Application Process to Study in Finland
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Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. With its high quality education, safe living, and high impetus to human resource development, Finland is gaining traction as a study abroad destination. As per the Finnish Immigration Service, an increase of 141% in non-EU student applications was reported in 2021. However, application process to study in Finland requires careful and timely planning. Various factors such as university selection, course selection, test prep, document preparation, etc. require meticulous preparation. In this article, we will answer your questions about how to get admission in Finland universities.
Why Study in Finland?
Before we delve into the Finland universities’ admission requirements and procedure, let us look at some of the reasons to study in Finland.
- Huge impetus to Human Resource Development: Finland gives a lot of importance to human resource development, This is reflected in the Human Development Report 2021-22, which has ranked Finland at 11th position as a Very High HDI tier country.
- A happy society: A happy society is required to fulfill your truest potential. World Happiness Report has ranked Finland as the happiest country for 5 years in a row.
- One of the best education system: Finland education system has been continuously ranked amongst the top performing education systems by various reports and organizations such as OECD and the Economist. Teachers are given rigorous training and equal importance as that of doctors.
- Culture and society: Finnish society is egalitarian in nature, with a belief that everyone has an important role to play. In addition, it is one of the cleanest and environment conscious country in the world. And not to forget, Finns absolutely love coffee.
- Home to some of the best universities: Finland is home to some of the best universities. The following table provides some of the top universities in Finland and their QS World University Rankings.
| University |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
|---|---|
| 106 |
|
| 116 |
|
| 291 |
|
| 388 |
|
| 415 |
Finland University Admission Requirements
It is absolutely essential for the students to have a clarity on Finland university admission requirements. Given below is a broad list of admission requirements for Finland universities:
- Filled application form (paper-based or electronic copy as per the need of the university)
- Upper secondary-level educational documents
- Degree certificates/ officially certified copies
- Transcripts awarded by the main university
- Test scores of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT (as per the requirement)
- Proof of English-language proficiency IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Essays as per the university requirements
- Letters of Recommendation
- Financial documents
- Medical tests
Finland Application Deadline
Students, who wish to study in Finland, must note that there are two intake seasons for Finland universities; Autumn intake and Spring intake. Out of these two, Autumn intake is the primary intake and maximum number of students apply in the autumn intake. Even though the deadlines for various universities differ, we have provided a tentative time period that is more or less followed by every university.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Autumn Intake: It is the primary intake for Finland universities. Please note the given points:
- Orientation week and classes begin near about August/ September
- Application process starts near about December of previous year
Spring Intake: It is the secondary intake. Please note the given points:
- Orientation week and classes begin near about February/ March
- Application process starts near about May of previous year
Points to keep in mind:
- Do the course and university shortlisting beforehand. Do not keep it pending for the last moment
- Keep a track of all the application deadlines
- Understand that you need to appear for tests well before the application process starts. Hence your test prep must be planned accordingly
- Start collecting and filing the documents well in advance
- Always have a university/course backup ready
Also Read: Fall Intake vs Spring Intake
How to Get Admission in Finland Universities
Getting admission in Finland Universities is a lengthy process and requires planning and preparation. It is suggested that the students should not keep anything pending for the last moment to ensure a hassle-free application. Below is a broad overview of the steps required to obtain admission in Finland universities:
- Select the course(s) that you want to pursue
- Shortlist a few universities that suit your profile and needs
- Know and understand the eligibility criteria for each of the courses
- Make a list of exams that you need to appear for
- Prepare a study plan and be ready with your test scores well in advance
- While you are preparing for your exams, make sure that your start working on your resume, SOP, essays, LOR, and other related documents
- Prepare all the documents (including visa documents) well in advance so that there is no last-minute rush
- Start your university application process
- Appear for the interview(s)
- Accept the university offer
- Begin your visa application process
- Make sure to arrange for your accommodation beforehand. Contact your university if required
Also Read:
How to Get Admission in Finland Universities FAQs
Q. What are the various documents required for admission in Finland universities?
A. In order to obtain admission in Finnish universities, you need to apply with various documents. Some of these include school marksheets, college/university degrees and transcripts, English-language proficiency test scores, SAT/ GMAT/ GRE test scores, financial documents, resume, statement of purpose, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.
Q. Is it compulsory for me to provide a proof of English-language proficiency?
A. If you belong to a country where English is not the native language, then you need to provide a proof of English-language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
Q. What happens once I am selected in a Finland university?
A. Once you get shortlisted in a course in a Finnish university, you will receive an offer letter. You need to accept that offer letter if you wish to pursue that course. After this, you need to start your student visa process.
Q. How can I reduce my overall cost of studying in Finland?
A. In order to reduce your overall cost of studying in Finland, you can choose to work part-time and/ or apply for scholarships
Q. Do I need to provide any proof of funds if I wish to study in Finland?
A. Yes. You must prove that you can support yourself financially while you are in Finland. At the time of application, you must have €6,720 in your bank account. If your academic course is less than 1-year, you must have €560 per month at your disposal.
Q. What are the Finland University admission requirements?
A. We have listed below the entry requirements for admission in universities in Finland:
- Filled application form (paper-based or electronic copy as per the need of the university)
- Upper secondary-level educational documents
- Degree certificates/ officially certified copies
- Transcripts awarded by the main university
- Test scores of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT (as per the requirement)
- Proof of English-language proficiency IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Essays as per the university requirements
- Letters of Recommendation
- Financial documents
- Medical tests
Q. What is the application deadline for Finland universities?
A. Usually, there are two intake seasons in Finland universities and they are Autumn intake and Spring intake. We have given below the details of the intake seasons:
| Intake Season | Details |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Orientation week and classes begin near about August/ September Application process starts near about December of previous year |
| Spring | Orientation week and classes begin near about February/ March Application process starts near about May of previous year |
Q: What is the acceptance rate of LUT University Finland?
According to unofficial sources, Lappeenranta University of Technology Finland acceptance rate is around 15%. This signifies that the university is very selective while granting admissions. So, students with an exceptional academic record have a higher chance of getting admission. To study the bachelor’s programs of the university, the applicants must have completed upper secondary class education. Whereas, for admission to graduate courses, the applicants are required to have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Q: How can I study in Finland for free?
Finland is home to some of the best foreign universities for international students and is relatively on the affordable study abroad spectrum. Listed below is an estimate of the cost of studying in Finland on the basis of academic level. Students are advised to visit the official course webpage for exact fee details as per their course of choice:
- Undergraduate tuition fees: Can range from €5,000 to €14,000 per year.
- Postgraduate tuition fees: Can range from €8,000 to €18,000 per year.
In order to lower the fees all the more, international students can apply for scholarships. In order to be eligible for a scholarship candidates are required to have a strong academic background, decent work experience (if applicable), and other extracurricular achievements. Some of the scholarships include:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs
- Finnish Government Scholarship Pool;
- Finland Scholarships; and more.
Q: Is it expensive to live in Finland for international students?
The cost of living in Finland will vary from individual to individual. There aree various factors that affects cost of living such as lifestyle, location of your university, type of accommodation etc. The costs of living are higher in the capital region (Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa) than elsewhere in the country. Thus, you should prepare to have about 800 euros per month to cover your living costs in Finland as Aalto student.
Q: What GPA do you need for Aalto University Finland?
Applicants applying to Aalto University must meet specific minimum average requirements based on the school they are applying for. However, for international students applying for Aalto University the minimum GPA required by applicants is 3.0. To be admitted to the programme at Aalto it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GREs. or GREs. However, the admission process at Aalto University takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
Q: What is the ranking of Aalto University Finland?
Aalto University has a great performance in global rankings over the past five years. In the University Ranking THE (Times Higher Education) university is ranked 201-250 in year 2023. Additionally, in the year 2024 the World University Ranking QS has ranked it at 109. We can say that the university is in the top 150 universities and it is one of the best universities in Finland as well. Hence, for international students Aalto Univeristy is surely a good option
Q: What is the application fee for Aalto University Finland?
There is no Application fee for Aalto University as the university eliminated the fee exclusively for its students. By not having an application fee, the University is creating good options and opportunities for students across the globe to pursue their educational interests and goals without the financial burden on the students. However, for Graduate students, the university hasn’t specified an application fee, hence it is suggested to call the admission office to get more details regarding the process.
Q: Is Aalto University a top in Finland?
According to major ranking bodies like University Ranking THE (Times Higher Education), and Global Universities US News & World Report, Aalto University is ranked among the top universities in the Finland. Aalto University is a leading university in Finland. The Aalto University ranking as published by major ranking bodies are as follows:
| Ranked By | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
QS - World University Ranking | 116 | 109 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - World University Ranking | 201-250 | 201-250 |
US News & World Report - Global Universities | 273 | NA |
Q: How do I get admitted to Helsinki University, Finland?
Below is the application process for University of Helsinki:
The application process at University of Helsinki may vary depending on the course and level of study you choose. However, here is the application process is listed below:
Step 1: The Application Process can be made through the official website
Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly, and see if your current qualifications are recognised.
Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying:
Transcripts of your high school/ UG degree transcripts depending on the level of study
A minimum score of 6.5 and above in IELTS
SOP
Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )
Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standard of the University.
Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.
Step 6: The applicant need not pay the application fee
Step 7: After submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the University of Helsinki portal.
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae