The zeal to seek and acquire education through various ways will always be a stepping stone to excellence in the future and when it comes to professionalism. Schooling abroad isn’t a bad thing, but the first factor every international student ought to consider is making sure that their choice of university and its fees are affordable. When it comes to giving out little to get impacted by knowledge, then opting for some of the universities in Finland should be considered.
Finland might seem like an unknown country to most international students, but let’s run through some facts about it; This little country is based in Northern Europe and it has over 5.5 million population making it one of the countries with a less significant population in Europe. In this way, it gets hard to identify on the world map due to the close borders of Norway, Russia, and Sweden surrounding it to the east and north. Another fact about this country is its capital which has a population of 1.5 million people.
Finland is also classified as part of the Nordic countries and is famously known for the quality of life of its citizens, health care, education, economic performance, freedom of the press, and others. All these standards mentioned above are convincing enough to attract international students and even tourists making them pleased with the atmosphere, which is why it was regarded as the “happiest country in the world.” Therefore it serves as the best place for international students to continue their education in any of the prestigious universities coupled with affordability and quality educational experience. Stay focused on this article as we take you on a journey to some cheap universities to apply to in Inland.
What Are the Requirements for Studying in Finland?
Finnish universities have certain requirements every category of students must meet before getting admitted, but they differ from the kind of university or program you’re applying for. Some universities might require an exam, based on an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. You’ll be asked to provide a copy of your high school diploma, which also includes your grades transcript.
Can You Study in Finland in English?
Most international students might be confused due to language barriers when arriving in Finland since the official languages are Finnish and Swedish. English is a universal English in most European countries and they will be fine communicating. However, several programs in Finland can be studied in English at various affordable universities across Finland. For example, three English programs are available at the Arcada University of Applied Sciences. Another English-taught program is Business Administration at the Centria University of Applied Sciences. It offers a master’s degree in the program also.
Are There Scholarships Available in Finland?
One of the processes by which international students get to enroll themselves in some of Finland’s affordable universities is through scholarships. Therefore, there are more than enough scholarships available for both local and international students. All you need to do is to find the best scholarship that suits your interest and preferences. Consider factors like the tuition fee attached to each university and their level of quality education before applying.
What Are The Affordable Universities In Finland For International Students?
Before proceeding to give you the details, there are three things every international student must look into before embarking on an academic journey among these universities and they include; the fees attached to it as stated earlier, the level of quality education offered, and the environment. Below are some affordable universities to afford.
- Centria University of Applied Sciences
This university is very affordable and welcomes international students from all corners of the world, which is why internationalization is their priority when considering applicants. You can find each three branches stationed in the Ostrobothnia region of the country. For those seeking higher education pursuit, this university is the best. Although it has a small capacity and enrolls limited amounts of students, Centra provides 3 bachelor’s degrees in English: Business Administration, Engineering, and Health Care, as well as one master’s degree. With the current capacity of 3,000 students, this institution is likely to expand in the future by re-establishing itself as a center of attraction for incoming international students. The undergraduate tuition fee goes for €7,000 ($7,860) yearly. Applying for a master’s will be a bit costly, but not too high. Having approximately €7,500 ($8,420) signifies that you’re good to go.
- JAMK University of Applied Sciences
JAMK University of Applied Sciences boasts a friendly and modern environment for international students coming over to study. This university is also located in two different towns in the region of Central Finland, so you should be specific about which of the two campuses offers your choice of program. Despite offering 6 bachelor’s and 6 master’s in respective fields, most of these courses are taught in English which serves as a go for international students. Meanwhile, the university consists of four schools: the School of Technology, the School of Business, the School of Health and Social Studies, as well as the School of Professional Teacher Education. The yearly fee should be what you should worry about since they are affordable. If you’re an undergraduate, you’ll get to pay €8,000 ($8,980) per session. Postgraduate tuition fees are also €9,000 ($10,100) yearly.
- Diaconia University of Applied Sciences
Popularly known as DIAK, it provides sufficient social work personnel. Think of the cheapest place where you could study in Finland. If you found none, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences should be your best bet. It is one of the cheapest universities in Finland and it also favours international students. The latter gets exposed to several activities aside from the curriculum like instruction in social work, health care, diaconal work, and interpreting. You would be surprised to know that DIAK is a privately owned institution and it charges international students nothing less than €4,000 ($4,490) Per Year. It’s much cheaper than studying at a government-owned university. Post-graduates also benefit from this privilege by paying only €6,000 ($6,730) yearly. This university is also dominated by Christians owing to its main shareholders belonging to several churches, foundations, and organizations nationwide. Despite this, international students are not required to follow the faith, and they are free to practice their religion.
- Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences
Owned collectively by private individuals and the government, Seinajoki University has only four faculties and only three programs in these faculties are taught in English. They are those being the degree programs in International Business and Nursing, and the Master’s program in International Business Management. The faculties on the other hand offer well taught curriculum in areas such as Health Care, Social Work, and Technology. Undergraduates would be looking to settle around €7,000 ($7,860) yearly, while graduates will also pay €8,000 ($8,980) respectively. To locate this university, it is based in the towns of Seinajoki and Ilmaoki in South Ostrobothnia right in the center of Finland.
- University of Eastern Finland
The undergraduate tuition fees are also affordable by paying over €10,000 ($11,220) per year, and for postgraduates with a lower payment of €9,000 ($10,100) the University of Eastern Finland is largely occupied by international students in its two campuses. Both are located in Joensuu and Kuopio, and they are 130km apart so it’s important to research the one that offers your choice of studying before approaching any of the campuses. This affordable university in Finland offers master’s and doctorate programs and also has four faculties similar to the university mentioned earlier. When it comes to collaboration, you should count this university in, owing to its joint efforts in acquiring formal education worthy of it with other 70 universities in the world.
- University of Vaasa
Enrolling in the University of Vaasa requires that you be paying over €10,000 ($11,220) every year. Consider this tuition fee as an affordable means of getting a quality education in Finland, especially as an international student. The institution is also suitable for students willing to thrive in the business world because it has over 5,000 students offering various programs including Accounting and Finance, Management, Marketing and Communications, and Technology and Innovations. The University of Vaasa started as a school of economics before it became widely recognized by all and sundry. Vaasa on the other hand, being a beautiful town in Western Finland serves as a tourist attraction to visitors, so you can also chip into the wonders of the city during weekends and also on holidays.
- Tempere University
This university is also affordable, and as a matter of fact, it was merged alongside an entirely different university. Started in 2019 as a result of collaboration from the Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, it is deeply rooted in the tradition of Finland and has also produced notable alumni who served or are currently positioned as some of the world leaders we have today. The tuition fees for this university are not on the high side because, with a deposit of €6,000 ($6,730) per year for an undergraduate, you’re good to go. The same price also applies to post-graduates.
- Novia University of Applied Sciences
Novia University is based in four different towns across Finland so you might wanna be sure about the branch your program is being offered. Founded in 2008 this affordable university welcomes hundreds of international students every year. Many of its programs are taught in Swedish but there are English-taught programs available. Your pursuit for academic excellence would be certain after paying a yearly tuition fee of €6,000 ($6,730) as an undergraduate. For masters programs, applicants are required to pay over €9,000 ($10,100) every year to ensure a smooth learning process.
Novia’s primary goal is to motivate and educate individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs. We aim to impart essential skills that will empower them to turn their ideas into reality. As a part of our educational programs, Novia also provides students with various internship opportunities, facilitated by our strong partnerships with local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Finland university has the lowest tuition fees for international students?
The most affordable Finnish university for international students in terms of tuition fees is Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, also known as DIAK.
What is the cheapest city to study in Finland?
When it comes to the least expensive cities for studying in Finland, Oulu, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, and Pori offer more budget-friendly options compared to the pricier cities of Helsinki and Espoo. Keep in mind that student union fees can also vary among universities.
Which country has the cheapest university fees for international students?
Brazil stands out as one of the most economical countries for international students due to its public universities offering tuition-free education to students from abroad.
How much bank balance is required for a Finland student visa?
To obtain a student visa for Finland, you must demonstrate a minimum bank balance of €6,720 at the time of your visa application. If your study program lasts less than a year, you should have €560 per month available. However, if your university or college provides free accommodation, you’ll need €280 per month.
Which university is easy to get admission to in Finland?
If you’re seeking a Finnish university with a higher acceptance rate, consider the University of Eastern Finland or the University of Oulu. The University of Eastern Finland boasts an estimated acceptance rate of 21%, while the University of Oulu has an estimated acceptance rate of 20%.
Can I get a Finland visa without IELTS?
You do not need to take the IELTS exam to apply for a Finland student visa. Finnish universities accept international students without requiring IELTS.
How many hours can a student work in Finland?
International students in Finland are permitted to work up to an average of 30 hours per week in paid employment while holding a residence permit for studies.
Conclusion
We wrap up this article by stating that securing affordable education as an international student in Finland is of paramount importance. It not only eases the financial burden but also ensures access to high-quality education in a country known for its excellence in various fields. Finland’s commitment to accessible education makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a cost-effective path to academic success.
