Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a unitary parliamentary republic located in Northern Europe. It shares borders to the east with Russia and to the north with Norway, while to the west, it borders Sweden and the Gulf of Bothnia. To the south, it is separated from Estonia by the Gulf of Finland.
Finland is regarded as a significant regional power and an influential middle power, with membership in several key international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Development Assistance Committee (DAC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the G4, G6, G7, G8, G10, and G20. Additionally, Finland is involved in the Council of Europe, the Nordic Council, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, and the Arctic Council. Finland holds a modern and advanced defense system, participates actively in NATO's operations, and is committed to fostering global stability and security. On July 1, 2019, Finland succeeded Romania as the President of the Council of the European Union.
Finland has played a significant role in promoting excellence and accessibility in European higher education, being an active participant in the development of the "European Area of Higher Education." As part of this effort, Finland has contributed to the implementation of the "Bologna Process," initiated with the Bologna Declaration in June 1999, which has since transformed higher education across Europe.
The Finnish education system is founded on the principles of equality and autonomy. While the Ministry of Education and Culture oversees the overall framework and policy for education, institutions enjoy a high degree of independence in designing and delivering programs.
Finnish higher education is structured into a dual system comprising two main sectors:
Currently, Finland's higher education system includes 38 institutions, classified as follows:
The academic year in Finland is divided into two semesters. The first semester typically runs from late August/early September to December, while the second semester spans from January to May. Each semester includes teaching periods and examination phases, with specific dates varying by institution.
To pursue higher education in Finland, candidates must meet the program-specific requirements of their chosen university or UAS. Generally:
Applicants for Bachelor's or Master's programs in Finland must complete the application process through the centralized platform Studyinfo.fi. Required documents typically include:
To confirm the equivalence of foreign qualifications, students may need to obtain recognition from the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). This ensures that their prior education meets the entry requirements for higher education in Finland.
International students in Finland are entitled to the same student support services as Finnish students, provided they meet the same financial and/or academic criteria. These services include access to scholarships, student loans, housing assistance, meal subsidies at student cafeterias, and tuition fee waivers. Scholarships are available for those pursuing studies, training, or research at Finnish higher education institutions, whether public or officially recognized by the appropriate authorities. Additionally, foreign students may benefit from scholarships offered by Finnish universities to support academic, training, or research endeavors. These scholarships aim to foster international cultural exchange, enhance global knowledge of Finnish language, culture, and education, and promote Finland's contributions to economic, scientific, and technological advancements worldwide.
Student visas (Type D "National" visa) for study purposes in Finland are issued to applicants who meet all the necessary requirements and conditions as outlined in the current regulations, in accordance with the deadlines set by Finnish authorities.
For further details about student visas, please contact the Finnish Consulate or Embassy nearest to you.
