Study in Finland with Full Scholarship – 2025 for International Students

Study in Finland with full scholarship 2025 is an opportunity many international students dream about — a chance to pursue a top-quality degree in one of the world’s most advanced, peaceful, and education-focused countries without paying tuition or living out of pocket.

Finland’s education system is globally recognized for its innovation, student-centered learning, and equality of access.

And while public universities charge tuition fees to non-EU/EEA students, there are numerous fully funded scholarships that can cover both tuition and living costs for talented applicants.

Whether you’re targeting a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about studying in Finland on a full scholarship in 2025 — including eligibility, scholarship programs, application steps, deadlines, and tips to maximize your chances.

Why Study in Finland?

Before diving into the scholarships, let’s look at why Finland remains one of the most appealing destinations for international students.

✅ Top 5 Reasons to Study in Finland:

• World-Class Education: Finnish universities rank among Europe’s best for innovation, teaching quality, and academic freedom.

• Wide Range of English-Taught Programs: Over 500 degree programs are available in English across various disciplines.

• Safe, Modern, and Green: Finland ranks high in safety, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life.

• Technology and Research Driven: Particularly strong in education, ICT, engineering, environmental sciences, and design.

• Scholarships Available: Most universities offer tuition waivers and grants, and some cover full tuition plus living costs.

Are There Full Scholarships for International Students in Finland in 2025?

Yes. Although non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees in Finland, all Finnish universities offer scholarship programs to cover part or all of those fees. Some universities go further by offering fully funded scholarships that also include a monthly living allowance — creating an opportunity for a complete financial package.

These scholarships are awarded based on:

• Academic excellence

• Motivation

• Alignment with university values or country development goals

• Early application

Let’s explore the scholarship landscape.

Types of Scholarships in Finland for 2025

1. Finland Government Scholarship Pool (Doctoral Studies Only)

Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Eligibility: Students from countries outside the EU/EEA
Coverage:

• Monthly stipend of €1,500

• Duration: 3–12 months

• Tuition not included — candidates must be admitted and nominated by a Finnish university

2. University-Specific Full Scholarships (Bachelor’s & Master’s)

Almost every Finnish university offers tiered scholarships to international students. Some provide:

• 100% tuition fee waivers

• Living expense stipends (ranging from €5,000 to €11,000 per year)

• Priority to early applicants and top academic performers

Most scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission, though some may require a separate motivation letter or form.

Top Universities in Finland Offering Full Scholarships (2025)

Here’s a list of leading Finnish institutions that provide full scholarships to outstanding non-EU/EEA students.

1. University of Helsinki – International Master’s Scholarships

Program: Master’s Degree Programs
Coverage:

• Full tuition waiver (€13,000 – €18,000/year)

• Additional grant of €5,000/year for living expenses

• Valid for 2 years

How to Apply: Via the university’s application portal; submit scholarship motivation letter.

2. Aalto University – Finland Scholarship Program

Programs: Master’s degrees in science, business, and art
Coverage:

• 100% tuition waiver

• €5,000 relocation/living grant

• Renewable for second year based on progress

Application Tip: Strong academic background and portfolio (for design/architecture) boost chances.

3. University of Turku – International Scholarship Program

Programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Coverage:

• 100% tuition fee waiver

• €8,000 annual living grant for top-tier applicants

• Applied at the time of admission

4. Tampere University – Global Excellence Scholarships

Programs: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Coverage:

• 100% tuition fee waiver

• €7,000–€9,000 living allowance for the most competitive applicants

• Valid for up to 2 years

5. University of Oulu – International Scholarship Program

Programs: All English-taught bachelor’s and master’s
Coverage:

• 100% tuition coverage

• Up to €10,000 per year in living cost grant (limited availability)

• Conditional on study performance

6. LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology)

Programs: Engineering, Business, Technology
Coverage:

• Finland Scholarship: 100% tuition + €5,000

• Academic Achievement Award: Up to €36,000 total value

7. Hanken School of Economics

Programs: Master’s in Business and Economics
Coverage:

• Full tuition scholarship

• €8,000 per year living grant for top applicants

• No separate application needed if applying by priority deadline

8. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

Programs: Tech, Healthcare, Business
Coverage:

• Up to 50–100% tuition waivers

• Scholarships awarded to high performers after 1st year

• Limited living cost grants

How to Apply to Study in Finland with Full Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Find a Suitable Degree Program

• Use Studyinfo.fi to search for:

  • English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees

  • Scholarship information linked to each program

✅ Step 2: Check University Scholarship Conditions

Each university has different:

• Scholarship tiers (50%, 75%, 100%)

• Living cost grants

• Application methods (some automatic, others require essays)

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

✅ Step 4: Apply via the National Portal – Studyinfo.fi

• Application period: January 3 to January 17, 2025 (for autumn 2025 intake)

• No application fee

• You can apply for up to six programs in one form

If your chosen program offers a scholarship, opt-in during the application.

✅ Step 5: Submit Any Additional Scholarship Documents

• Some universities ask for a separate motivation letter or essay

• Others use your admission documents to make scholarship decisions

✅ Step 6: Await Results and Accept Offer

• Admission results: Usually released between April and June

• Confirm your acceptance and scholarship before the deadline

Cost of Living in Finland (Even with a Scholarship)

Even if tuition is fully covered, you must show financial proof to get a Finnish residence permit.

Post-Study Opportunities in Finland

Graduates can apply for an extended residence permit to search for jobs in Finland for up to two years after graduation.

Finland has a growing job market in:

• IT and software development

• Clean energy and sustainability

• Engineering

• Health sciences

• Education and pedagogy

Finnish universities offer career services, internship placements, and employer networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a full scholarship for a bachelor’s degree in Finland?
A: Yes, some universities (e.g., University of Oulu, LUT University) offer full scholarships for bachelor’s programs.

Q: Do I need IELTS to apply?
A: Most universities require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+. Some accept Duolingo English Test or waive it if you’ve studied in English before.

Q: Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
A: Some universities automatically consider you for scholarships when you apply for admission. Others require an additional motivation letter.

Q: Can I work while studying in Finland?
A: Yes. International students can work 30 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.

Q: Is healthcare free for students in Finland?
A: You must pay a small student healthcare fee (~€77/year), and you’ll have access to affordable student health services.

Key Deadlines and Application Calendar (2025)

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Study in Finland with full scholarship 2025 is not just a dream — it’s a real and attainable goal if you start early, choose the right programs, and submit a compelling application.

With tuition-free options still available for some students, and generous university-level scholarships that cover both fees and living costs, Finland continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international education.

Begin your journey now by exploring programs on Studyinfo.fi, preparing your documents, and applying during the upcoming cycle. The future you envision might just begin in Finland.