25 Best Universities In Finland For International Students 2024

If you are looking to study in Finland, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 35 universities and colleges in Finland, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 35 universities in Finland, University of Helsinki and Aalto University are the top-performing schools in Finland. This list covers both public and private institutions in Finland.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Finland. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Finland.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Finland?

Applying to the universities in Finland involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Finland to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Finland?

Tuition fees at Finland’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 Euros to 13,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Euros to 18,000 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Finland!

As we cover the best universities in Finland for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Finland for International Students

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.