15 Cheapest Universities in Finland for International Students

Search Courses:

In Finland, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Finland without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Finland, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 35 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Finland, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2026 Intake!

Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Finland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Finland ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Karelia University of Applied Sciences 9,000 Euros - 10,000 Euros 19%
Centria University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Lapland University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros - 10,500 Euros 14%
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Laurea University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 14%
Savonia University of Applied Sciences 9,700 Euros 12%
Hame University of Applied Sciences 9,700 Euros 12%
Arcada University of Applied Sciences 9,800 Euros 12%
University of Turku 10,000 Euros 10%
Jamk University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros 10%
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros 10%
Oulu University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros 10%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 11,100 Euros for universities in Finland.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Karelia University of Applied Sciences

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.

2. Centria University of Applied Sciences

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.

3. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

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.

4. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

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.

5. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

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.

6. Vaasa University of Applied Sciences

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.

7. Laurea University of Applied Sciences

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.

8. Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences

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.

9. Savonia University of Applied Sciences

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.

10. Hame University of Applied Sciences

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.

11. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

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.

12. University of Turku

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.

13. Jamk University of Applied Sciences

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.

14. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences

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.

15. Oulu University of Applied Sciences

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Finland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Finland ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences 6,000 Euros 50%
Aland University of Applied Sciences 8,000 Euros 33%
Arcada University of Applied Sciences 9,000 Euros - 12,000 Euros 24%
Lapland University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros 20%
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros - 10,500 Euros 20%
University of Turku 10,000 Euros - 12,000 Euros 16%
Centria University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros 16%
Oulu University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros 16%
University of Jyvaskyla 10,000 Euros - 14,000 Euros 16%
University of Oulu 10,000 Euros - 14,000 Euros 16%
University of Eastern Finland 10,000 Euros 16%
Karelia University of Applied Sciences 10,500 Euros 12%
Savonia University of Applied Sciences 10,500 Euros 12%
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences 10,500 Euros 12%
Laurea University of Applied Sciences 11,000 Euros 7%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,900 Euros for universities in Finland.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,000 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Aland University of Applied Sciences

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Aland University of Applied Sciences. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Aland University of Applied Sciences is 8,000 Euros.

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.

3. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

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.

The tuition fee at Arcada University of Applied Sciences for incoming international master’s students is 9,000 Euros to 12,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Another affordable university to consider in Finland is Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

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.

The tuition fee in Lapland University of Applied Sciences for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,500 Euros.

5. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 9,500 Euros yearly.

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.

6. University of Turku

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.

7. Centria University of Applied Sciences

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.

8. Oulu University of Applied Sciences

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.

9. University of Jyvaskyla

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.

10. University of Oulu

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.

11. University of Eastern Finland

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.

12. Karelia University of Applied Sciences

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.

13. Savonia University of Applied Sciences

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.

14. Vaasa University of Applied Sciences

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.

15. Laurea University of Applied Sciences

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Finland?

Applying to cheap universities in Finland requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Finland for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Finland?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Finland. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Finland is the Centria University of Applied Sciences, which offers Business Management, Nursing, and Environmental Chemistry and Technology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Arcada University of Applied Sciences offers Big Data Analytics, International Business Management, and Leadership for Nordic Healthcare.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Finland, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Finland as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Finland for international students was helpful!

2 Comments