9 Cheapest Universities in Helsinki for International Students

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In Helsinki, 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 Helsinki, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 9 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Helsinki, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences 4,000 Euros - 5,000 Euros 55%
Arcada University of Applied Sciences 5,000 Euros - 8,500 Euros 44%
University of the Arts Helsinki 5,000 Euros 44%
Humak University of Applied Sciences 9,000 Euros -1%
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences 9,500 Euros -7%
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros - 13,000 Euros -13%
HELBUS Helsinki School of Business 11,500 Euros -30%
Hanken School of Economics 12,500 Euros -41%
University of Helsinki 13,000 Euros -47%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 8,834 Euros for universities in Helsinki.

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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.

2. 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.

3. University of the Arts Helsinki

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.

4. Humak University of Applied Sciences

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.

5. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

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.

6. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

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.

7. HELBUS Helsinki School of Business

Founded in 2012, HELBUS Helsinki School of Business is a private institution owned by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. In partnership with the University of Northampton, HELBUS offers English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs in business and management taught by experienced instructors from around the globe. With a significant emphasis on individual focus, HELBUS offers a modular learning approach and small class sizes that equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in a modern workforce.

8. Hanken School of Economics

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.

9. University of Helsinki

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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of the Arts Helsinki 5,000 Euros 50%
Diaconia University of Applied Sciences 6,000 Euros 40%
Arcada University of Applied Sciences 10,000 Euros -0%
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences 10,500 Euros -5%
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences 11,000 Euros - 12,500 Euros -10%
HELBUS Helsinki School of Business 11,900 Euros -18%
Hanken School of Economics 12,500 Euros -25%
University of Helsinki 13,000 Euros - 18,000 Euros -30%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 9,982 Euros for universities in Helsinki.

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1. University of the Arts Helsinki

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of the Arts Helsinki should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,000 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Diaconia 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 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences is 6,000 Euros.

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.

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 10,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

Another affordable university to consider in Helsinki is Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

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.

The tuition fee in Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,500 Euros.

5. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Metropolia 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 11,000 Euros yearly.

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.

6. HELBUS Helsinki School of Business

Founded in 2012, HELBUS Helsinki School of Business is a private institution owned by the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. In partnership with the University of Northampton, HELBUS offers English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs in business and management taught by experienced instructors from around the globe. With a significant emphasis on individual focus, HELBUS offers a modular learning approach and small class sizes that equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in a modern workforce.

7. Hanken School of Economics

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.

8. University of Helsinki

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Helsinki 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 Helsinki?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Helsinki. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Helsinki is the Arcada University of Applied Sciences, which offers Directing and Scriptwriting, Business Administration, and Information 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 Helsinki, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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