Over 2000 Indian Students in Finland, Creating room for more: Ambassador Lähdevirta

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Finland Ambassador highlights differences between Indian and Finnish education, noting mutual learning. He advises Indian students on exploring Finnish opportunities and leveraging alumni insights

Engaging with Finland’s Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta unveils Finland's efforts to attract international students. Through education fairs and social media, Finland promotes its high-quality education and career opportunities. The Ambassador notes over 2000 Indian students currently enrolled, with accessible financial assistance. He highlights differences between Indian and Finnish education, noting mutual learning. Finally, he advises Indian students on exploring Finnish opportunities and leveraging alumni insights.

Q. How is Finland looking to attract international students to its universities?

Ambassador: We are now creating awareness about the high-quality Finnish education, and the kind of career opportunities which are there in Finland. We are holding career and education fairs in different cities and universities to attract international students. We are also promoting our education system through social media platforms.

Q. How many Indian students are currently enrolled in Finland universities?

Ambassador:  At present there are over 2000 Indian students in Finland and we are creating room for more.

Q. Is there any special financial assistance scheme for Indian students looking to study in Finland?

Ambassador: International students, including those coming from India have to pay fees, though it is less compared to the USA or other European nationals. If we talk about financial assistance or scholarships all universities have their own support schemes to help deserving students. Students can check those details on the official website of the university.

Q. How do you compare Indian higher education with that in Finland?

Ambassador: The education system of India and Finland are quite different. In Finland, universities of applied sciences offer professionally oriented higher education on bachelor's and master's level and have strong ties with working life and regional development (incl. practical training).

Universities focus more on scientific research and the education they provide is based on it. Universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral (PhD) level programs. All institutions also offer career services to their students.

Q. We have been discussing a lot about the Finnish school system, how similar is this to the Indian system of schooling?

Ambassador: The school education in the two countries is very different and it is a good sign that Indian schools and the Indian government are taking some good aspects of our school education system and implanting that in India. There is not much burden on children at the school level in Finland and it helps in their overall development, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which the Indian government has brought also talks in this direction.

Q. What would be your suggestion to Indian students who are looking to study in Finland?

Ambassador: My suggestion would be to check the opportunities for education and career in Finland, which is one of the best in the world. There is work life balance and because of which our country has consistently been ranked best in the Happiness Index. We would also suggest Indian students check with alumni who have completed their studies in Finland and are doing extremely well here, as well as with those who stayed back in Finland.

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