2024 - 2025 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Finland For International Students

35 Best Value Institutions in Finland for International Students

Here are the 35 best-value institutions in Finland for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

University of Helsinki is one of the most elite universities in Finland. With its proven academic excellence, it is considered to be among the preferred European universities of prospective local and international students. Since its establishment in 1640, the institute has been providing high-quality education, contributing to research studies, and promoting internationalization and diversity. To this day, it continues to improve and develop career-oriented programs that will address future industry needs.

Aalto University was established in 2010 to reform the educational standards of Finnish universities. The amalgamation of three renowned institutions led to its formation and has restructured its teaching and study programs to provide only the highest-quality education in the country. Today, this young university is considered one of the best Finnish and European universities that offer first-class and internationally-acknowledged study programs.

University of Vaasa is a public higher education institution comprising a diverse community with students and lecturers from across the globe. Its exceptional education and training have generated socially accountable and responsible professionals, experts, and innovators. Since 1968, the university has developed various multidisciplinary programs addressing current market needs. Degrees awarded by the university are highly recognized by employers all over Finland and abroad.

The University of Turku is an outstanding university situated in Finland’s oldest city. The institute has been recognized internationally for its high standards of teaching and research. It provides exceptional learning experiences, numerous academic resources, and countless on-campus and off-campus opportunities. Moreover, as a global university, it promotes internationalization within its campus. It welcomes students from across the globe and has partnerships with renowned foreign universities and leading companies. Its proven academic excellence has gained them high positions in several world university rankings.

Tampere University was formed through the merging of two higher education institutions, the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology in 2019. The university aims to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary education and conduct top-tier research and innovation initiatives. Students of this high-ranking university get various opportunities to develop their skills through industry experience and international exposure.

The University of Jyvaskyla is an elite higher education institution in Finland. Its history can be traced back to 1863 when it started operating as a teacher training school. Today, the university has become one of the best universities in the world. As a top-tier institute, it attracts many aspiring students from across the globe. Students have numerous options as the school provides first-rate study programs in various academic disciplines.

University of Oulu is a world-class public higher education school in Northern Finland. It has been providing top-quality teaching and research since 1958, significantly contributing to society and cultivating numerous professionals and experts in various industry sectors. The university also promotes internationalization within its campus. It welcomes students from across the globe, offers exchange programs, and actively participates in numerous international activities.

Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT, more commonly known as LUT University, is highly regarded as one of the leading universities in Finland. It provides top-quality educational programs in the fields of business, science, and social sciences. In addition, the institute is deemed a global university as it comprises students and academic staff from across the world. It welcomes and admits numerous European and international students every year.

University of Eastern Finland was established due to the amalgamation of two renowned Finnish universities. It has two campuses in Kuopio and Joensuu, each equipped with modern facilities, training centers, and lecture rooms. Moreover, the university offers cutting-edge programs in health sciences, forestry, social sciences, and business studies. It awards degrees in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. It also offers short courses and exchange programs.

Abo Akademi University is one of the few Finnish universities that provide Swedish-taught study programs. This internationally recognized institution is known for promoting diversity, sustainability, and equality within its campuses. The institute has cultivated countless individuals. It greatly values the well-being of its students and aids them in every step to attain their educational goals and desired personal growth.

University of Lapland, or Lapin yliopisto in Finnish, is a university in Finland that offers Master’s, Exchange, and Doctoral studies. However, areas of discipline are rather limited with only two being covered. These areas are Tourism and Arts. Financial aid for students includes tuition waivers and scholarships. Student housing is also present for foreign students or even local students who may choose to do so. Multiple advocacy efforts are being pushed in the university such as Quality Management Documentation, and Equality and Non-Discrimination strategies.

University of the Arts Helsinki, more commonly known as Uniarts Helsinki, is one of the sought-after Finnish schools that provides outstanding educational programs in music, theatre, arts, and dance. Its comprehensive study programs and unique learning approach make Uniarts Helsinki different from other performing arts schools in the country. Moreover, its proven academic excellence has attracted numerous creative and talented students from across the globe.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is one of the most prominent institutions in Finland. It offers more than 60 study programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, with a select number of courses entirely conducted in English. The university is recognized for its high standards of teaching and research. It has partnered with renowned universities and Finnish companies to provide only the best education for its students.

LAB University of Applied Sciences offers Bachelor’s and Master’s level education. Multiple faculties focused on a specific area of discipline are present such as the Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Business, and Faculty of Design and Fine Arts. Students can be granted scholarships to alleviate some financial burden. Guided by its belief in student cooperation, student life remains an active participant in changes in the university. This leads to complex student services like Global Education Services, Simulation Services, and Facility Renting.

Turku University of Applied Sciences, or simply Turku UAS, is a Finnish public university that offers around 70-degree programs in 4 fields of study. The levels of education covered are Bachelor’s and Master’s education. Preparatory courses are also available but are conducted online. Exchange Studies, Double Degrees, and Partnership Degree Programs are also present. Student cooperation is integral to its service and is conducted through Project Assignments, Internship, and Thesis.

Laurea University of Applied Sciences is a university in Finland that offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in English or Finnish. While local students are exempted from tuition, further exemptions and scholarship grants can be accessed by Non-EU/EEA citizens with the right qualifications. Additionally, the university has international efforts with exchange programs for students and teachers alike. All exchange and Non-EU/EEA citizens may afford housing to help with their studies. Additional services include the Student Union, student counseling, and collective well-being efforts.

Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Savonia UAS) is an exceptional university that is highly focused on providing programs that will help develop the socio-economic growth of its local community. It offers specialized and career-oriented programs that generate human resources who will contribute to various industry sectors. Savonia UAS has several campuses situated in the Northern Savonia region. Its strategic locations will give students the opportunity to pursue a degree at the university.

Hanken School of Economics, or Hanken Svenska handelshögskolan, has been in service for over 100 years. Students may apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level education. Non-degree courses are also offered which include one-year open courses, online modules, and many more. Two languages are used for teaching which is Swedish and English. Aside from educational opportunities, career options for qualified individuals are also present.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences, or Oulun Seudun ammattikorkeakoulu in Finnish, was established in 1996 and is a public institute of higher education. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees can be applied for at this university. 200 international institutions from over 30 countries are partnered with the university. Research and development are integral to the university with multiple projects regularly conducted. Recent projects of the university tend to focus on Low-carbon solutions, Digital Solutions, and Digital Pedagogy.

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, known simply as Diak, is an influential Finnish university highly regarded for its high standards of teaching and research. The institute prepares students to be socially responsible and competent professionals. In addition, it trains them to have an entrepreneurial mindset and become effective communicators. Graduates of the school are considered to be exceptional leaders, professionals, and experts.

Established in 1994, Jamk University of Applied Sciences is an institute of higher education with 8500 students and 900 employees. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in varying areas of disciplines are offered at this university. Other kinds of education are present like Professional Teacher Education, Vocational Special Needs Teacher Education, and Vocational Student Counsellor Education. Students may be granted scholarships that cover up to 40 percent of the tuition fee.

Arcada University of Applied Sciences’ primary goal is to provide high-quality education and research. All its operations and affairs are strategically aligned on sustainable development as it aims to generate socially responsible professionals, experts, and innovators who will contribute to the betterment of society. It currently offers future-oriented programs in health sciences, business, and engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Hame University of Applied Sciences, or simply HAMK, was officially founded in 1959. However, its history goes as far back as 1840 when its specialty was only in Agricultural education. Nowadays, the university has expanded with its 29 Bachelor’s and 13 Master’s degree programs in various disciplines. It reports an estimated annual population of 8000 students and 700 employees. The university also started the Entrepreneurial University concept where students are provided opportunities to learn and dive into business activities.

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has 11000 students, 650 expert employees, and 5 campuses. Its organizational structure consists of the CEO, the Management Group, the Board, and finally the Collegiate body. This helps efficiently manage all programs offered which are at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Other educational opportunities are Vocational Teacher Education, Exchange studies, the EUDAPA program, and Summer School courses. Student life is made easy with various support services such as student housing, student discounts, scholarships, and student healthcare.

Lapland University of Applied Sciences, commonly known as Lapland UAS, is one of Finland’s prestigious applied science universities. The institute offers English and Finnish-taught study programs in business administration, engineering, hospitality, social sciences, arts, and agriculture. These comprehensive programs will be taught by professors and experts who are highly qualified and with years of experience in their respective fields.

Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) is an exceptional higher education institute in West Finland. It has developed career-oriented programs in the fields of technology, social work, natural resources, business, and food and hospitality. SeAMK is one of the Finnish universities responsible for generating human resources in South Ostrobothnia. It continues to create future-oriented programs to meet various market needs.

A school with four campuses, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences boasts its excellent service of offering higher level education. Students have over 70 degree programs to choose from, all conducted at Bachelor and Master levels of education. Depending on the program chosen, students have the option of studying full-time or part-time. Different programs are also conducted differently, with some done online and some on campus. Research, Development, and Innovation are important to its educational contribution, with efforts focused on the digital economy, sustainable well-being, the environment, and energy consumption to name a few.

Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has trained countless competent individuals since its founding in 1997. It offers Finnish and English programs in more than a thousand study programs available at the university. The institute has several campuses situated in cities with relatively low living costs. With its welcoming and vibrant community, students, especially international students, will quickly adapt to the new environment.

Novia University of Applied Sciences is a global university known for its proven academic excellence. It offers innovative and future-oriented programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university supports students in attaining their educational goals by providing numerous on-campus and off-campus opportunities. In Novia, students are highly prioritized as it aims to generate ethically responsible individuals who will contribute to society.

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is an internationally recognized institution that is considered to provide one of the best teaching and research in Finland. Since its inception in 1992, KAMK has always aimed to offer top-quality education to its local community. It has developed innovative and career-oriented programs, partnered with renowned institutions and companies, and contributed to research. Today, the institute is among the preferred Finnish higher education schools, attracting numerous local, European and international students.

Humak University of Applied Sciences (HUMAK) is a well-established higher education institution operating in several Finland regions. The institute is focused on providing top-quality education to generate exceptional professionals and experts. It offers unique study programs such as Adventure and Outdoor Education, Sign Language Interpreting, and Community Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) is a well-established institution offering quality education in various academic disciplines. It aims to cultivate socially responsible, competent, and innovative individuals who will lead ideal lives and, more importantly, contribute to society. Recognized for its outstanding teaching and advanced programs, the institute attracts numerous local and international students.

Situated in Mariehamn, Aland University of Applied Sciences is a small institute that provides advanced educational programs in various academic disciplines. Among its study programs include its top-rated and one of the most sought-after maritime programs. Moreover, it is one of the few universities in Finland that offer Swedish-taught courses. It currently admits international students participating in its exchange programs.

Karelia University of Applied Sciences has been transforming the lives of countless students since it started its operations in the early 90s. Students from Europe and other foreign countries are warmly welcomed at the university, with its ever-increasing number of international students becoming evident every year. The university also has active partnerships with other foreign institutions and companies. Its current collaborations include renowned Asian and South American institutes and network connections with European and African companies.

Centria University of Applied Sciences is an outstanding university that operates on several campuses in the western region of Finland. It offers top-quality education in the fields of business, health care, and engineering. In Centria, students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, develop new skill sets, and acquire the traits needed to become competent and responsible professionals and experts.