Every few weeks someone walks into our office and says the same thing: "My friend told me Finland is cheap and easy." It's half true, and half-true is the risky kind. So here's what we tell people in the first meeting.
What's genuinely good about it
Finland has two kinds of higher education: research universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Both run degrees in English. Teaching is practical, groups are small, and the country is safe and orderly. If you want a degree that connects to working life, UAS programmes with a work placement deserve a proper look. We explain the difference in our university vs UAS guide.
What people forget to ask
- Tuition. Students from outside the EU/EEA usually pay tuition for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. Scholarships and tuition waivers exist, but they're competitive and each institution has its own rules.
- Living costs. Rent is the big one, and student housing fills up early. More on this in the cost guide.
- Work. Part-time work is allowed, but English-language jobs are limited. Plan as if you'll cover most of your costs yourself.
- The winter. Dark afternoons from November. Some people love it, some really don't. Be honest with yourself.
Who should think twice
If you need a guaranteed job right after graduation, or your budget only works if you earn a full income from the first month, Finland may not be the right first choice. That's not a failure. It just means we'd look at other options together.
Where to start
Browse the institutions we guide students to, read the programme pages on the official Study in Finland website, then book a free consultation. We'll tell you straight if we think your target programme is a stretch.