Setting off on the one-of-a-kind voyage of higher education is usually the most thrilling moment of your life, but it includes many financial challenges. Finland with 13 universities on the top list and 22 universities of applied sciences, is a captivating place for over 20,000 foreign applicants who can choose from 500+ courses taught in English. In 2020, the Finnish government spent 5.88% of the whole national income on education. As per the statistics in 2024, Finland hosts 22,792 international students, which has increased by 29.2% in 10 years.
In this blog, we will examine the different expenditures involved in studying in Finland, i.e. tuition fees and living costs, as well as scholarships and other financial aid programs. Regardless of whether you are a student looking for undergraduate, graduate or doctorate studies, the prospect of working through the financial issues to be faced in your academic journey in Finland can appear as a daunting task. However, we bring all the details of how you should work out your expenses with suggestions, tips, and resources so that you can effectively plan your academic journey.
The tuition costs in Finland are mostly dependent on which level of education and which institution you choose. The tuition fee is usually charged to international students from non-EU/EFTA and Switzerland for bachelor’s and master’s degree courses. These fees are individual and depend on the chosen institution and a given program. The yearly price of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finland may vary from €8,000 to €18,000 depending on the study programme. Furthermore, the yearly student union fee costing €50 is included in the condition that the institution covers.
There is usually no tuition charged for both domestic as well as international students who are pursuing doctoral programs (PhD) in Finland.
Candidates should evaluate the tuition fees of the programs they choose and the institutions as they can be very different. However, there may be a possibility of scholarships and financial aid opportunities being granted to international students to minimize their tuition expenses.
Here is a list of the top universities in Finland with their average study cost,
| University Name | QS World University Ranking (2023)* | Average Annual Tuition Fees (in Euros)** |
| University of Helsinki | 106 | €13,000 – €18,000 |
| Aalto University | 116 | €12,000 – €15,000 |
| University of Turku | 291 | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| University of Jyväskylä | 347 | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT | 388 | The tuition fee is free. Students have to pay for attending social events. |
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Several scholarships and financial aid options are available for Indian students looking to study in Finland,
The Finnish government provides scholarships to international students from India and other countries through different schemes such as the CIMO Scholarship Program, EDUFI Fellowships, and scholarships of EDUFI National Agency for Education (EDUFI). These scholarships are all-inclusive in that they cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Indian students can also investigate the Scholarship opportunity of the Erasmus+ Programme which provides grants for various kinds of activities in Europe, including Finland for example.
Through this scholarship, qualified applicants from non-EU/EEA countries have a chance of getting a tuition waiver of €5,000 that allows them to study in the institute in their first year of study. The participating universities consist of Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics, University of Helsinki, and the University of Eastern Finland, etc.
Granted to international doctoral students from non-EU/EEA countries, the scholarship is directed towards the salary of the host Finnish institution and arrival grant worth €2,000.
The assistance is awarded to those beginning their studies at the University of Helsinki Master’s level.
The University of Oulu awards tuition fees so that international students can attend its academic programs.
Finnish living costs for students can differ widely depending on the city and lifestyle selection. Students can expect spending from 700-900 EUR per month on average, costs will vary depending on accommodation and food choices. The most expensive city among Finnish cities is Helsinki. Residents here spend between 980 and 1,580 EUR per month. Contradictorily, cities like Lappeenranta, Pori, and Tampere are famous for being low-budget options for students.
Accommodations are a substantial amount of living costs in Finland. Students have two main options: either in private student housing foundations or renting/sharing a flat. A room in a shared apartment in student housing can cost from 160 to 380 EUR while renting a flat may vary from 400 to 800 EUR according to the location and amenities.
Food expenses also have a significant relation with the overall budget. In the meanwhile, shopping at the local supermarkets gives an average of 200 to 250 EUR for groceries per month. Students can save money by buying groceries at inexpensive supermarkets such as Lidl, Sale, Alepa and K-Market. Eating out can be another choice, with average meals in low-price restaurants around 11 EUR, while a special occasion like having a three-course meal for two in an average restaurant will probably set you back 60 EUR.
Transportation costs are generally manageable for the students who can always find cheap public transport. A student pass for public transport normally costs between 35 and 50 EUR per month, but the price might vary across the cities. Optionally, students can opt to hire a car which would cost 230 EUR for 5 days.
Besides the basic expenses, non-EU students who are going to Finland must demonstrate they have health insurance as a part of their application for a residence permit. The insurance should correspond to particular conditions established by the Finnish Immigration Office. Prices may depend on the insurance company and the plan purchased. The non-EU students often spend between 100 to 300 EUR for mandatory health insurance which meets the residence permit requirements. This insurance grants the possibility of getting required medical assistance while spending time in Finland.
In conclusion, exploring the cost of studying abroad in Finland results in a blended picture, where affordability prevails in tandem with high-quality learning. For EU/EEA students, there are generally no tuition fees or fees that are low in comparison with non-EU/EEA students who may pay close to full fees. However, frequent use of scholarships, grants and part-time job opportunities will reduce the financial burden considerably. Along with very affordable high-quality living, extensive support systems and government commitment to providing quality education that ensures access, Finland is a preferable destination for students seeking world-class education. If comprehensive planned efforts are made and available tools are utilized, pursuing education in Finland can be a valuable and attainable investment for the betterment of one’s academic and personal well-being.
If you are still confused as to how to manage your finances for a study in Finland, feel free to contact us. At Manya – The Princeton Review, we have our seasoned advisors to guide you with available aid options and suggest the best possible expenditure plan as per your choices.
Students who are not from the European Union/European Economic Area may be subject to tuition fees, but these can differ from one institution to another and the program they are studying. It can range somewhere between €8,000 to €18,000.
Living expenses in Finland depend on the city and the type of life. A typical student should anticipate spending on accommodation, food, mobility and other stuff of interest from 700 to 1000 euros every month.
Indeed, there are plenty of both, grants and scholarships, for foreign students studying in Finland. The Finnish government, universities, and private organizations may provide these scholarships either through national programs or international programs.
Certainly, international students in Finland have the opportunity to work part-time while they are actively studying. Non-EU/EEA students are normally permitted to work a maximum of 25 hours per week during the academic year but full-time during scheduled breaks.
The process for applying for financial aid and scholarships differs according to the fund provider. Students need to know the precise details such as application requirements and deadlines and stick to the application process as instructed.
Besides the tuition fees and living expenses, students need to budget for extra costs like health insurance, course materials, and residence permit fees.
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