Study in Finland

Study in Finland

ABOUT FINLAND

Located in the heart of Northern Europe, the Republic of Finland is a Nordic country that covers an area of 338455 square kilometres. It shares its borders with Sweden in the west, Russia in the east and Norway in the north. Finland usually experiences long cold winters and short, moderately rainy summers. While the city of Helsinki enjoys the status of being the national capital, students have often gone on to live in places like Espo, Kuaniainen and Vanta. Finland shares very high rankings in the metrics of education, economic competitiveness, civil liberties, quality of life and human development. It has also been ranking on top of the World Happiness Report for 3 consecutive years now. It contributes majorly to the international community through its role in the United Nations, OECD, European Union, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the Eurozone.

HIGHER EDUCATION STRUCTURE 

The Finish Higher Education structure can be best described as a combination of three different cycles. They are:

The Bachelor’s or the first cycle: For students graduating fresh out of school, Finland provides a variety of programs through a bachelor’s degree which include theology, psychology, educational sciences, agriculture, arts, humanities, economics, engineering, law, medical, social sciences, teacher training, theatre and dance, music, pharmacy, sport sciences and veterinary. The degree might take upto 3.5 – 4 years to complete depending on the course.

Requirement to study Bachelor’s in Finland: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • IELTS academic score of 6.5 and above or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 and above

Master’s or the second cycle: After the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may choose a variety of master’s courses that Finland provides based on their subject of interest and career ahead. These include theology, psychology, educational sciences, agriculture, arts, humanities, technology, natural sciences, economics, theatre, music, pharmacy and social sciences. While the degree may take upto 2 years to complete depending on the course, students are often taught through seminars, exercises, practical workshops, field trips and research. These help them to not only prepare for a professional career but also an academic career if they choose to.

Requirement to study Master’s in Finland: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
  • IELTS academic score of 6.5 and above or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 and above

Doctoral degree or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their master’s, international students in Finland can also apply for a doctoral degree which all public and private universities offer in the country. Students are expected to conduct independent research under an academic supervision which is later subject to approval by a panel of experts appointed by the university. While the degree may take upto 2 years to complete, students are also given financial grants that will help them sustain themselves in the country.

Requirement to study PhD in Finland: 

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of master’s with 60% and above
  • Independent research idea
  • IELTS academic score of 6.5 and above or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 and above

 

Cost of studying in Finland 

While the country offers free or charge education for finnish or swedish taught degrees, english taught degrees may cost from range EUR 4000 to 18000 (around INR 330000 – 1500000)per year for international students. When it comes to living in Finland, students may find themselves paying an average of EUR 700 – 900 (around INR 58000 – 75000) a month. While Helsinki is the most expensive city, Laaperanta, Pori and Tampere are quite affordable for students to live in.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES 

International students are allowed to work upto 25 hours a week while studying in the country. They may usually earn between EUR 9 – 13 (around INR 753 – 1000) per hour depending on the work that they choose to do. Students may often find jobs in restaurants, delivery channels, hotels, shopping malls or companies.

After the successful completion of their studies, students are allowed to stay back and work in Finland. The country offers two forms of residential permits for international students. They are:

  • Residence Permit to find jobs in Finland: Immediately after graduating students may apply for this permit that allows an extended stay for upto one year without the possibility of a renewal.
  • Residence Permit on the Basis of securing a Job: Once they do find a job, they are allowed to apply for this permit which allows them to stay back as long as the employment period or 4 years, whichever is earlier.

VISA REQUIREMENTS 

To obtain a student visa for Finland, students are required to submit:

  • A valid passport
  • A letter of acceptance from the university
  • Proof of payment to the university
  • Proof of financial capability to sustain stay in the country
  • Proof of health insurance