While picking out a foreign higher learning institution, the average student sets his or her sights on famous destinations such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or Australia. The students’ minds project this as the best place in which they feel they would like to study. However, more and more foreign students are finding that unique benefits await them in Finland, which is known for its exceptional education system, culture, and nature. Finland combines high-quality education with an alive cultural experience and an innovative learning environment.
So let’s see together whether the choice to study further in Finland was not wrong or vice-versa.
Academic Excellence of Finland
Finland has received recognition because its standards ensure student-centered learning, providing equity and inclusivity. Development, thinking, and creativity are emphasized rather than mechanistic memorization in the schools of Finland. Publicly funded schooling across the country works on an equal opportunity basis. Teachers are professional educators who have earned a respect level that involves a great deal of classroom autonomy. Students experience learning with small class sizes and limited standardized testing. The educational accomplishments of Finland have been proven time and again through its rankings in international comparisons, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment-developed test, otherwise known as PISA, proving quite well the results of Finnish educational philosophy.
Student’s Experience in Finland:
Finland can surprise even the most demanding guests with its nature, culture, and activity holidays. The Urho Kekkonen National Park offers some breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, while Ranua Wildlife Park showcases Arctic animals. Winter wonderland activities are available in Lapland, together with the possibility of seeing Santa Claus. Market Square and historical sites in Helsinki give a sneak peek into Finnish history. Unique experiences include crossing the Arctic Circle, staying in a glass igloo, and observing the Northern Lights. Food consists of Karelian pasties and salty licorice, and the sauna is part of the Finnish way of life. Helsinki’s Design District gives evidence of the country’s active design scene.
Most of the best universities in Finland offer great education with scholarships, lots of benefits, and research opportunities. Here are the top 5 universities in Finland offering great education with vast opportunities for international students.
University of Helsinki
University of Helsinki scholarships: tuition fees are fully paid. There is also a €10,000 grant for master’s studies.
University of Oulu
University of Oulu International Scholarships: Aulu University covers 50%, 75%, or 100% of tuition fees in graduate or postgraduate programs.
Aalto University
Aalto University Scholarship: Full tuition for master’s studies taught in English. Tuition, study, and living are covered.
University of Turku
University of Turku postdoctoral research scholarships: Turku University offers numerous scholarships in the fields of postdoctoral research in science and medicine.
University of Tampere
The University of Tampere scholarships for international students: Offers tuition fee scholarship programs of 50% to 100%. It also includes the Global Student Awards for academic merits.
If a student is from outside the EU/EEA, he/she will need to pay tuition fees for studying at any Finnish public university. Tuition fees normally range from €5,000-€15,000 annually. The University of Helsinki usually requires the highest tuition fees. Usually, private universities are even more expensive than public universities.
Some international students accommodation options in Finland could include:
Student Housing:
Operated by KOAS and SOA among others. You can choose fully furnished apartments that are at least with all the basic amenities. The other category is private housing; you can look to rent a flat or share an apartment through websites like Oikotie and Vuokraovi, or get assistance from real estate agents. And last but not least, hostels and hotels: economic solutions for temporary purposes.
Living costs in Finland:
Living in Italy costs differently, depending on where you reside and how you spend your money. If we make a simple breakdown, here it is Monthly Living Expenses: You will most likely spend from €700 up to €1,000 every month.
Accommodation: Sharing an apartment will cost you, depending on the city, from €195 up to €520 every month for rent. Food and Groceries: you can plan on about €300 to €500 per month for food and groceries.
Transport: €38-€65 for public transportation for 30 days
Other Expenses: Additional € 200-€ 500 per month for health insurance, entertainment, and all other sundries
Earning Opportunity:
Working Hours: During semester time (25 hours per week), during semester breaks, to work as many hours as they desire.
Pay Rates: There is no minimum pay rate in Finland. Students usually get, on average, 9–13 euros per hour. The pay rate for different types varies from one another and depends on the industry. For job hunting, the following websites are quite famous: Monster, Barona, Adecco, The Hub, Indeed, and Duunitori.
Furthermore, the presence of scholarships and research openings in highly ranked universities lends weight to the idea of studying in Finland. Attention does, however, have to be focused on financial matters, such as tuition and living expenses, especially for students from outside the EU/EEA. Though students enjoy broad opportunities for part-time jobs, efficient management is pivotal to ensuring a smooth and successful stay. Overall, Finland promises a perfect combination of academic excellence, cultural richness, and financial support, all of which make the country an attractive option for these students in their quest to obtain a rewarding and holistic education abroad.
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Writer
Arnab Chakraborty
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE