Finland offers fully funded scholarships for international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels—covering tuition fees, living costs, and more. Apply directly through Finnish universities or government programs with no extra applications needed.
Studying abroad can feel out of reach when tuition and living costs add up fast. But if you’re dreaming of a world-class education in Europe, Finland makes it possible—even on a tight budget. Many students miss out simply because they don’t know where to start or which programs offer help.
You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the best scholarships in Finland for international students, with clear steps on how to apply. Whether you want to study business, science, or tech, we’ll show you how to unlock your future—without the stress of high fees. Let’s explore the options together, one by one.
Scholarships to Study in Finland for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Students
Finland offers a wide range of fully funded and partial scholarships for international students. These scholarships are available at both government and university levels. They help cover tuition fees, living costs, and sometimes even travel expenses.
Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, you will find great opportunities in Finland’s top universities. Here’s a complete list of scholarship options with all the key details.
Finnish Government Scholarships
Finland Scholarships (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Who Offers It: Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture
Who Can Apply: Non-EU/EEA students applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- €5,000 relocation grant (one-time payment)
Duration: Based on the full length of the degree
How to Apply: Apply through the university’s standard admission process. If you’re eligible, you are automatically considered—no separate application needed.
Official Source: Finland Scholarships Page
EDUFI Fellowships (PhD)
Who Offers It: Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI)
Who Can Apply: Doctoral-level researchers from outside Finland
What It Covers:
- Monthly grant (amount depends on your university and research field)
- Research stay in Finland
- No tuition fees required for PhD students
Duration: 3 to 12 months
How to Apply: Apply through the EDUFI Fellowship program by contacting the Finnish host university or research group in advance.
Official Source: EDUFI Fellowship Program
University-Specific Scholarships in Finland
Aalto University Scholarships
Programs Covered: Undergraduate and Master’s
Who Can Apply: Students required to pay tuition fees
Types of Scholarships:
- Full tuition fee waiver (100%)
- Partial tuition fee waiver (50%)
How It Works:
Scholarships are merit-based and highly competitive. Awards are based on academic performance and program-specific criteria. Some joint degree programs may have separate rules.
Official Source: Aalto University Scholarships
University of Helsinki Scholarships
Programs Covered: Master’s only
Scholarship Types:
- 50% Tuition Fee Waiver
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a fee-paying student
- Must complete at least 55 ECTS credits per year
- Must show good academic performance each year
How to Apply: Apply through the university’s online application. You will be considered for a scholarship during the application process.
Official Source: University of Helsinki Scholarships
University of Oulu Scholarships
Programs Covered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Scholarship Types:
- University of Oulu Scholarship
- Nokia Scholarship
- CWC Scholarship
Eligibility: High-achieving non-EU/EEA students
What It Covers: Tuition fees only (living expenses not included)
How to Apply: Apply through the university’s admission portal and select the scholarship option.
Official Source: University of Oulu Scholarships
Tampere University Scholarships
Programs Covered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Scholarship Options:
- 50% Tuition Fee Waiver
- Early Bird Discount (€2,000 for first-year students)
- Additional €2,000 discount for Tampere Bachelor’s students continuing to Master’s
Tuition Range: €10,000 to €12,000 per year
How to Apply: Apply through the official admission portal. No separate scholarship form is required.
Official Source: Tampere University Scholarships
University of Turku Scholarships
Programs Covered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Scholarship Benefits:
- Early Bird Discount (20%) on first-year tuition
- 50% Tuition Fee Waiver from second year onward for high-performing students
Who Can Apply: Non-EU/EEA students who pay tuition fees
How to Apply: Indicate interest during the university’s online application process
Official Source: University of Turku Scholarships
LUT University Scholarships
Programs Covered: Bachelor’s and Master’s
Scholarship Options:
- Automatically awarded to top applicants
- Separate application may be required for some programs
Who Can Apply: International students applying to full-time degree programs
What It Covers: Full or partial tuition fee waiver (varies by program)
How to Apply: Apply through the admission portal and check if your program requires a separate scholarship application
Official Source: LUT University Scholarships
PhD Funding in Finland
Fully Funded PhD Opportunities
Most PhD students in Finland are not considered students but employees of the university, meaning they receive a salary instead of a traditional scholarship.
Top PhD Funding Sources:
| University | Funding Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | Doctoral Programmes (salary-based) | Doctoral Funding |
| Aalto University | Research Positions & Grants | Aalto PhD Funding |
| National Programs | Finnish Doctoral Network | Doctoral Program Network |
Other Scholarships and Grant Programs
CIMO Scholarships
These are now integrated into the EDUFI Fellowships. Available for short-term research stays or postgraduate studies in Finland.
Erasmus Mundus
Great for joint Master’s or PhD programs across several European countries. Some programs include Finland as a host country.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and insurance coverage
Fulbright Finland
Who Can Apply: U.S. citizens only
Programs: For graduate study, research, or teaching in Finland
Funding Includes: Tuition, living allowance, and more
Official Source: Fulbright Finland
FAQs – Scholarships to Study in Finland
1. Are there fully funded scholarships available in Finland for international students?
Yes, Finland offers fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even relocation grants. These are available through the Finnish Government and various top universities.
2. Who can apply for Finland Scholarships?
Any non-EU/EEA student applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program in Finland can apply for these scholarships. Some are automatically considered during admission, while others may need a separate application.
3. Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
In most cases, no separate application is needed. When you apply for admission to a Finnish university, you are automatically considered for available scholarships. However, some programs (especially joint degrees) may have separate scholarship forms.
4. What expenses are usually covered by Finnish scholarships?
Scholarships may include:
- Full or partial tuition waivers
- Living expense grants (e.g., €5,000 relocation grant)
- Health insurance coverage
- Research or study travel allowances
5. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for scholarships in Finland?
Most Finnish universities require proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. However, if your previous education was in English, some universities may waive this requirement.
6. Can I work while studying in Finland?
Yes, international students can work part-time up to 30 hours per week during their studies. This can help you cover extra living costs not included in the scholarship.
7. What are the top universities offering scholarships in Finland?
Some top universities with scholarship programs include:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- Tampere University
- University of Oulu
- LUT University
- University of Turku
8. Is it easy to get a scholarship in Finland?
Scholarships in Finland are competitive, especially at top-ranked universities. But if you have strong academic results, a good motivation letter, and meet all eligibility criteria, your chances are high.
9. When should I apply for scholarships in Finland?
Most scholarship applications follow the university admission timeline, which usually opens in December or January each year. It’s best to check the university website and apply early.
10. Where can I find the official scholarship application portal for Finland?
You can apply and find official scholarship details at the Study in Finland portal:
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
Conclusion
Finland gives you a chance to study in one of the world’s top education systems—without breaking the bank. With many fully funded and partial scholarships, you can cover tuition fees, get support for living costs, and even receive relocation help.
Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, there’s a scholarship that fits your goals. The application process is simple, and in most cases, you’ll be automatically considered when you apply to a university.
Don’t wait. These opportunities can change your life.
Apply now through the official Study in Finland portal:
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
