More than just a breath taking landscape, Finland is home to a thousand lakes and the Northern Lights. It is a world leader in student satisfaction, innovation, and education. Finland provides a special fusion of top-notch education, cutting-edge teaching methods, and a secure, welcoming community for UK students looking for a life-changing educational experience.
Finland consistently ranks among the best nations for education, due to its emphasis on creativity and critical thinking, innovative research, and student-centric approach.
Here’s why it stands out:
The following requirements must be fulfilled by UK students in order to apply for a Finland student visa (residence permit for studies):
The following list of documents is necessary for your application for a student visa:
Although processing times for visas can vary, generally:
To prevent delays, it is advised that you apply as soon as you receive your admission letter.
Finland is home to a variety of top-notch institutions. The following are the best choices for internationally students:
| University Name | Location | Known For |
| University of Helsinki | Helsinki | Humanities, Law, Science |
| Aalto University | Espoo | Design, Business, Engineering |
| University of Turku | Turku | Medicine, Education, Social Sciences |
| Tampere University | Tampere | Technology, Health Sciences |
| LUT University | Lappeenranta | Sustainability, Energy Systems |
Finland provides a wide range of programs across different disciplines. Among the most popular courses taken by UK students are:
The cost of tuition varies by program and university:
Note: Unless they are awarded a scholarship, students from the EU/EEA (including those from the UK after Brexit) must pay tuition fees.
Finland's cost of living is moderate when compared to other Nordic nations. Monthly expenses consist of:
Student savings on meals, transportation, and cultural events contribute to cost savings.
For students in the UK, there are several grants available:
The majority of scholarships include living stipends in addition to partial or full tuition reimbursement.
Step 1: Submit an application and obtain an acceptance letter from a Finnish university.
Step 2: Gather all required documents, such as insurance and proof of finances.
Step 3: Apply for a residency permit through the Finnish Immigration Service (Enter Finland portal).
Step 4: Visit VFS Centre, book an appointment to provide biometrics and have your identity confirmed.
Step 5: Wait for Decision. Track the status of your online application.
Step 6: After being accepted, you can enter Finland and begin your studies.
UK students can apply for a residence permit to look for work after graduation:
International graduates can find promising career paths in Finland's booming tech, healthcare, and sustainability sectors.
Most universities in Finland do not require entrance exams for international applicants if admission is based on academic merit, grades, or standardized qualifications.
However, some programs especially in architecture, arts, design, and competitive STEM fields may require entrance tests, interviews, or aptitude assessments. Requirements vary by university and program.
Helsinki is the most expensive city in Finland for students.
Helsinki: €900–€1,200 per month
Tampere / Turku: €700–€950 per month
Costs are mainly influenced by rent, transport, and food, with student housing significantly reducing expenses outside Helsinki.
To obtain a Finnish student residence permit, applicants must provide:
Official admission letter from a Finnish institution
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient funds
Health insurance coverage
Proof of tuition fee payment (if applicable)
Completed online residence permit application
Permits are usually issued for the full duration of studies.
All public universities in Finland offer tuition-free PhD programs for students of all nationalities.
Doctoral candidates are often employed as researchers, receiving a salary rather than paying tuition.
Examples include:
University of Helsinki
Aalto University
University of Turku
Tampere University
Applications for English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Finland are submitted through the national application portal: Studyinfo.fi.
This centralized system allows students to apply to multiple universities with one application.
Finland offers hundreds of English-taught programs, commonly in:
Business and Management
Computer Science and IT
Engineering and Technology
Data Science and AI
Environmental Sciences
Education and Social Sciences
Most English-taught programs are at the Master’s level, though Bachelor’s options are also available.
International students can access:
University-specific tuition fee waivers
Finland Scholarship (covers tuition + relocation grant)
Performance-based scholarships after the first year
Scholarships are usually awarded automatically during admission evaluation.
UK students are classified as non-EU/EEA students and typically pay:
€8,000 to €18,000 per year for Master’s programs
Many universities offer partial or full tuition scholarships.
Students must show proof of at least €560 per month, totaling:
€6,720 per year
This amount demonstrates the ability to cover living expenses while studying in Finland.
