Scholarship in Finland: Learn all the requirements

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” Finland boasts 35 universities and welcomes over 30,000 international students each year to study and conduct research in fields such as science, technology, medicine, and the humanities. If you’re considering this globally renowned education destination and want to begin the application process for an undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies, a PhD or a master’s programme — but aren’t sure how or when — we’re here to expand your horizons with everything you need to know about a scholarship for studying in Finland in 2025: The most popular options, the key requirements, which universities to choose, and how to apply.  

The best scholarships to study in Finland

There is no shortage of scholarships or universities in Finland. The Finnish education system is famous for its excellent undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes in fields like education, information technology, engineering, and natural sciences. This guide presents the most prominent Finnish scholarships that each year offer international students the opportunity to broaden their academic knowledge — and who knows, maybe the next recipient could be you!

1. Finnish Government Scholarships

The Government of Finland offers both fully funded and partial scholarships for international students wishing to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies across various Finnish universities. These scholarships aim to attract high-quality students from around the world, fostering higher education and research excellence in Finland. These scholarships are available for students from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Type of studies covered: Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes across fields such as agriculture, humanities, business, education, engineering, health sciences, ICT, medicine, natural sciences, services, and social sciences.

General requirements:

• Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA.
• Hold educational certificates that qualify for higher education in the country of origin.
• For master’s programmes, a university bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required.
• For master’s programmes at Universities of Applied Sciences, at least two years of relevant work experience after completing a bachelor’s degree is necessary.

Coverage and benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the first academic year.
• Relocation grant of at least €5,000 ($5,690).
• Travel expenses.
• Health insurance.
• Accommodation.

If your scholarship is funded by the Finnish Government, you can pursue your studies at a variety of participating universities. Here are some of the top universities in Finland where you can study under a government scholarship:

• How to apply:Applications must be submitted directly through the participating Finnish universities.
• Opening date: Generally published in September.
• Closing date: Typically between December and January.

2. University of Helsinki Scholarships

The University of Helsinki offers scholarships to support international students wishing to pursue master’s programmes across various academic fields, from natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and humanities to social sciences and law.

General requirements:

• Be an international student from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to one obtained in Finland.
• Submit a formal application to a full-time master’s programme at the University of Helsinki.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.

Coverage and benefits:

• Comprehensive scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees.
• Partial scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees.
• The scholarship duration matches the duration of the master’s programme, typically two years.
• Living allowance: Full scholarship recipients also receive a monthly stipend to help with living costs in Finland (note: It may not cover all expenses).
• Discounts on meals at Unicafe student restaurants.
• Reduced rates for public transport.
• Affordable access to Unisport services.

These are some of the programmes you can apply for a scholarship at the University of Helsinki:

How to apply?

1. Select a master’s programme at the University of Helsinki and check its admission requirements.
2. Apply for the master’s programme via the university’s online application portal.
3. Indicate your interest in applying for the scholarship during the admission process.
4. Submit all required documents, including proof of academic excellence and English proficiency.

• Opening date: Applications for studies starting in autumn 2025 (September) open from 2 January 2025.
• Closing date: 16 January 2025.

3. EDUFI Fellowship Scholarships

The EDUFI Fellowship programme, offered by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), aims to support international doctoral students and young researchers who wish to undertake postgraduate studies or research projects at Finnish universities.

This scholarship enables international doctoral students and researchers from around the world to conduct research in Finland.

General requirements:

• Be currently pursuing doctoral studies or be a young researcher.
• Applicants must have an affiliation with a Finnish academic institution willing to support their research project.
• Mustn’t have resided in Finland for more than one year in total prior to applying.

Coverage and benefits:

• Monthly allowance: €1,500 ($1,700) to cover living expenses for one person in Finland.
• Duration: Fellowship grants range from three to 12 months.
• Please note: No additional housing allowance is provided, and international travel costs to and from Finland aren’t covered by the programme.

Application procedure and deadlines:

• Contact a Host Institution: Candidates must establish contact with a Finnish university department willing to host them.
• Application Submission: The Finnish university department submits the application on behalf of the candidate.
• Opening and closing dates: There are no fixed deadlines — applications are accepted throughout the year. Recommendation: It’s advised to submit applications at least five months before the intended start date.
• Processing time: Decisions are typically made within three months of receiving the application.

Additional considerations:

• Open to candidates of all nationalities and academic fields.
• Priority is given to applicants from Russia, China, India, Chile, Brazil, and North America.
• Primarily intended for doctoral students completing their PhD (or double PhD) in Finland.
• Visiting doctoral students enrolled at foreign universities may also be eligible if the host department provides exceptionally strong justification for the visit.

Study in Finland with the support of international scholarships, and stay connected wherever you go with Holafly Connect — offering monthly data plans of 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited GB across over 200 destinations worldwide.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in Finland

1.  Research specific university scholarships

Many Finnish universities offer their own scholarship programmes for international students. It’s essential to check the official websites of the universities you are interested in or visit Studyinfo.fi to explore available options and eligibility criteria.

2.  Prepare a strong research proposal

If you’re applying for postgraduate programmes, particularly doctoral studies, a well-defined research proposal aligned with the university’s areas of interest can significantly strengthen your application.

3.  Demonstrate proficiency in English or Finnish

Although many programmes are taught in English, showcasing language skills in Finnish can be an additional advantage. Moreover, if you intend to work in Finland after your studies, proficiency in the official languages (Finnish or Swedish) is often essential.

4.  Consider programmes in high-demand areas

Fields such as information technology, engineering, and environmental sciences are high priorities in Finland, offering more scholarship opportunities.

5.  Apply early

Application deadlines vary depending on the university and programme. It’s highly recommended to start the application process early to ensure all documentation is gathered and all specific requirements are met.

Top universities to study in Finland

The quality of education in Finland is exceptional, and the list of universities is extensive. We’ve compiled the most prestigious and specialised universities for you to consider when applying for scholarships to study in Finland:

1. University of Helsinki

Founded in 1640 and named after Finland’s capital, the University of Helsinki is one of the oldest and largest institutions in the country. It’s renowned for its cutting-edge research and strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Its top master’s programmes taught in English include Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Law. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024-2025, it ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide.

2. Aalto University

Located in Espoo, near Helsinki, Aalto University is a young and dynamic institution, founded in 2010 following the merger of three prestigious universities (Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki).

Aalto University stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, merging technology, business, art, and design, positioning it as a world-class research and higher education centre.

3. University of Turku

Founded in 1920, the University of Turku is one of Finland’s oldest universities. Located in the city of Turku, in the southwest, it’s a national leader both academically and in research. With more than 20,000 students, a wide range of academic programmes, and strong offerings in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Technology, and Humanities, it’s well known for its applied research and international outlook. The campus is close to the Baltic Sea, providing stunning natural scenery for students.

4. University of Eastern Finland (UEF)

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF), established in 2010 from the merger of the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio, is one of Finland’s leading interdisciplinary research universities. UEF is particularly strong in Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

It has two main campuses, located in the cities of Kuopio and Joensuu, surrounded by lakes and peaceful forests—perfect for study and reflection.

5.  University of Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä (JYU) is renowned for its focus on education, applied research, and professional training across various disciplines. Founded in 1863, it’s one of the best institutions for Master‘s and Doctoral studies in Education, Psychology, and Social Sciences. It also maintains strong international collaborations in areas such as educational technology, applied psychology, and sports sciences.

6. University of Vaasa

Located in the west coast city of Vaasa, this university specialises in Business, Engineering, and Technological Sciences. It offers master’s programmes in English in fields such as Business Administration, Electrical Engineering, and Energy Systems. The University of Vaasa is known for its strong emphasis on applied research and its close ties to the energy industry—making it ideal for students seeking hands-on opportunities in one of Finland’s most important industrial hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Finland

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