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Posted by : Shreyasee Sarkar
Author Designation : Junior Counselor
Student guide to study in Finland for international student
Finland has one of the best education systems in the world. Currently, there are 2,000 Indian students studying in Finland. The Finnish government plans to invite 15,000 international students before 2030 and wants to provide employment to 75% of the international students.
Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe with Helsinki as its capital. The World Happiness Report, published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, has crowned Finland as the happiest country for the sixth year in a row, which included the year 2024. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, non-EU students’ applications to Finnish universities saw an increase of 141%. High-quality education, an impetus to human development, high per-capita GDP, and an increase in student applications reflect the attractiveness of Finland as an academic destination.
Pursuing an education in a foreign land requires long deliberations. Students need to make the right choices about country selection, university/ college selection, exam preparation, document preparation, and much more. In this study guide, we will inform you about all the aspects of studying in Finland, including its education system, living considerations, documentation, application timelines, and much more.
Careers & Industry
Finland has a highly industrialized economy with services being the largest sector followed by manufacturing and refining. Electronics, Machinery, Automobiles, and Forest & Energy are some of the largest industries in Finland. Career prospects are bright in the areas of Software Engineering, Nursing, Early Childhood Teaching, Accounting, and Medicine & Law. Finland is a member of The United Nations, The Council of Europe and the World Trade Organization. Finland is also a top performer in many metrics of performance such as education, economic competitiveness, quality of life and human development.
Top Courses in Finland
IIE data reveals that India was one of the top sending markets for Finland’s higher education institutions. Business, Administration and Law, Information and Communication Technologies, and Engineering courses accounted for 62% of international students. The choice of subjects reveals that Indian students are more inclined towards professional and technical courses.
- Agricultural Sciences
- Computer Science
- Materials Engineering
- Data Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Law
- Politics
- Education
- Economics
- Management
Top Universities in Finland
· Aalto University
Ranked 116th by the QS World Ranking for 2022, Aalto University offers several MBA programs, including the Aalto Executive MBA, Aalto MBA for Executives and Aalto MBA. The programs have different lengths and formats, ranging from 15 months to 2 years and can be completed on a part- or full-time basis. The MBA programs cover topics such as leadership, strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and involve a mix of classroom sessions, group work, and experiential learning opportunities.
According to the Aalto University MBA website, 97% of Aalto MBA graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with an average salary of €90,000 per year.
The oldest and one of the top-ranked universities in Finland, the University of Helsinki boasts a prestigious reputation and a comprehensive range of programs across various faculties, including humanities, social sciences, medicine, law, and science.
The University of Helsinki is the only university in Finland consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world’s approximately 18,000 universities. It is home to over 2,240 international students and offers more than 30 postgraduate programs.
Located in the historic city of Turku, the University of Turku is a leading research university with a strong focus on social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences. It is ranked 55th among the top universities in Europe and one of Finland’s best public universities.
The University of Turku offers an excellent education environment with an inspiring international academic community of over 25,000 students and staff worldwide.
Scholarships in Finland
Studying in a foreign land is tough, especially when we consider the financial aspects of the same. In such situations, students can apply for various scholarships in order to reduce their overall cost of pursuing academics in Finland. Students with a strong academic background, impressive test scores, and strong resumes can reap the benefits of such scholarships. An overview of the documentation and selection process of scholarships is given below:
- Compile your academic records
- You might be required to submit letters of motivation
- Prepare an organized resume
- Prepare well for a scholarship interview if your university/ college has a scholarship committee
Note that, a student is usually required to apply for a scholarship at the time of his/ her admission application. Hence, it is important that you do not miss out on the scholarship applications.
Finland Visa Types
There are various types of Finland visas:
- Single-entry visa: The holder of this visa can enter Finland once and can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Double-entry visa: The holder of this visa can enter Finland twice and can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Multiple-entry visa: The holder of this visa can avail of multiple visits. It is valid for a period of a maximum of 5 years
If your course is less than 90 days in duration, then you can apply for a short-term temporary visa.
If your course is more than 90 days in duration, then you are required to apply for a residence permit for pursuing your studies. The validity of your residence permit is usually the same as the duration of your course. Note that, you must possess a valid passport during the entire duration of your residence permit. The following finer details will help you gain more knowledge about the residence permit:
- You need to apply for a Residence Permit before your arrival in Finland
- You must be accepted in a Finnish university, a university of applied sciences, a general upper secondary school or a vocational education institution
- Your first residence permit will allow you to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week. However, if your work is directly related to your academic degree (such as training) then this limitation is not applicable
- The processing time for the first permit is 1-2 months (in case of electronic application) and the fee is €350
- The processing time for the first permit is 2-3 months (in case of paper application) and the fee is €450
- If you are planning to continue your studies but your residence permit is about expire, then you need to apply for an extended permit. The fee in case of electronic application is €180 and in case of paper application is €250
- Those who wish to pursue research or Doctoral studies need to apply for a Residence permit application for a researcher. In this case, the electronic application fee for the first permit is €380 and the paper application fee for the first permit is €480. Extended permit fee are €160 and €430 respectively
Accommodation in Finland for Students
If you wish to find student accommodation in Finland, you will either have to go through a student housing foundation, such as HOAS or VOAS, or through the open market. Universities such as the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Vaasa, etc. do not have their own student dormitories. Universities have collaborated with student housing providers who help students find accommodation. In such a situation, the students should buy sufficient time for themselves so that they can find an appropriate apartment. It is relatively easier to find an apartment in the spring term as compared to the autumn term. Student rent can range from €250 to €500 per month depending on the location of the apartment. This amount does not include food and other miscellaneous expenses. Besides this, the students can look for private apartment owners in the private rental market. The average monthly rent of a private apartment is nearly €600 per month.
Conclusion
Studying in Finland is more than just an educational opportunity; it’s a chance to be part of a progressive and innovative community that values learning and development. Now that the students are aware of the various factors that come into play when considering education in Finland, they must research thoroughly the courses, universities, and other important factors before taking a decision. To make this process simple and quick, you can avail the expertise VIDYAXCEL.
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