Master's in Finland - Programs, Universities, Scholarships

Why study for a Master’s degree in Finland?

Finland, like other Scandinavian countries, is renowned for its education system and the high level of education it offers. The exceptional quality of Finland’s universities along with the abundance of master’s programs taught in English form an ideal combination, attracting students from all over the world.

By pursuing postgraduate studies in Finland, you can acquire the necessary skills for your desired profession, gain proficiency in the English language, and enjoy a superior quality of life throughout your academic journey.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Finland

Universities in Finland offer tuition-free master’s programs to citizens from countries in the EU/EEA or Switzerland. For students coming from other parts of the world, scholarships are typically the only option to pursue a master's degree in Finland without paying tuition fees.

The average cost of a master’s in Finland for international students, coming from outside the EU/EEA, is usually between €4,000 and €18,000 per year. This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Life as an International Student in Finland

Finland is a country with a high standard of living, a reasonable cost of living, an excellent transportation system, and various exclusive discounts available for students. It is one of the safest countries in the world and is filled with forests and beautiful natural landscapes to visit in your free time.

Finland's universities support international students in many ways. Postgraduate students can stay in university dorms for a low cost and get aid in finding job opportunities relevant to their field of study.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Finland?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Finland. Some master's programs in Finland are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Finland online?

Some universities in Finland also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a Finnish university through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Finland?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in Finland, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Finland?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have the chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Finland for Master’s degrees

• Computer Science
• Education
• Data Science
• Civil Engineering
• Psychology
   

Can I stay in Finland after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Finland after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a two-year post-study residence permit to stay in Finland and search for a job in your field. If, during this time, you find a job that meets certain criteria, you can apply for a work permit to continue working in Finland.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Finland after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Finland without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Finland?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.