Over the years, opting for study in Finland has been one of the best higher study choices for students worldwide. It is the 8th largest country with natural beauty and the best universities that prepare students to enter the 21st century’s dynamic job market.
Finland has a history of rich culture, a diverse population, and affordable education. With the world's best education system in Finland, you are set to have a flying start in your career.
Here are the top reasons for international students:
While Students of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland enjoy tuition-free education in Finland, other students have to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees can vary from program to program But, the average tuition fees of universities in Finland is around euro. 6,000 to euro. 16,000 per year. This range is way less than other developed countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK.
International Students who are required to pay tuition fees have plenty of opportunities to study tuition-free in Finland. Deserving students have the option to go to tuition-free universities in Finland.
Most universities offer generous funding opportunities and scholarships to deserving students. This can reduce tuition fees entirely or partially. In the scholarship section, we talked in detail about scholarship opportunities.
As an international student, you will find ample English-taught programs in all Finnish universities. However, English-taught undergraduate programs are far less in numbers than English-taught masters and Ph.D. programs in Finland.
As a student, you won't find it difficult to communicate with students, faculty members, and locals because most people can speak English.
Most education systems in the world use the evaluation-driven and centralized model that evaluates a student. Finland differs from it. They use a holistic approach that accommodates students, regardless of their merit.
After 40 years of the country's school system reform, they started to rank top for education systems’ international rankings. Their school is 100% state-funded, and 93% of Finns graduate from high school.
There are many top universities in Finland. Below, see the list of the recent ranking of their universities-
University | QS Ranking 2020 | THE Ranking 2020 | ARWU Ranking 2019 |
---|---|---|---|
University of Helsinki | 107 | 96 | 63 |
Aalto University | 134 | 184 | 301 |
University of Turku | 287 | 351 | 301 |
University of Jyväskylä | 346 | 501 | 501 |
University of Oulu | 374 | 251 | 301 |
Finland has extraordinarily low crime rates, even named as the safest country in the world for 2017 by the World Economic Forum. The wildlife in Finland is the most significant risk to public safety, not petty crimes or terrorism.
A moose crossing the road is the biggest threat to your security when in rural areas.
Finland offers an excellent opportunity to meet and socialize with students from all over the world. In 2019, 153,767 students across the globe enrolled in Finnish universities. Here are a few interesting graphs that summarize the diverse student population in Finland. Surprisingly, you can apply for free to universities. There's no application fee.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, you can work as much as you want while studying. However, if you are an international student not from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, you can work 25 hours per week during academic terms.
But, you can work full time during the semester breaks. Please note that there's no minimum wage in Finland. The lowest salaries range from 7-8 euros per hour. But generally speaking, students earn 9-13 euros per hour depending on the sector and working hours.
According to Statistics Finland, 55 percent of university students have employment contracts while studying. Apart from popular student jobs, you can work in gardens to pick fruits and flowers and pack them during spring and summer. Learn more about it in the "Working in Finland" section.
Finland offers a high living standard and presents unparalleled opportunities for you to grow. If you plan to settle there legally after your studies, you can apply for a 1-year post-study visa to cover your stay while you search for a job.
Once you secure stable and full-time employment after your study in Finland, you can apply for work-based residency. This is the final step to obtain permanent residence. If you work in Finland for four consecutive years, you will be eligible for permanent residency. See the permanent residency section for details.
Have you ever dreamt of experiencing northern lights or midnight sun sitting by Lake Saimaa or the Archipelago national park? Well, Finland offers a countless number of sights, attractions, and natural wonders that will give you heavenly experiences.
For history buffs or literary enthusiasts, Finland offers museums like Seurasaari, Luostarinmaki, Suomenlinna, or Moomin Museums.
You can even go on a husky safari or get into the holiday spirit by meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus in Rovaniemi!
Are you still reading the list? Then you must have considerations to go to Finland. Don't think much. Apply to study in Finland as soon as possible.
There are many interesting facts about Finland. Please have a read:
Finland usually ranks top as the HAPPIEST country in the world.
It was the first country to give women the right to vote.
Your speeding ticket in Finland would be proportional to your income. (Well, are you still planning to drive faster? You better not! 😉😉).
Please don’t be surprised if you ran into a Wife-carrying championship, mosquito hunting competition, mobile phone throwing, swamp football, or even AIR guitar.
Finland has got unique scenic beauty with lakes tangled across its area. There are 187 - 888 lakes in Finland.
Finland ranks top among coffee and milk consumption.
It has got more saunas than motor vehicles.
You can enjoy NORTHERN LIGHTS, MIDNIGHT SUN, and POLAR NIGHTS. (Are you still not amazed? Bruh)
Finland has the world’s most excellent passport. Having a Finnish passport, you can travel to 173 countries without any visa.
Finland has one of the strongest social security systems in place. For example:
Your employer cannot terminate your contract suddenly without valid reasons. If you disagree with your company’s job termination decision, you can take your employer to court. Workers’ organizations help with this a lot.
You will find many career information centers that would help you decide which career to choose, ultimately “Free of Cost.”
Along with maternity leave, fathers are allowed to take paternity leave.
Finland has the world’s best eco-friendly cities and top country in transparency and democracy.
Finland is the least corrupt country in the world.
You can find work in any industry after your graduation (your job arena must not have to be inclusive to the field you have studied. These opportunities are rare in many European countries.)