Finland is renowned for its world-class education system, and many of its universities offer free tuition to both local and international students.
With a range of options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which free universities in Finland are the best. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best free universities in Finland.
This list includes both public and private universities in Finland that offer free tuition, giving you the opportunity to pursue a top-quality education without paying a penny.
But, before we delve into the different free universities in Finland, let’s have a look at why prospective higher institution students love it in Finland.
Why You Should Study In Finland
Finland is a fantastic study destination that offers a unique and enriching experience for students. Here are ten reasons why you should consider studying in Finland:
- High-quality education: Finland’s education system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, providing students with an excellent education.
- Innovative teaching methods: Finland’s teaching methods are highly innovative and emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- English-taught programs: Many universities in Finland offer English-taught programs, making it easy for international students to study there.
- Safe and peaceful environment: Finland is known for its safety and low crime rates, making it a peaceful environment for students to live and study.
- Stunning nature: Finland is home to breathtaking landscapes, including lakes, forests, and Northern Lights, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
- Cultural diversity: Finland is a melting pot of cultures, and international students can expect to meet people from all over the world.
- Social welfare system: Finland’s social welfare system is known for its inclusivity and support, ensuring that students can access healthcare and other services easily.
- Job opportunities: Finland offers excellent job opportunities to graduates, with high-tech industries and a vibrant start-up scene.
- Affordable living costs: Despite its high standard of living, Finland is still an affordable place to live and study, making it an excellent choice for students.
- Work and study opportunities: International students in Finland can work part-time while studying, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially.
Actually, Finland is a welcoming and exciting study destination that provides students with a unique and rewarding experience.
The Top Free Universities in Finland for Your Quality Education
These universities are not only top-notch, they also free, with free tuition perks and study grant opportunities, especially for international students.
1. Aalto University
Aalto University, located in Espoo, Finland, is one of the world’s leading universities in research and education. It is home to more than 20,000 students and around 1,500 faculty members, who together form a vibrant academic community.
It is ranked among the top universities in Europe and has been recognised for its excellence in research and teaching.
Aalto University provides a wide range of degree programmes in arts, science, technology, economics and business.
It is a truly international university, with over 4,000 international students from over 100 countries studying at the university. All courses are taught in English and the university offers a comprehensive language centre to help students learn Finnish.
The university provides free tuition fees to all students regardless of nationality and family background. There are also several scholarships and grants available to international students. Aalto offers a number of career services to help students find internships and job opportunities immediately after their studies.
2. Avoin yliopisto
Avoin yliopisto, or Open University, is a free university located in Finland. It is one of the largest open universities in Europe and offers a wide range of courses and programs.
It has more than 50,000 students enrolled each year and provides courses on topics such as economics, engineering, business administration, social sciences, law, and language studies.
The university is organized into three main divisions: the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty; the Science and Technology Faculty; and the Arts and Design Faculty. It also offers an online distance learning program for those who prefer to study at their own pace. This program provides access to study materials and live sessions with lecturers from around the world.
Students can take individual courses or pursue a full degree program. Avoin yliopisto also provides an International Student Center that offers services such as counseling and support for international students. The university is committed to providing high-quality education to its students and has been rated highly for its educational standards.
3. Karelia University of Applied Sciences
- Karelia of Applied Sciences University Admission Requirement Page
- Karelia of Applied Sciences University Free Tuition Details Page
Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Karelia UAS) is a public university located in the city of Joensuu, in the North Karelia region of Finland. It has three main campuses: Joensuu, Kuopio and Savonlinna.
Karelia UAS offers a wide range of degree programs in fields such as business and technology, health care, social sciences, and culture. Its research focuses on the development of businesses, health care and social welfare, as well as the use of new technologies in the service of society.
The university has a strong international presence with over 1000 international students from over 40 countries studying here. It also has over 100 exchange agreements with universities around the world.
Karelia UAS prides itself on its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with international and domestic students living and studying together.
The institution has top-notch facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories. It also has a library that has access to more than 1.2 million ebooks and other materials, making it an ideal study environment for students.
At Karelia UAS, you can get high-quality education for free. Tuition fees for all of their undergraduate degree programs are waived for Finnish students, and international students can get free tuition in certain programs as well. They also offer scholarships and grants to cover part or all of the cost of living for those who qualify.
4. Lappeenranta University of Technology
- Lappeenranta University of Technology Admission Requirement Page
- Lappeenranta University of Technology Free Tuition Details Page
Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) is one of Finland’s leading universities of technology.
Located in the city of Lappeenranta, the university offers a wide range of study programs and research opportunities in both engineering and business.
Established in 1969, LUT offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the fields of technology, business, economics, communication and social sciences. It also has two additional campuses located in nearby Mikkeli and Imatra.
The university focuses on the application of science and technology in order to meet the needs of modern society. It has an impressive research network with international connections to universities around the world.
LUT is one of the few universities in Finland that offer free tuition to all its students. As such, it has become a popular destination for international students who are interested in studying in a quality environment without paying tuition fees.
At LUT, students can find a wide range of courses, ranging from engineering and technology to business and economics. In addition, students can take advantage of exchange programs that allow them to spend a semester abroad at a partner university.
5. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
- Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Admission Requirement Page
- Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Free Tuition Details Page
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is located in western Finland, in the city of Pori. It has a total of over 6,000 students enrolled in its various bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.
The University provides a wide range of academic disciplines, from engineering and business to healthcare and social sciences. It has a strong focus on applied research and innovation, with several centers of excellence.
SAMK also has multiple specialized labs, including the Smart Energy Solutions Lab, the Mechatronics Lab, and the Center for Maritime Studies.
It is also committed to providing affordable education to its students. It offers free tuition and low-cost living expenses for all its degree programs, making it one of the most cost-effective universities in Finland. Students can also benefit from SAMK’s extensive student services and support system.
6 University of Eastern Finland
- University of Eastern Finland Admission Requirement Page
- University of of Eastern Finland Free Tuition Details Page
The University of Eastern Finland is located in the city of Joensuu and is one of Finland’s leading research universities. It offers a wide range of degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with specializations in engineering, business, health sciences, and humanities.
It also has a number of satellite campuses in Kuopio, Savonlinna, and North Karelia.
At the University of Eastern Finland, students can take advantage of a variety of tuition-free options. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are offered completely free of charge to students from Finland, the European Union, and some other countries.
At the University, doctoral students may be eligible for financial aid, grants, and scholarships. It also offers distance learning options for those who cannot attend on-campus classes.
The University of Eastern Finland is known for its research excellence and innovative teaching methods. It encourages interdisciplinary research projects and has a strong focus on internationalization. Students at the University of Eastern Finland benefit from the use of modern technology in their studies as well as access to high-quality libraries and research facilities.
The University of Eastern Finland is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and high-quality education in Finland. With its wide range of tuition-free study options and modern research facilities, it is an excellent choice for students looking to gain a world-class education.
7. University of Helsinki
- University of Helsinki Admission Requirement Page
- University of of Helsinki Free Tuition Details Page
The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest university in Finland. It is located in the capital city of Helsinki, which has a vibrant and diverse culture.
Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is known for its high quality education, research and public engagement. The university is made up of 11 faculties and over 11,000 students.
The University of Helsinki offers a range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. There are over 500 study programmes to choose from, with a wide variety of topics including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine and architecture. The university also offers an excellent selection of international degree programmes and exchange opportunities.
The University of Helsinki has a strong research focus, and is highly ranked both nationally and internationally. It is home to the Helsinki Institute of Science and Technology, which has a long history of pioneering research in the fields of engineering, computer science and materials science.
The University also prides itself on its commitment to public engagement and social responsibility. It has a wide range of outreach activities and initiatives, from international cooperation projects to local youth clubs and sustainability campaigns.
8. University of Jyväskylä
- University of Jyväskylä Admission Requirement Page
- University of of Jyväskylä Free Tuition Details Page
Located in the city of Jyväskylä, the University of Jyväskylä is one of Finland’s top free universities. It offers a wide range of degree programs in various fields of study, including engineering, humanities and social sciences, business and economics, education, natural sciences, and health sciences.
The university is committed to providing quality education, research, and services in an international environment. It emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and creativity in its teaching and research.
It is one of the best-funded universities in Finland and is home to a variety of prestigious research centers and institutes.
The university also provides students with numerous opportunities for international exchange programs, internships, and job placement services. It has excellent library and computer facilities as well as a vibrant student life.
9. University of Lapland
Located in the northernmost part of Finland, the University of Lapland is a public university that offers free tuition to international students.
Founded in 1979 as an independent university and offers a wide range of degree and non-degree programs,
The university has two faculties: the Faculty of Art and Design and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The faculty of Art and Design offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in visual arts, design, media and communication, and multimedia production. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in social sciences, education, psychology and social work.
The university is renowned for its research initiatives and is home to several research centers and institutes. It has also launched initiatives such as the Arctic Studies Program, which focuses on research related to the Arctic region.
Besides its academic programs, the university also offers extracurricular activities for students, including sports clubs and other cultural activities. The university also encourages students to get involved in volunteer work, both locally and abroad.
The University of Lapland offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help international students finance their studies. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
10. University of Turku
The University of Turku is located in Finland’s south-western corner. It is the third largest university in Finland and offers a wide range of study programmes from degree programmes to research opportunities.
It is one of the most highly ranked universities in Finland, having been awarded the prestigious European Commission’s Erasmus+ Prize for excellence in international cooperation in higher education in 2020.
The University of Turku offers free education to students who meet their admission criteria. Its programmes focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the modern world. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation and international collaboration.
At the University of Turku, you can choose from a wide variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in different fields, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, business and technology. The school also offers a number of doctoral programmes.
It offers an English-language international Master’s Degree Programme in Environmental Change, which provides students with the opportunity to explore the current global environmental challenges.
The Last Line
Finland is a great country to consider for higher education. It offers a variety of universities, all with excellent facilities and programs. The best part is that the majority of these universities are free, making them accessible to all students. From Aalto University to the University of Turku, each university provides a unique experience and opportunity for students. Whether you’re looking for a top-tier education, a focus on applied sciences, or just a change of scenery, Finland’s free universities have something for everyone.
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