Mensah Courage EdemSelecting Finland as your study destination used to mean enjoying a tuition-free education. However, some changes in government regulations introduced fees for non-European Union (EU) students.
Does this mean the end of tuition-free education for international students in Finland? Well, not entirely. Let’s break it down.
In 2016, Finland charged tuition fees for non-EU students, starting at €1,500 per year. This shift altered the game, but there are still clever ways to secure tuition-free education in Finland this year.
Three Strategies for Tuition-Free Education in Finland
1. Opt for a Program in the Local Language
Finnish and Swedish are the local languages in Finland. To dodge tuition fees, consider studying in one of these languages. Universities in Finland provide free programs and courses in both languages. Master either Finnish or Swedish, and you can learn without paying tuition.
If your language skills need to improve, look for foreign language schools that teach these courses. Finnish universities may not offer entry-level language courses, so exploring language schools is critical. Dedicate time to learn these languages and obtain a certificate to prove your proficiency. Online self-guided learning can be a helpful start.
2. Find Hidden Scholarships and Incentives
Finnish universities offer various scholarships, full and partial, for outstanding students. With 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences, Finland provides a broad spectrum of study programs. Unearthing these scholarships can be intricate, but it’s worth the effort.
Each university has its website, where they regularly update scholarship information. Investigate the university you’re interested in and explore programs aligned with your interests. For instance, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences offers full scholarships for non-EU students in all their Bachelor’s Degrees. Check the university’s website for scholarship details and application processes. Remember that even with a scholarship, you might need to cover living expenses.
3. Choose a Ph.D. Program
Another savvy move towards tuition-free education in Finland is pursuing a Ph.D. program. Whether you opt for local languages or English, Ph.D. students are exempt from tuition fees.
Search for doctoral programs at Finnish universities based on your interest. If you’ve completed your master’s degree, you can enroll in a Ph.D. program. While you’ll still need to cover living expenses, you can apply for research funding during your studies.
Ready to Study Tuition-Free in Finland
Despite the regulatory changes, securing a top-notch education in Finland without tuition fees is still possible. Understand the avenues for tuition-free education: learning local languages (Finnish or Swedish), exploring hidden scholarships, or pursuing a Ph.D. program.
As you gear up for a tuition-free education in Finland this year, consider the “Apply to Study in Finland: A Complete Application Process” course. It guides you through the application process, ensuring you have all the information needed for a tuition-free education in Finland.
Preparing for the application process is crucial, so take advantage of the course to make your journey smoother. Get all the assistance you need to study tuition-free in Finland conveniently in one place. Happy studying!
Mensah Courage Edem
