Your Complete Guide to the Finland Scholarship Program

Are you dreaming of studying in a country known for its world-class education, innovative technology, and stunning natural beauty? Finland offers incredible opportunities for international students, and the Finland Scholarship program can help make that dream a reality. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this scholarship, including what it covers, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What is the Finland Government Scholarship?

When people refer to the “Finland Government Scholarship,” they are typically talking about the Finland Scholarship (in Finnish: Suomi-stipendi). This is the primary scholarship program funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture for talented non-EU/EEA students. It is specifically designed for those applying to international Master’s or Doctoral programmes at Finnish universities.

It is important to understand that you do not apply for this scholarship through a central government website. Instead, you apply for the Finland Scholarship directly through the Finnish university you wish to attend. The universities select the most qualified candidates to receive the award as part of their admissions process.

The main goal of the scholarship is to attract top international students by helping to cover the costs associated with the first year of study.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Finland Scholarship is a comprehensive package designed to give you a strong start to your studies. It consists of two key components:

1. Full Tuition Fee Waiver for the First Year: The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee for your first year of Master’s or Doctoral studies. For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees at Finnish universities can range from approximately €6,000 to €18,000 per year, so this represents significant financial support.
2. Relocation Grant of at least €5,000: This is a one-time payment intended to help you with the costs of moving to Finland. You can use this grant for flights, accommodation deposits, or other initial expenses. This grant is paid directly to the student after they have arrived and registered at the university.

For the second year of a Master’s programme, most universities offer their own performance-based scholarships. Students who successfully complete their first-year studies are often eligible for a tuition fee waiver or reduction for their second year, though the specific terms vary by institution.

General Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible for the Finland Scholarship, you must meet a specific set of criteria. These are general requirements, and you should always confirm the details with your chosen university.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
• Programme Level: You must be applying for a full-time Master’s or Doctoral degree programme at a participating Finnish university. The scholarship is not available for Bachelor’s level studies.
• Tuition Fee Liability: You must be required to pay tuition fees. Citizens of EU/EEA countries are not liable for tuition fees and are therefore not eligible for this scholarship.
• University Admission: You must apply for and be offered admission to a degree programme at a Finnish university. The scholarship is awarded alongside the offer of admission.

You cannot receive the scholarship if you already have a degree from a Finnish higher education institution or if you have permanent residency in Finland.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is integrated into the university admissions cycle. You do not submit a separate application to the government.

1. Research and Choose Your Programme: First, identify the Master’s or Doctoral programmes in Finland that interest you. Use the official Studyinfo.fi portal, which is the national database for degree programmes in Finland. Pay close attention to the programmes offered by major institutions like Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and the University of Turku.
2. Check University-Specific Scholarship Information: Visit the “Admissions” or “Scholarships” section of the websites for the universities you are interested in. They will have a dedicated page explaining their scholarship options, including the Finland Scholarship. This is where you will find the most precise details and deadlines.
3. Prepare Your Application for Admission: During the main application period (which typically runs from early December to mid-January for programmes starting in the autumn), you will prepare your application for admission through the Studyinfo.fi portal. This includes your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores).
4. Indicate Your Interest in the Scholarship: Within the university’s application form, there will be a section or a checkbox where you can indicate that you wish to be considered for the Finland Scholarship. Make sure you complete this part of the application. There is no separate essay or form required specifically for the scholarship itself; your eligibility is assessed based on your academic application.
5. Receive Your Offer: If you are a successful candidate, the university will send you an offer of admission. This offer will clearly state if you have also been awarded the Finland Scholarship. You will then need to formally accept both the admission offer and the scholarship by the given deadline.

Beyond the Finland Scholarship: Other Funding Options

While the Finland Scholarship is an excellent opportunity, it is highly competitive. Fortunately, Finnish universities offer a wide range of their own scholarships for international students. These are often awarded at the same time as the Finland Scholarship.

These university-specific scholarships typically come in the form of tuition fee waivers, which can be partial (e.g., 50% waiver) or full. In some cases, top-performing students in the first year can secure a full tuition waiver for their second year. When you apply for the Finland Scholarship, you are usually automatically considered for the university’s own scholarship schemes as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Finland Scholarship available for Bachelor’s degrees? No, the Finland Scholarship is exclusively for students applying to Master’s and Doctoral programmes.

Can I work while studying in Finland on this scholarship? Yes, as a non-EU/EEA student with a student residence permit, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 30 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during holidays.

Does the €5,000 grant cover all living expenses for a year? No, the €5,000 is a one-time relocation grant. While it provides a great start, you will need to have separate funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your studies. The estimated monthly living cost for a student in Finland is between €700 and €1,000, depending on the city and your lifestyle.

What is the application deadline? The deadline is tied to the university’s admission deadline for your chosen programme. This is typically in mid-January for programmes beginning the following autumn. Always check the specific dates on the university’s official website.