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How to Apply to Universities in Finland

Q: Why do I have to pay tuition if I am non-EU?

Finland introduced tuition fees for non-EU students in 2017. EU/EEA students still study for free. Non-EU tuition ranges from €8,000–€18,000/year depending on the program. However, Finnish universities also offer tuition fee waivers and scholarships — check each university's scholarship page, as many non-EU students receive significant financial support.

Q: What is Aalto University known for?

Aalto is Finland's premier technical and design university, formed from the merger of the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics, and University of Art and Design. It is globally ranked for engineering, computer science, architecture, design, and business. Admission is very competitive.

Studyinfo.fi — Finland's central application portal for bachelor's and master's programs.

Back to Finland

Application Portal studyinfo.fi

Bachelor's Window Jan 8 – Jan 22 (2 weeks!)

Master's Window Dec – Jan (varies)

Permit Required Non-EU: Residence permit

Finland uses studyinfo.fi as its central application portal for both bachelor's and master's programs. The bachelor's main application period is only two weeks in January — preparation must begin months in advance. Master's applications have broader windows but many close in early January.

Research programs on studyinfo.fi

Visit studyinfo.fi and search for programs in English (or Finnish/Swedish). The portal shows all programs at Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Filter by field, degree level, and language of instruction.

Start researching in October–November so you have a clear shortlist before the application window opens in January.

Create an account and apply during the application period

For bachelor's: the main application period runs January 8–22 — only TWO WEEKS. Register before January 8 and apply immediately. You can apply to 6 programs simultaneously. For master's: deadlines vary by university and program but mostly fall December–January.

Have ALL documents ready before January 8 — do not wait until the window opens to start gathering them.

Submit supporting documents

Upload to the studyinfo.fi portal (for UAS programs) or directly to the university portal (for university master's programs): certified diplomas, transcripts, English language test results, motivation letter, and CV.

Entrance examination (most programs)

Finnish universities frequently require entrance exams or aptitude tests. For bachelor's programs, these may be subject knowledge tests held in May–June. For master's, some programs require online tests or recorded video submissions.

Check each program's admission criteria on studyinfo.fi — the entrance exam format varies significantly.

Receive admission decision

Bachelor's decisions are announced in July–August. Master's decisions are made in March–May. You are notified through your studyinfo.fi account and by email.

Accept your study place

Accept your offer through the studyinfo.fi portal within the stated deadline. Pay any tuition fees (non-EU students pay tuition; EU students do not — with some exceptions for programs introduced after 2017 changes).

Apply for a Finnish residence permit (non-EU)

Apply for a Residence Permit for Studies at the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) at enterfinland.fi. Apply as early as possible after receiving your acceptance — processing takes 1–2 months. Pay the processing fee (€350–€450).

On arrival, register at the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to receive a Finnish personal identity code. Register your address at the university. International students who stay more than 1 year can register in the Finnish population register.