Many international students dream of studying in Finland for free or with full funding. Finland offers high-quality education, a safe society, and strong research opportunities. However, the reality of funding is more nuanced than many online ads claim.
Official Finnish sources, including Study in Finland, make one point clear: there is no central Finnish government scholarship that covers tuition, living costs, travel, and everything else for bachelor’s or master’s degree students. Claims of universal “fully funded Finland government scholarships” are misleading. What does exist are competitive university tuition fee waivers, some additional grants, and fully funded options through programs like Erasmus Mundus. Doctoral studies are tuition-free for all nationalities.
This guide explains what is actually available so you can plan realistically and improve your chances.
Understanding Tuition Fees and Who Pays What
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland generally do not pay tuition fees for degree programs. Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. Annual fees typically range from €8,000 to €20,000 depending on the university and field.
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Doctoral (PhD) programs charge no tuition fees regardless of nationality. You still need funding for living expenses through research positions, grants, or other means.
Scholarships from Finnish universities usually take the form of tuition fee waivers of 50% or 100%. These are highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit. Most do not cover living costs. You must plan to fund accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses yourself.
For a student residence permit, Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) requires proof of at least €800 per month (€9,600 per year for studies lasting one year or more). Realistic monthly living costs are €900–€1,200, higher in Helsinki and lower in cities such as Tampere, Turku, or Oulu. Student housing is more affordable than private rentals.
Finland Scholarships for International Students
Top University Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
Finnish universities offer their own scholarship programs, usually applied for at the same time as admission through the national portal Studyinfo.fi. Decisions are based on academic excellence, previous studies, and motivation. You typically need to maintain full-time progress (often around 55 ECTS credits per year) to keep the award.
University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki offers a scholarship program for non-EU/EEA students admitted to English-taught master’s programs. Awards are 50% or 100% tuition fee waivers for the two-year duration (majority are 50%). Living costs are not covered by the main program. Some additional support has existed through the university’s Global Scholarship Fund in limited cases.
Tuition fees generally fall in the €13,000–€18,000 range. Applications are submitted together with the master’s program application. Check current details and eligible programs on the University of Helsinki website.
Aalto University
Aalto University provides the Aalto University Excellence Scholarship, a full (100%) tuition fee waiver for the normative duration of bachelor’s or master’s studies for the highest-achieving non-EU/EEA applicants. It is merit-based and competitive. Living expenses are not included.
Aalto also has other options and external scholarships in partnership with organizations for specific nationalities. See official information on Aalto University’s tuition fees and scholarships pages.
Tampere University
Tampere University awards tuition fee scholarships, commonly 50% of the annual fee for the program duration, to selected fee-paying bachelor’s and master’s students. Exceptional cases may receive higher coverage. An early-bird discount (often around €1,500–€2,000 on the first year) is available to many fee-paying students who accept their offer promptly. Additional awards may exist for academic progress or graduation.
Apply via Studyinfo.fi during the relevant application window and indicate interest in the scholarship. Full details are on the Tampere University student guide.
Other Universities
Universities such as the University of Turku, University of Eastern Finland, University of Oulu, University of Jyväskylä, and several universities of applied sciences also offer partial or full tuition waivers. Always verify the specific program page on Studyinfo.fi and the university website, as availability and amounts vary by field and intake.
See Also:
- Can You Really Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Finland? The Honest 2026 Guide for International Students
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland for International Students: The Complete 2027 Guide
- How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Hungary in 2027: The Complete International Student Guide
Truly Fully Funded Options: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
For international students seeking scholarships that cover both tuition and living costs, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs are among the strongest options. These EU-funded joint degrees involve studying at multiple universities across Europe (and sometimes beyond). Many include or partner with Finnish institutions.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships typically cover:
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly living allowance (historically around €1,400)
- Contribution toward travel and installation costs
- Insurance
Programs involving Finnish universities have included fields such as imaging and light in extended reality, photonics, higher education research and innovation, and others. Application deadlines vary by program (often between October and January) and are managed by the consortia, not through the standard Finnish joint application.
Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue on the European Commission’s education portal and review program-specific websites carefully. These awards are highly competitive but represent genuine full funding.
Doctoral Studies and Research Funding
PhD studies in Finland are tuition-free for everyone. Funding comes primarily from:
- Paid doctoral researcher positions at universities
- Research grants and project funding
- External foundations
The former EDUFI Fellowship (a government-supported monthly grant of around €1,900 for 3–12 months to help start doctoral research) has ended, with no new applications accepted after October 2025. Prospective doctoral candidates should contact potential supervisors and university doctoral schools directly and explore research council or foundation funding.
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How to Apply Successfully
Most bachelor’s and master’s applications for autumn intake go through the joint application on Studyinfo.fi, usually open in January (exact dates vary; master’s rounds often start earlier in December). You can typically select up to six programs in one application.
Practical steps:
- Research programs thoroughly on Studyinfo.fi and university sites.
- Prepare strong academic records, motivation letters, and any required portfolios or tests.
- Apply for the scholarship at the same time as admission when the option exists.
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or alternatives accepted by the program).
- Submit all documents before the deadline. Late applications are rarely considered for competitive awards.
- After an offer, confirm your place quickly if early-bird discounts apply and arrange proof of funds for the residence permit.
Work rights on a student residence permit allow part-time work (up to an average of 30 hours per week during term time), but do not rely on employment to cover core costs, especially in the first year.
Living Costs and Realistic Budgeting
Even with a full tuition waiver, budget carefully:
- Student housing: €300–€600 per month in many cities (higher in Helsinki)
- Food: €200–€300 (student restaurants offer subsidized meals around €3)
- Transport, utilities, and personal expenses: remaining amount to reach €900–€1,200 total
Smaller cities are noticeably cheaper. Apply early for student housing foundations in your city.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Finland does not offer a single government-funded full-ride scholarship for bachelor’s or master’s international students covering every expense. High-achieving applicants can still significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs through university waivers, and Erasmus Mundus provides true full funding for selected joint programs. PhD candidates benefit from free tuition and can pursue research positions.
Always use official sources: Study in Finland, Studyinfo.fi, and the specific university websites. Be cautious of third-party sites promising guaranteed full government funding.
Start by identifying programs that match your academic background, check scholarship details for the upcoming intake, and prepare a strong application. With careful planning and strong credentials, studying in Finland remains an achievable and high-value goal for international students.
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