Overview
With its stunning natural beauty and laid-back cities, Finland is an attractive destination for many of those keen to study in the north of Europe.Throw in a strong focus on research and innovation, a good selection of world-class universities and a commitment to offering higher education free of charge, and the nation’s appeal for international students becomes clear.
While Finland’s system of higher education is relatively young compared to some others in Europe, this is definitely not at the expense of quality.
Finland has eight universities in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings, most of which improved their overall positions compared to the previous year.
While Denmark and Sweden have both now introduced fees for students outside of the EU/EEA area, Finland has so far managed to avoid this, as has Norway.
All undergraduate and PhD courses are free in Finland; some master's courses do charge fees for non-EU/EEA students, but scholarships are available.
In fact, according to a report from the Europaeum, Finland is among the few European countries that actually managed to increase state funding for higher education in recent years – by 12% between 2010 and 2011.
Search universities in Finland >
Fast Fact
- Parliamentary democracy with unicameral legislature
- Head of state is president (largely ceremonial), head of government is prime minister.
- Finnish and Swedish are official languages, though English is more widely spoken than Swedish
- Capital city is Helsinki, which is the second most northern capital city in the world
- Part of Sweden until 1809, then duchy of Russia until gaining independence in 1917
- Known as Suomi in Finnish
- Slightly larger than Malaysia, but with population (estimated to be 5,400,000) smaller than Kuala Lumpur alone
- Currency is Euro, symbol: €, €1 = US$1.35
- Uses Eastern European Time (UTC+2), switching to Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3) in summer
- International dialling code is +358
- Homeland of Nokia and Santa Claus (Lapland is in Finland)
- Finland has 180,000 islands and 230,000 reindeer
Ten things to do while studying in Finland >
Lifestyle
A technology-driven western market economy, Finland boasts an extremely high quality of life, considerable (and reasonably equally shared) wealth.
Forestry still plays a large part in the economy and outdoor pursuits are popular in the relatively recently industrialized nation, in which reindeer herding is widely practised by the indigenous Sámi people of the northern regions of the country.
Reindeer, by the way, may well be on the menu – though it may seem unusual, some food critics have called for it be widely available.
Finnish cuisine as a whole is unique and certainly not to everybody’s liking – former president of France Jacques Chirac and former prime minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi have both publically criticized it – but certainly has its advocates.
Fans of fish, berries and wholemeal will be in their element. Finns are also very into their saunas – there are around 1.7 million in the country, so be ready to embrace the steam if you choose to study in Finland.
Helsinki
Finland’s capital, by far the largest city in the country, is home to roughly a quarter of the nation’s population. Compared to many capital cities, it is relatively young, having only been founded in the 16th century and only becoming a capital city in the 19th century.
This doesn’t mean it lacks identity though. From its neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, to its multitude of colourful festivals, Helsinki – World Design Capital for 2012 – is certainly a city unto itself, with its bustling (in summer at least) and dynamic nature making it stand out from the rest of the quiet and reserved country of which it is the capital.
Educationally, it is home to the country’s oldest and highest ranked institution, the University of Helsinki, as well as Aalto University and several others.
See where Helsinki ranks in this year's QS Best Student Cities >
Turku
Until 1812, Turku was the capital and most populous city in Finland. Today, it is a much quieter and smaller city, and has the rather unusual title of ‘Christmas City of Finland’.
Its roots can be traced back to not long after the end of the Viking Age, making it the oldest city in Finland. However, this is not entirely evident, as the city suffered extensive damage in a fire in the early 19th century, though elements of history – such as the medieval castle and cathedral – still remain.
It is home to the second and third oldest universities in the country: the Swedish language Åbo Akademi and the University of Turku. Turku was the European Capital of Culture in 2011.
Tampere
Situated between two lakes which are connected by rapids which run through the middle of the city, Tampere was the heart of Finland’s industry in the 19th century (leading it to be labelled ‘the Manchester of Finland’).
It is home to the University of Tampere, and a handful of other institutions, and is known for being a student friendly city.
It is also known for its music scene, (rock and metal are the predominant genres), and its mustamakkara (a type of blood sausage).
Oolu
Located towards the country’s north, Oulu is not a city for those who do not enjoy the cold, with its subarctic temperature promising average highs below 0°c for five months of the year.
It is built on a number of islands and is known for being a technology hub, with free wireless network offered across the city centre.
It hosts a number of music festivals throughout the year, and lovers of air guitar will be pleased to hear that Oulu hosts an annual world championship in the art, so if you end up going there, make sure you dust off those hair metal LPs…
Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä, home of the University of Jyväskylä (310 in the QS World University Rankings) and JAMK University of Applies Sciences, is a student dominated city located towards the middle of Finland.
And like most student dominated cities, it is known for its nightlife, and boasts a range of pubs, clubs and music venues which cater for every taste.
It is also the home of the Finnish leg of the World Rally Championships, which attracts half a million spectators annually.
But if it’s a quieter, less high octane experience you want, the city is also in the centre of a region of beautiful lakes, forests and hills. Jyväskylä was the home of legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.
Practical Information
Applications
Applications are usually made online, either direct to the university, or via the centralized admissions service University Admissions Finland (UAF).
Deadlines vary, but the main applications period is November-January, for courses starting the following fall. At some polytechnics it is also possible to apply in August-September for courses starting the following spring, but only for selected programs.
As well as proving your academic credentials, you may also need to pass an entrance examination.
If you are successful, you will be glad to hear that, no matter where you’re from, you will not have to pay a penny in tuition fees. This applies at all levels of degree, except for some master’s degrees, for which non-EU/EEA students may have to pay a fee.
Languages
The two national languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, and both are used in university tuition. It may also be possible to take courses taught in English, though this is more common at graduate level than for bachelor’s degrees.
Many of the undergraduate courses that are offered in English are found at polytechnics, rather than traditional universities. Also known as ‘universities of applied sciences’, these are institutions offering full degrees, but with a more vocational focus.
For example, Lahti University of Applied Sciences offers an English-taught degree in nursing; Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences has English-taught courses in information technology and media engineering; and HAMK University of Applied Sciences has an English-taught bachelor’s in construction engineering.
For the majority of subjects, however, it is necessary to be able to study in either Finnish or Swedish if you want to complete a full undergraduate degree in Finland.
Failing that, you could of course visit the country for a shorter period, for a summer school or as part of an exchange program.
Student visas
Visa requirements depend on your country of origin.
Applicants from the EU/Nordic countries/Switzerland/Liechtenstein:
- Do not require visas or residence permits.
- Must obtain certificate of registration from police within three months (six for Nordic countries).
- Must prove that you have adequate funds to cover stay in Finland. You can prove this in any way you see fit.
- Health insurance is not mandatory, but it is very highly recommended.
- There are no restrictions on how many hours you can works
Applicants from outside the EU/Nordic countries/Switzerland/Liechtenstein:
- Must obtain a residence permit from the Finnish embassy in your country of residence before entering Finland, for which you will need a letter of acceptance from a university. This must renewed annually.
- Must have €6000 (approximately US$7,650) to cover living expenses for the year. A bank statement, a certificate showing you have a grant or a guarantee of sponsorship must be shown as proof.
- Obliged to purchase health insurance to cover medical treatment of up to €30,000
- You will be permitted to work for a maximum of 25 hours a week
- It usually takes around a month to process applications. You’re advised to apply as soon as you’ve received your letter of acceptance.
UNIVERSITIES IN FINLAND
Rank Universities Locations
1 Helsingin yliopisto
Helsinki
2 Tampereen teknillinen yliopisto
Tampere
3 Turun yliopisto
Turku ...
4 Jyväskylän yliopisto
Jyväskylä
5 Tampereen yliopisto
Tampere
6 Oulun yliopisto
Oulu
7 Aalto-yliopisto
Aalto
8 Abo Akademi
Turku
9 Sibelius-Akatemia
Helsinki ...
10 Lappeenrannan teknillinen yliopisto
Lappeenranta
11 Itä-Suomen yliopisto
Joensuu ...
12 Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
Helsinki ...
13 HAAGA-HELIA ammattikorkeakoulu
Helsinki ...
14 Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
Tampere
15 Lapin yliopisto
Rovaniemi
16 Hanken - Svenska handelshögskolan
Helsinki ...
17 Vaasan yliopisto
Vaasa
18 Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
Vantaa ...
19 Mikkelin ammattikorkeakoulu
Mikkeli
20 Arcada - Nylands svenska yrkeshögskola
Helsinki
21 Seinäjoen ammattikorkeakoulu
Seinäjoki ...
22 Oulun Seudun ammattikorkeakoulu
Oulu ...
23 Kuvataideakatemia
Helsinki
24 Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
Hämeenlinna ...
25 Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu
Jyväskylä
26 Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu
Vaasa
27 Lahden ammattikorkeakoulu
Lahti
28 Teatterikorkeakoulu
Helsinki
29 Rovaniemen ammattikorkeakoulu
Rovaniemi
30 Kymenlaakson ammattikorkeakoulu
Kotka ...
31 Humanistinen ammattikorkeakoulu
Helsinki ...
32 Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu
Kemi ...
33 Högskolan på Åland
Mariehamn
34 Yrkeshögskolan Novia
Vaasa
35 Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
Pori
36 Diakonia ammattikorkeakoulu
Helsinki ...
37 Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
Kuopio ...
38 Kajaanin ammattikorkeakoulu
Kajaani
39 Saimaan ammattikorkeakoulu
Lappeenranta ...
40 Pohjois-Karjalan ammattikorkeakoulu
Joensuu
41 Turun ammattikorkeakoulu
Turku ...
42 Keski-Pohjanmaan ammattikorkeakoulu
Kokkola
Universities promote research and scientific learning
The mission of academic universities is to promote free research, promote scientific and artistic education, provide higher education based on research, and educate students to serve their country and humanity in general.
Finnish universities traditionally enjoy significant autonomy. Thanks to the reformed Finnish Universities Act universities gained an independent legal status as corporations subject to public law or foundations subject to private law. This increased the autonomy of the universities further and gave them more latitude in the management of their finances. There are currently 14 universities operating under the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. You can find them all listed below.
Universities confer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and post-graduate Licentiate and Doctoral degrees. For those who wish to study in English, Finnish universities provide close to 200 Master’s degree programmes, and 23 special Doctoral programmes.
If interested in applying to university degree programmes, please visit the individual universities Admission sites (click on the link of the university you are interested in!)
University of the Arts Helsinki, consisting of:
International study in Finland
Why study abroad in Finland?
Finland is known for thinking outside the box when it comes to education. Children don’t start formal schooling until the comparatively advanced age of 7 and homework and exams are limited until the later stages of education. Despite this, the country’s students consistently score highly in terms of their reading, writing and science skills when compared with international peers. English language skills are introduced to the curriculum early, so Finland is an easy country for non-native speakers to live in.
- Finland has 10 multidisciplinary universities, along with six universities that specialise in particular disciplines. There are also a number of universities of applied sciences, or polytechnics, which offer vocational training.
- Finland has one university in the top 100 of the 2012 QS World University Rankings: the University of Helsinki at number 78.
- There are around 550 English language courses taught at Finnish higher education institutions, ranging from short courses that form part of exchange programmes to full degree courses. English language courses are more common at universities of applied sciences and polytechnics and only a small number of courses at bachelor’s degree level are available at general universities. A database of English courses can be found here.
- Around 12,000 foreign students are studying in Finland at any one time — just under half of these are exchange students who come for just one term, while the rest are students that have independently applied to study full degrees in the country.
Entry and visa regulations
EU students do not need a visa to study in Finland.
- All foreign students need to register their residence with the police within three months of their stay.
- To apply for a place at a university of applied sciences or a polytechnic, you should apply using the centralised admissions system. Applications for the academic year beginning September 2013 have now closed — generally prospective students need to apply around one year in advance.
- For universities, the application periods vary, but usually begin around November and close between February and April. There are two ways to apply: directly to the university and via University Admissions. You’ll need to contact the university you wish to attend directly to check their preferred method and closing date.
Funding your study
Tuition is free for EU students studying bachelor’s and master’s level programmes.
- Although grants and loans — provided by both the government and banks — for the cost of living are available to Finnish students, these are not normally accessible to foreign students unless they have been living in the country for two years prior to beginning study.
- It is common for university students to work during term time and during the summer months and there are no restrictions on the number of hours EU students are allowed to work while studying. But competition for jobs is high and finding work without either Finnish or Swedish language skills can be difficult. There is no minimum wage in Finland and salaries are set for various industries based on negotiations between employer and employee trade unions.
Student housing
Accommodation is usually arranged through student housing foundations, although some universities do offer housing services so it’s worth checking with your institution in the first instance.
- Demand is predictably high around August so register your interest early, preferably as soon as you have your offer from a university.
- The cost of a single room in a shared apartment is fairly reasonable when compared with some other European cities, with Finnish Student Housing Limited statistics putting the cost at between €160 and €340 per month in 2010.
- The cost of living in Finland is similar to other European countries and when issuing student residence permits for non-EU students, the government requires evidence of access to at least €500 per month from students. Although this isn’t necessary for EU students, it provides a rough guide of the minimum needed to get by in the country.
Some typical approximate costs in Finland include:
- Big Mac Meal at McDonald’s: £6
- Pint of beer: £4
- Cinema ticket: £8
- Monthly gym membership: £45
- One litre of milk: £0.75
- Nightclub entrance: £5+
Health and safety
- Finland is generally considered a very safe country to live in, although the country has a high violent crime rate in comparison to other Western European countries, particularly when it comes to homicide.
- Finland has both public and private healthcare systems and EU students can access the former in the same way as local residents using their European Health Insurance Card. Although public healthcare is state-funded, there is usually a small charge for accessing services, which varies depending on the region. Typically, a visit to a GP will cost between €15 and €30, depending on what treatments/tests are needed.
Helpful links
Detailed information aimed at English-speaking students can be found at Study in Finland.
University Applications and Admissions: Expert Advice
TopUniversities.com asks admissions staff to share their advice on how to make the university application process as painless a procedure as possible.
So, you’ve done the research, you’ve talked it over with your nearest and dearest, you’re pretty confident that you’re going to get the grades you need, and you’ve finally concluded that studying abroad is right for you.
Congratulations: you’ve made one of the biggest – and hopefully most rewarding – decisions you’ll ever have to make in your life.
Now there’s just one small obstacle standing in your way: actually getting into the university of your choice.
University applications and admissions
Of course, ‘small’ is the wrong word – this can be a very daunting experience.
But fear not: if you keep your wits about you, then there’s no need for this to be any more than an administrative hassle – though admittedly a rather long-winded one, as you’ll learn very quickly once you begin the application procedure.
It may seem obvious, but given the amount of time each application can take up, it’s important to think carefully about where you really want to apply.
Caroline Berry, International Officer at the University of Leicester, UK, advises students to begin preparations as early as possible: “As well as searching on the internet and checking the web pages of individual institutions, speaking to family, friends and teachers who have studied [overseas] is always a good place to start, and a way of narrowing down choices,” she advises.
“As well as choosing a course, students need to consider many other elements, including the type of environment they would like to live in, location, transport links, availability of accommodation, cost of living, options for financing studies through institutional scholarships and, of course, the type of institution they prefer.”
Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of looking at the different degree structures on offer: “The key thing for an applicant to understand is the kind of educational environment that will best suit how they like to learn.
"Universities in different countries – or even in the same country – are very different in their styles and methods; some are very focused on a specific course of study, while others are more broad-based in their offerings."
He adds, “Culture is important. Students want to find the environment that best matches the way they like to learn.”
In the opinion of Pieke Hoekstra of Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, it’s best to focus on institutions rather than countries. However, Miranda Cheng, Director of the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto, Canada, says looking at the host country’s immigration policy should also play a part in your decision, particularly if you’re planning to work there during or after your degree.
Schmill points out the importance of having “a realistic understanding of what it will cost, and how [you] will pay for it” – there’s no sense, after all, in going through the entire application procedure if you find at the end that you just can’t afford it.
Connect with your undergraduate subject
Once you’ve weighed up all the various factors, and carefully made your decision – and remember that this where you’re going to be spending a not-inconsiderable portion of your life – it’s time for the really fun part: applying.
Though this might also seem obvious, it makes sense to ensure you take care over this – you don’t want to miss out simply because you forgot to submit the required evidence, or applied too late.
“Students should check entry requirements and deadlines before applying to make sure that they have the best possible chance of gaining a place on their chosen course,” Berry confirms.
“If they are unsure whether their qualifications are acceptable, they might like to contact the admissions office or international office in their chosen institution to check before submitting a full application.”
She emphasizes the importance of applying in good time: “It sounds obvious, but students should try to make an application as early as possible as this will give them plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements for a move abroad, including organizing their finances, applying for scholarships and obtaining a student visa.”
And as Cheng adds, if you’re ever unsure about anything, ask!
Of course, it is extremely unlikely that you will be the only person applying to your course, and Peter Dunn of Warwick University, UK, warns that – especially at top universities – the competition is likely to be stiff.
“Almost all applicants who apply to top universities will have high predicted grades that will meet the university’s academic requirements, so any other personal information on the form is a very important way in which you can impress the selectors.”
Your personal statement, he continues, is your main chance to convey this: “The person reading your application form will want to know in what ways you ‘connect’ with your chosen subject. They will look for motivated students who can articulate their aims and have the potential to succeed on the course.”
Though work experience and extracurricular activities certainly play a part in this – especially when you can show how they are relevant – you should not allow them to dominate your statement, Dunn says.
“Remember that you are applying for an academic course of study, and the limited space available to you for your personal statement should predominantly focus on this.”
Berry agrees: “Admissions tutors are most impressed when students can demonstrate a real understanding and commitment to their chosen subject area, and show that they have considered its relevance to their future career choice.”
Schmill adds that presenting yourself as someone who will contribute to the campus community will work in your favor.
University application mistakes to avoid
So what are common mistakes people make during their applications?
“It makes an admissions tutor’s job more difficult if applicants do not provide enough information with regards to their qualifications,” Berry says.
“In the case of those applying with overseas qualifications, students shouldn’t attempt to translate theirs into [another system] – it’s always better to state the original name of the qualification gained.”
Schmill emphasizes the importance of paying attention: “It is important to fulfil all of the requirements that a university lays out. Make sure you take all the tests that you need to, have your interviews, and if an application asks you to answer a particular question, answer that and not some other question that you would prefer to answer.”
Bear all this in mind, and you’ll stand as good a chance as anyone. But, remember, if you don’t get in, it’s never the end of the world.
“It’s important to bear in mind that admissions tutors have a student’s best interests at heart when considering applications and will only make offers to those who they believe can be successful on their chosen course,” Berry says.
For this reason alone, it is worth applying to more than one university, because even if you don’t get into your first choice, Schmill concludes, “a university education is what you make of it – so you can have a terrific experience wherever you end up.”
No comments:
Post a Comment