Study in Finland – Government Scholarships for International Students
Finland, known for its world-class education system, technological innovation, and quality of life, has consistently ranked as one of the best countries to live and study. For international students dreaming of earning a degree in Europe, Finland Government Scholarships 2025–2026 offer a fully funded opportunity to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education at top Finnish institutions.
The scholarships are offered by the Government of Finland and are designed to attract talented students from around the world—especially from developing countries—to study in Finland’s globally recognized universities. With a focus on quality, inclusion, and innovation, these scholarships not only provide access to tuition-free education but also cover living costs, health insurance, and other essential expenses.
Whether you’re looking to study Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, this scholarship program is a gateway to a brighter future. Finland’s education system emphasizes practical learning, research-driven instruction, and close collaboration between universities and industry. If you’re looking for a safe, student-friendly environment with English-taught degrees and diverse career prospects, this is the opportunity to consider.
Let’s dive into the details of the Finland Government Scholarships, including the benefits, application process, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Scholarship Description
The Finland Government Scholarships 2025–2026 are a fully funded initiative by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, in collaboration with several Finnish universities and institutions of higher learning. These scholarships aim to promote international education, support cultural exchange, and build global cooperation in science, education, and innovation.
Objective of the Scholarship
The goal is to support students who show exceptional academic potential and leadership qualities but lack the financial means to access high-quality education abroad. These scholarships remove financial barriers and allow students to focus entirely on their education and personal development.
The program encourages applicants from developing countries, providing them with the chance to gain globally recognized qualifications and return home equipped with skills that contribute to national progress.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Finland Government Scholarship is fully funded, which means selected students won’t need to worry about financial constraints during their stay in Finland.
Here’s what’s included:
Tuition Fee Coverage
All tuition fees for the duration of your degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) are fully covered by the scholarship. Finnish universities charge non-EU/EEA students tuition, and this scholarship completely waives that cost.
Monthly Living Allowance
A monthly stipend is provided to cover your living expenses, including food, transportation, and personal needs. This allowance is sufficient for a modest student lifestyle in Finland, ensuring that scholars can focus on their studies.
Travel Expenses
Selected students will receive travel grants to cover the cost of air tickets to and from Finland at the beginning and end of their study program.
Health Insurance
The scholarship includes full coverage of health insurance for the duration of the program. This ensures that students are protected in case of illness or emergency during their stay in Finland.
Accommodation Assistance
Most Finnish universities assist scholarship holders in finding suitable accommodation in student housing or university dormitories. While accommodation costs are not directly paid, they are typically covered through the living allowance provided.
Language Support and Orientation
Many universities offer Finnish language courses and a comprehensive orientation program for scholarship holders to help them adjust to life and studies in Finland.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Finland Government Scholarships 2025–2026, applicants must meet both general and program-specific eligibility criteria.
General Eligibility
- Citizenship
Applicants must be a citizen of a developing country, as defined by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. - Educational Background
For Bachelor’s programs: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
For Master’s programs: A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is required. - English Language Proficiency
Since most programs are taught in English, candidates must demonstrate strong English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests accepted by Finnish universities. - No Prior Study in Finland
Applicants should not have studied in Finland previously or be currently enrolled in a Finnish institution at the time of applying. - Program Requirements
Applicants must meet the specific entry requirements of the university and degree program they are applying to. These vary by field, so it is important to check the admission criteria for each program. - Valid Passport
A valid passport at the time of application is required for identification and visa processes.
Additional Preferences
While not mandatory, preference may be given to applicants who:
- Demonstrate academic excellence in their previous studies
- Show leadership qualities and involvement in extracurricular or community activities
- Present a clear statement of purpose or motivation letter explaining their academic goals and how studying in Finland will benefit them and their home country
Study Levels and Fields
The Finland Government Scholarships are available for:
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Master’s Degree Programs
Fields of Study:
Finnish universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs in fields such as:
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Education and Social Sciences
- ICT and Digitalization
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Design and Architecture
- Health Sciences
- Humanities and Languages
Each university has its own catalog of English-language programs, and applicants can apply to multiple universities and degree tracks as long as they meet the entry criteria.
Participating Universities
Several well-known institutions in Finland participate in the scholarship program. Some of the top ones include:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- Tampere University
- LUT University
- University of Turku
- University of Eastern Finland
- University of Oulu
- University of Lapland
- Åbo Akademi University
- Hanken School of Economics
Each of these universities has specific guidelines, program structures, and admission criteria. Applicants are encouraged to visit their official websites or use the centralized application platform (see below) for full details.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program(s)
Visit the official Study in Finland website and browse the list of English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Select the programs that best match your academic background and future goals.
Website: https://www.studyinfinland.fi
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Review the specific requirements for each program. Make sure your qualifications, language test scores, and academic background meet the eligibility standards.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Typical documents required include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Valid passport
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or resume
- Portfolio (for design and arts programs)
Step 4: Apply Online
Applications are submitted through the centralized Studyinfo.fi platform:
- Go to https://studyinfo.fi
- Create an account and fill in your application form
- Upload all required documents
- Select whether you wish to be considered for the Finland Government Scholarship in the financial section
- Submit your application before the deadline
Step 5: Follow Up and Await Results
After submission, universities will process applications, conduct evaluations, and notify successful candidates via email or through the application portal.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments depending on the program.
Location
Finland
Scholarship holders will study in one of the participating universities in Finland, depending on the program and institution selected during application. Cities like Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, and Lappeenranta offer modern campuses, supportive student services, and multicultural communities.
Last Date
The deadline varies by university and program, but most applications open in December 2024 and close in mid to late January 2025 for studies beginning in Autumn 2025.
We recommend checking individual university pages and submitting all documents by January 15, 2025, for the best chance of scholarship consideration.
Apply Link
To learn more about the Finland Government Scholarships 2025–2026, funding options, and programs available:
Visit the official platform:
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/funding-your-studies
For direct application to degree programs:
https://studyinfo.fi
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