral Programmes | Monthly salary (employee) | Apply directly to doctoral schools |
| Aalto University Doctoral Funding | Salaried research positions | Competitive, research-focused |
| Finnish Doctoral Programmes Network | Collaborative research funding | Nationwide PhD funding opportunities |
In most cases, PhD students are treated as employees. You sign a contract, receive a salary, and get benefits like healthcare and pension contributions.
How to apply: Visit the university website or contact the program directly. Each doctoral school has its own deadlines and requirements.
Other Scholarships and Grants
Benefits:
– Full tuition coverage
– Monthly stipend
– Travel and insurance costs
Types of grants:
– Fulbright U.S. Student Program
– Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching
– Fulbright Scholar Awards
Conclusion
Studying in Finland is more than just earning a degree. It’s about getting a world-class education in a safe, modern, and welcoming country. With many fully funded scholarships, students from all over the world can study in Finland without worrying about high costs.
Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, there is a scholarship that fits your goals. These programs cover tuition, living costs, and sometimes even travel expenses. Many universities also offer extra discounts for early applications or top academic performance.
Finland wants to attract global talent, and these scholarships are proof of that. So if you’re ready to start a new chapter in your education, don’t wait.
Apply now for Finland scholarships: https://www.studyinfinland.fi
This is your chance to study in a top-ranked university—debt-free and future-ready.