The Finnish higher education system
The Finnish higher education system
Inclusivity, personalization, and lifelong learning are some of the foundations of the Finnish education system.
Finland’s teaching method is respected globally. Since its successful reformation in the late 1960s, the country’s education system has consistently ranked as one of the best worldwide.
According to the Helsinki Times, from January to October 2022, there was a 54% increase from the previous year in international students who transferred to Finland for higher education. The rate is also increasing, courtesy of the updated law for the entry and retention of global learners.
Once you enroll in a Finnish university, expect the following:
- Highly effective and well-educated teachers
- Individual and personalized support
- The Finnish people have a positive outlook on education
- The nation has full support from teachers and school leaders
- It has a decentralized method where teaching methods differ per area
- Offers the best libraries where learning materials are constantly updated
Higher education in Finland for international students
There are two types of higher education institutions in the country: Traditional universities and the University of Applied Sciences, or simply UAS.
Traditional universities focus more on research and extend it with their teaching. On the other hand, Universities of Applied Science concentrate on educating students in preparation for their chosen profession.
Admission requirements and application process
Our Pathway to Finland program ensures that you can get into your bachelor’s degree program in Finland. After providing the required documents, you may fill out the Pathway application form.
In most cases, your TOR or a copy of your final or official secondary school diploma or vocational qualification is required for your application. Other requirements include the following:
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) for bachelor’s degree applicants
- European Credit Transfer System or ECTS for masters degree applicants
Additionally, several educational programs require specific criteria for admissions.
- For master’s programs, universities may require a particular number of European Credit Transfer System or ECTS.
- Other higher learning institutions in the country may ask for specific scores in Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT, Graduate Record Examination, or GRE.
Note that the score for admission varies depending on the study program and university. Visit our University page to learn more about the required scores per Finnish university. You may also check their available programs to see which ones suit your educational goals.
Edunation, in partnership with the best Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, offers the following programs:
Business and management
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in Arcada
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in KAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in Karelia UAS
- Bachelor of Business Administration in eSports Business in KAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Logistics in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Business Administration in European Business Administration in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in HAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in SAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in SeAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in LAB
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Team Leadership in TAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in VAMK
Information Technology
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Applications in HAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Business Administration in AI in SAMK
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Information Technology in LAB
- Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Information Technology in LAB
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information and Communications Technology in TUAS
- Double Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communications Technology in TUAS
Engineering and Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering in Arcada
- Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Management in Karelia UAS
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information and Communication Technology in Karelia UAS
- Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Engineering in HAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Automation Engineering in HAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology in HAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information and Communication Technology, Bioeconomy in HAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering in LAB
- Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable Solutions Engineering (online) in LAB
- Bachelor of Science in Technology and Engineering in LUT
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in LUT
- Bachelor of Science in Energy Technology in LUT
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in LUT
- Bachelor of Science in Software and Systems Engineering in LUT
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management in LUT
- Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics in SAMK
- Bachelor of Marine Management in Sea Captain in SAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Management in SAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Logistics in SAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Automation Engineering in SeAMK
- Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology in VAMK
Health Care and Sports
- Bachelor of Sports Studies in Sports and Leisure Management in KAMK
- Bachelor of Health Care in Paramedic in LAB
- Bachelor of Health Care in Nursing (Top-UP) in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Health Care in Physiotherapy (Top-Up) in Metropolia
- Bachelor of Health Care in Nursing in SAMK
- Bachelor of Health Care in Nursing in TAMK
- Bachelor of Social Services in Early Childhood Education in TUAS
Tourism and Hospitality
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management in Tourism in KAMK
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management in Tourism and Hospitality Management in LAB
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management in International Tourism Management in SAMK
Culture and Arts
- Bachelor of Culture and Arts in Smart and Sustainable Design in HAMK
- Bachelor of Culture and Arts in Industrial Design in LAB
- Bachelor of Culture in Arts Packaging and Brand Design in LAB
Natural Resources
- Bachelor of Natural Resources in Smart Organic Farming in HAMK
Here are the available master’s degree programs offered by Edunation in collaboration with top-notch learning institutions in Finland:
Business and Management
- Master of Business Administration in International Business Management in Arcada
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration in Hanken
- Master of Business Administration in Business Informatics in Metropolia
- Master of Business Administration in Health Business Management (online) in Metropolia
- Master of Business Administration in Procurement (online) in Metropolia
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Business Analytics in LUT
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, International Business and Entrepreneurship in LUT
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, International Marketing Management in LUT
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Strategic Finance and Analytics in LUT
- Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Supply Management in LUT
Information Technology
- Master of Science in Software Engineering and Digital Transformation in LUT
- Master of Science in Software Product Management and Business in LUT
- Master of Engineering in Business Informatics in Metropolia
- Master of Engineering in Information Technology in Metropolia
Engineering and Technology
- Master of Engineering in Big Data Analytics in Arcada
- Master of Engineering in Health Business Management (online) in Metropolia
- Master of Engineering in Industrial Management in Metropolia
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in LUT
- Master of Science in Water Technology (online) in LUT
- Master of Science in Biorefineries in LUT
- Master of Science in Business Analytics in LUT
- Master of Science in Data-Centric Engineering in LUT
- Master of Science in Technical Physics in LUT
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in LUT
- Master of Science in Electric Transportation Systems (LUT)
- Master of Science in Energy Conversion in LUT
- Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering in LUT
- Master of Science in Bioenergy Systems in LUT
- Master of Science in Sustainability Science and Solutions in LUT
- Master of Science in Circular Economy in LUT
- Master of Science in Global Management of Innovation and Technology in LUT
- Master of Science in Innovation and Logistics in LUT
- Master of Science in Industrial Design Engineering in LUT
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in LUT
Health Care
- Master of Social Services and Health Care in Health Business Management in Metropolia
- Master of Health Care and or/ Social Services in Health Care Diagnostics, Clinical Radiography Services in Metropolia
- Master of Health Care and or/ Social Services in Health Care Diagnostics, Biomedical Laboratory Services in Metropolia
Tourism and Hospitality
- Master of Business Administration in International Tourism and Event Management in LAB
Culture and Arts
- Master of Culture and Arts in Media Management in Arcada
According to Finnwards, from 2015 to 2019, the most significant number of graduates were in healthcare (38%), business administration (20%), and technical (19%) fields.
Furthermore, students who completed a degree in healthcare had an employment rate of 83.5%, while 55% of holders of degrees in natural sciences began working after graduation.
Also, 91% of people with master’s degrees in ICT worked after completing their college programs.
For graduates with doctoral degrees, the employment rate is significantly higher (80.2%) compared to master degree holders (76.4%). Also, those with doctoral degrees in healthcare, technology, and information and communications technology (ICT) had a high rate of employment of 86%, 82.2%, and 80.9%, respectively.
Tuition fees at the Universities of Applied Sciences start at 6,000 EUR per year, depending on your preferred program and university. The amount is more reasonable compared to Australia and Canada. The same goes for living expenses.
Additionally, you may work 30 hours a week and earn eight to 12 EUR per hour courtesy of the updated law for international students to help with your cost of living.
Lastly, visit our Scholarship page to learn more about this privilege.
Studying at any University of Applied Sciences in Finland is a guaranteed way of becoming globally competitive in any industry in which you are competent. Aside from being financially rewarding, you will learn updated information and be an asset to society and the world.
Additionally, you will truly enjoy all the benefits of studying in the happiest country in the world!
You can also continue your pleasant stay in the country by applying for permanent residency after graduation.
Start your journey and experience the advantages of living in Finland. Book your free counseling today, and let us help you reach all your goals in the happiest country in the world!