Education in Finland is known for being one of the best in the world. Finnish universities focus on high-quality teaching, innovative research, and student well-being. What’s more exciting? International students can also study in Finland for free! While non-EU/EEA students may need to pay tuition at some universities, many scholarships and tuition waivers are available to cover the full cost.
With world-class education, affordable living, and a safe, student-friendly environment, Finland is quickly becoming a top choice for those looking to study abroad without breaking the bank. Let’s explore how you can study in Finland for free!
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Can You Really Study in Finland for Free?
Yes, you can! But it depends on where you’re from and your chosen course. If you’re from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, or any other non-EU/EEA country, you must pay tuition fees for English-taught programs in Finland. However, most universities offer scholarships for international students, and some of these scholarships cover 100% of your tuition fees!
| Student Type | Do You Pay Tuition Fees? |
| EU/EEA Students | No tuition fees – it’s totally free |
| Non-EU/EEA Students (like students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh) | Yes, tuition fees apply – but don’t worry, you can get scholarships! |
How Can Non-EU Students Study in Finland for Free?
Education in Finland is known for its top-quality and student-focused approach. While non-EU students usually pay tuition fees, there are smart ways to study in Finland for free. By applying for university scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and funding options like Erasmus+, international students can reduce or fully cover their costs. Here’s how you can make it happen.
1. Choose an English-Taught Program: Most Finnish universities offer a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in English. Whether you’re interested in technology, business, social sciences, or arts, you’ll find suitable options. While applying, make sure your chosen program is eligible for tuition waivers or scholarships.
2. Apply for a Tuition Fee Waiver or Scholarship: Tuition fee waivers in Finland can cover anywhere from 50% to 100% of your tuition fees. Some universities also offer additional support for living costs. These scholarships are highly competitive, but a great way to study in Finland for free. Look out for options like university-specific scholarships, Finnish Government scholarships, or Erasmus+ funds.
3. Apply Early: Finland’s university admissions and scholarship deadlines often go hand-in-hand. If you miss one, you might lose both chances. So, start your preparation early—gather documents like your Statement of Purpose (SOP), academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and recommendation letters.
4. Highlight Your Academic Achievements: Since most Finnish scholarships are merit-based, a strong academic background makes a big difference. If you’ve consistently scored well or have special achievements, make sure to highlight them in your application. Back up your SOP and CV with awards, certificates, or extra-curricular accomplishments that show you’re a well-rounded candidate.
5. Track Each University’s Scholarship Policy: Every university in Finland has its own rules for scholarships. Some automatically consider you for funding when you apply to a degree program. Others require a separate scholarship application form. Visit the university’s official website and read the scholarship guidelines carefully to avoid missing out.
Tuition Fees in Finland for Students
If you’re from a non-EU country like India, Nepal, or Bangladesh, you’ll usually have to pay tuition fees to study in Finland. These fees depend on your university and the program you choose. Here’s what the average yearly cost looks like:
| Degree Level | Average Tuition (EUR/year) | INR Equivalent (approx.) |
| Bachelor’s | EUR 6,000 – EUR 12,000 | INR 5.4 Lakh – INR 10.8 Lakh |
| Master’s | EUR 8,000 – EUR 18,000 | INR 7.2 Lakh – INR 16.2 Lakh |
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Top Scholarships to Study in Finland for Free
Finland offers several generous scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of your tuition and even help with living costs. Let’s look at the top scholarships that can help you study in Finland for free without burning a hole in your pocket.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Offered By |
| Finland Government Scholarship | Tuition + living allowance (varies) | Finnish Government |
| University of Helsinki Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition + EUR 5000/year grant | University of Helsinki |
| Aalto University Scholarship | 50%–100% of tuition | Aalto University |
| University of Turku Scholarship | 50%–100% of tuition | University of Turku |
| Tampere University Scholarships | Full tuition + possibility of stipend | Tampere University |
Tip: Apply early, and make sure your application is strong—grades, motivation letter, and recommendations all matter!
Cost of Living in Finland for Students
Living in Finland is not dirt cheap, but it’s manageable—especially with student discounts and smart budgeting. If you’re planning to study in Finland for free, remember that you’ll still need to cover living expenses. Don’t worry, in this guide, you will get to know about the cost of living in Finland.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) | INR Equivalent (approx.) |
| Rent | EUR 300 – EUR 600 | INR 27,000 – INR 54,000 |
| Food & Groceries | EUR 200 – EUR 300 | INR 18,000 – INR 27,000 |
| Transport | EUR 35 – EUR 60 (with student discount) | INR 3,100 – INR 5,400 |
| Internet/Phone | EUR 20 – EUR 30 | INR 1,800 – INR 2,700 |
| Other Expenses | EUR 50 – EUR 100 | INR 4,500 – INR 9,000 |
Average Total Monthly Cost: EUR 600 – EUR 900 (INR 54,000 – INR 81,000)
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- Cheapest University in Finland: Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Living Expenses
- Cheap Accounting Courses in Canada for International Students in 2025
Best Cities in Finland for International Students
Picking the right city matters just as much as choosing the right university. Some Finnish cities are more student-friendly, affordable, and welcoming to internationals. In this section, I’ll walk you through the best cities in Finland for international students, especially if you’re aiming to study without breaking the bank.
| City | Highlights | Living Cost |
| Helsinki | Capital, lots of job opportunities | High |
| Tampere | Student-friendly, vibrant culture | Medium |
| Turku | Historical, affordable for students | Medium |
| Oulu | Tech hub, snowy winters | Low–Medium |
| Lappeenranta | Close to nature, quieter lifestyle | Low |
Bonus Tip: If you’re on a budget, go for cities like Oulu or Lappeenranta—they offer great education at lower costs.
If you’re dreaming of quality education abroad but worrying about the cost, Finland is one of your best options. With tuition-free opportunities, generous scholarships, and a welcoming student environment, it’s perfect for students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and across South Asia. All you need is the right planning, a strong application, and a little bit of determination.
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FAQs
If you’re from the EU/EEA, yes—education is free. But if you’re from South Asia (like India, Nepal, or Bangladesh), tuition fees apply. However, many universities offer 100% scholarships for eligible international students, which can make your education completely free.
Yes! Most universities offer merit-based scholarships that cover 50% to 100% of tuition fees. Some even offer living cost allowances. You need a strong academic background and a good motivation letter to increase your chances.
Living costs vary by city, but on average, you’ll need about EUR 700 to EUR 1,200 per month. This includes rent, food, transport, and other essentials. Cities like Tampere and Oulu are more affordable than Helsinki.
Yes! As an international student, you can work up to 30 hours per week during the semester. Many students work in cafés, supermarkets, or tech companies to help cover their living costs.
Not really. Most Finnish universities charge an application fee of about EUR 75. However, this fee is usually per application, so if you apply to multiple programs, it can add up.
Courses in technology, education, healthcare, and environmental sciences are highly recommended. These areas often have scholarship options and strong job prospects in Finland.
Top universities which offer full tuition waivers and living cost scholarships are:
– University of Helsinki
– Aalto University
– University of Tampere
– University of Oulu
Absolutely! Finland is known for its world-class education system, interactive learning, and focus on research. Degrees from Finnish universities are internationally recognised and respected.
No, not at all. Many bachelor’s and most master’s programs are taught completely in English. But learning some Finnish can help with part-time jobs and daily life.
Yes! After graduation, you can apply for a 1-year job search visa. If you get a job during that time, you can switch to a work visa and continue living in Finland.
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