Study in Finland for Free (Chapter 2)
CHAPTER 2
Scholarships for International Students
One of the most significant challenges for international students is financing their education abroad. Fortunately, Finland offers a range of scholarships designed to help offset the costs of tuition and living expenses.
These scholarships are available from various sources, including the Finnish government, individual universities, and other organizations.
In this chapter, we’ll explore the different types of scholarships available to international students who wish to study in Finland.
Government Scholarships
The Finnish government provides several scholarship programs for international students, particularly at the postgraduate and doctoral levels. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from around the world and support their academic and research pursuits in Finland.
The Finnish Government Scholarship
Pool:
This program is available for students from specific countries who are applying for doctoral studies or research in Finland.
The scholarship covers living expenses and is typically awarded for 3 to 9 months.
While the scholarship does not cover tuition fees, it provides a stipend that helps with daily expenses during the study period.
https://www.oph.fi/en/development/finnishgovernment-scholarship-pool
CIMO Scholarships (Finnish National Agency for Education):
These scholarships are intended for doctoral-level students and young researchers from all countries.
The CIMO scholarships are awarded for 3 to 12 months, providing a monthly grant to cover living expenses.
These scholarships are particularly attractive to students pursuing research in Finnish universities.
The EDUFI Fellowships:
Administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), these fellowships are aimed at doctoral students and young researchers from all academic fields.
The fellowship provides a monthly allowance to cover living costs, and in some cases, travel grants may also be available.
This program is open to students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
https://www.oph.fi/en/internationalisation/edufifellowship
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer their own scholarship programs to support international students.
These scholarships are often merit-based and can significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition fees.
Some universities also offer scholarships that cover living expenses in addition to tuition.
Merit-Based Scholarships:
These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available to students who demonstrate outstanding performance in their previous studies.
Merit-based scholarships are typically offered at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels and can cover anywhere from 50% to 100% of the tuition fees.
Early Bird Discounts:
Some universities offer early bird discounts to students who apply and accept their admission offer early. These discounts usually reduce the tuition fee by a certain percentage and are a great way to save on education costs.
Need-Based Scholarships:
In addition to merit-based scholarships, some universities offer need-based scholarships for students who may not have the financial means to cover their tuition fees.
These scholarships are typically awarded based on the student’s financial situation and the cost of living in Finland.
Program-Specific Scholarships:
Certain degree programs, particularly those in highdemand fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare, may have dedicated scholarships for international students.
These scholarships are often provided by the universities in collaboration with industry partners, aiming to attract top talent to specific sectors.
Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students
Non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees for degree programs offered in English, but there are numerous scholarships available specifically to help them manage these costs.
University of Helsinki International Scholarship Program:
The University of Helsinki offers a range of scholarships for non-EU/EEA students, including full tuition fee grants and living cost stipends.
These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and are available for both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Aalto University Scholarship Program:
Aalto University provides scholarships for non-
EU/EEA students, which can cover 50% or 100% of the tuition fees.
The scholarships are awarded based on the student’s academic performance and are available for both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Tampere University Scholarships:
Tampere University offers a range of scholarships for non-EU/EEA students, including the Tampere University Tuition Fee Scholarship, which covers 100% of the tuition fees, and the Finland Scholarship, which covers both tuition fees and provides a 7,000 EUR stipend for living expenses.
Finnish Language Skills Scholarships:
Some universities offer scholarships to non-EU/EEA students who demonstrate proficiency in the Finnish language.
These scholarships are designed to encourage students to learn the language and integrate more fully into Finnish society.
CHAPTER 3
How to Apply for Bachelor’s and Master’s
Degrees in Finland
Researching Degree Programs
The first step in applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finland is to thoroughly research the programs available to you.
Finland offers a wide range of programs across various fields of study, so it’s important to identify the one that best aligns with your academic and career goals.
In this section, we’ll explore how to effectively use Studyinfo.fi, Finland’s official online portal for finding and applying to degree programs, as well as how to understand program requirements and compare universities.
Application Options
When applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs in Finland, you have two primary options for submitting your applications:
Joint Application and Separate Applications.
Understanding these options will help you choose the best approach for your academic goals and timeline.
Joint Application
The Joint Application process is a convenient option that allows you to apply to multiple programs with a single application form. Here’s how it works:
Apply to Up to Six Programs:
With the Joint Application, you can apply to up to six different degree programs simultaneously.
This is particularly useful if you’re interested in multiple fields of study or if you want to increase your chances of admission by applying to several institutions.
Timing:
The Joint Application period typically opens in January for programs starting in the autumn (September).
This is the main application period, and most degree programs, especially those taught in English, are available during this cycle.
Autumn Study Start:
The majority of programs applied for during the January Joint Application period begin in the autumn, usually in September.
However, some programs may also offer study starts in January, for which the application period usually begins in September of the previous year.
Application Process:
The Joint Application process is centralized, meaning you submit one application through
Studyinfo.fi, listing your program choices in order of preference.
You will receive an offer for the highest-ranked program for which you are eligible and accepted.
Scholarships:
Many scholarships are linked to the Joint Application period.
Applying during this time allows you to be automatically considered for these scholarships, depending on the programs you choose.
Separate Applications
In addition to the Joint Application, some programs in Finland allow for Separate Applications.
This option provides flexibility for students who may have missed the Joint Application period or are interested in programs with different timelines.
Outside the Joint Application Periods:
Separate Applications are available for programs that are not included in the Joint Application.
These applications are handled directly by the universities or universities of applied sciences (UAS) offering the programs.
Varying Details:
The deadlines, application procedures, and available programs can vary significantly for Separate Applications. It’s crucial to check the specific details for each program through the program search on Studyinfo.fi or by contacting the institutions directly.
Flexible Start Dates:
Some programs may have flexible start dates outside of the typical autumn or spring semesters. If you are looking for a program with a non-traditional start date, Separate Applications may be your best option.
Direct Contact with Institutions:
When applying through Separate Applications, you may need to communicate directly with the institutions to understand their specific requirements, deadlines, and application processes.
This direct contact can also be an opportunity to ask questions and gather detailed information about the program.
Mode of Application for Scholarships
When applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs in Finland, one of the key aspects to consider is the availability of scholarships.
The Finnish higher education system offers various scholarships to international students, often tied directly to specific degree programs.
Understanding how these scholarships are presented and how to apply for them is crucial for securing financial support for your studies.
Scholarships Listed on Studyinfo.fi
Studyinfo.fi is the key resource for finding and applying to degree programs in Finland.
When you explore a program on this platform, you’ll find specific information regarding the scholarships available, along with the mode of instruction and other essential details.
Here’s how to navigate the scholarship application process:
Scholarship Information on Program Pages:
Each degree program listed on Studyinfo.fi includes a section dedicated to scholarships.
This section details the types of scholarships available for that particular program, which could range from partial scholarships (e.g., 50% of tuition fees) to full scholarships (100% of tuition fees).
Some programs may also offer additional financial support, such as living stipends or grants for study materials.
Types of Scholarships:
The scholarships available can vary widely by program and institution.
Common types include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specific scholarships for students from particular regions or countries.
For instance, a Master’s program in Information Technology might offer a full scholarship to the top 15% of applicants based on their academic records.
Mode of Instruction and Scholarship Eligibility:
The mode of instruction (language in which the program is taught) is also clearly indicated on the program’s page.
Some scholarships are specifically for programs taught in English, while others may be for programs in Finnish or Swedish.
Ensure that the scholarship you are interested in applies to the program’s language of instruction.
Applying to Multiple Programs
Studyinfo.fi allows you to apply to up to six programs simultaneously.
This is a significant advantage as it increases your chances of securing admission and a scholarship.
You can apply to multiple programs within the same university or across different institutions, depending on your preferences and academic goals.
