How to Apply to Finland Universities
A step-by-step walkthrough of the university application process for Finland. Learn how to navigate application systems, meet deadlines, and track your applications.
Finland University Application Systems
All applications go through Studyinfo. There are two ways to apply: the joint application and a separate application.
Key Features
- Apply to up to 6 programmes at different universities on one form.
- 7 to 21 January 2027 for August or September 2027 start.
Perfect For
- Bachelor's applicants
- Many master's applicants
Application Fees
EUR 100 (see Application fee)
Comparing Application Systems
| Feature | Centralized System | Individual Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) | Example: Aalto, Helsinki and Tampere master's |
| Main Focus | Most English-taught programmes | One university's own application |
| Essay Requirements | As the programme asks | As the programme asks |
| Special Features | Up to 6 programmes on one form | Own dates and own deadline for documents |
| Fee Waivers | Scholarships depend on the university | Scholarship box on the same form at some universities |
- Check whether your programme is in the joint application or has a separate application.
- In its own master's application, Tampere University lets you pick 2 programmes. The joint application lets you pick 6.
Step-by-Step Application Process
You apply to Finnish universities online on Studyinfo. Here are the steps for students from India and Pakistan.
Search English-taught programmes on Studyinfo and on university websites.
Key Considerations
- Joint application (one shared form for up to 6 programmes) or separate application (one university's own form)?
- Tuition fee and scholarships
- Entry rules and documents
Pro Tip
Use Studyinfo's 'Application period' filter.
Bachelor's: a school-leaving certificate that gives university entry at home. Master's: a bachelor's degree.
Key Considerations
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Cambridge
- SAT or ACT for Aalto bachelor's
- GMAT or GRE for some business master's
Pro Tip
India only: a degree taught in English can replace the English test at the University of Helsinki and Aalto University.
Degree certificate, transcripts, test result, passport copy and any programme-specific papers.
Key Considerations
- Official translations if needed
- Motivation letter or CV only if asked
Pro Tip
India: marksheets sent sealed by your university. Pakistan: the Higher Education Commission (HEC) stamps your papers to confirm they are real.
Fill in the Studyinfo form and pay the application fee (EUR 100, see above).
Key Considerations
- Tick the scholarship option if offered
Pro Tip
In the joint application you can choose up to 6 programmes.
Upload all documents before your university's deadline for documents.
Key Considerations
- Example: Aalto master's by 12 January 2027
Pro Tip
Do not wait for the last day.
Accept one place, pay the tuition fee and apply for your permit in Enter Finland, the website of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Key Considerations
- One study place per term
Pro Tip
Apply for your permit to live in Finland right after you accept.
A month-by-month guide for August 2027 entry.
Important Note
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
You pay a EUR 100 (euros) application fee if you are from outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Students from India and Pakistan pay it. One fee covers all your applications for the same term.
Application fee
For degree applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. The EEA is the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish
You need strong Finnish or Swedish.
Multiple Applications Add Up
Suomi.fi payment service
The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) collects the fee when you fill in the Studyinfo form.
Fee Waiver Eligibility
Some students qualify for application fee waivers, which lower the cost of applying
Common Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for application fee waivers if you meet any of these criteria:
- Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not pay the fee.
- Some residence permits in Finland may free you from the fee.
How to Request Fee Waivers
University-Specific Waivers
Contact admissions offices directly to inquire about fee waiver options
Need-Based Waivers
Submit documentation of financial need or hardship
Program-Specific Waivers
Some universities offer waivers for specific programs or initiatives
Getting Help with Fee Waivers
Contact university admissions offices, your school counselor, or education consultants for assistance with fee waiver applications. Many universities are willing to work with students who demonstrate genuine financial need.
- Pay once per term, however many programmes you apply to.
Tracking Your Applications
Follow your application on Studyinfo and check your email.
Application Tracking Methods
- Your application form
- Your documents
- Your results and study place offer
Pro Tip
Email Management Tips
- Use an email address you check every day.
- Use the same email as on Studyinfo.
Common Email Issues
Send the form
You can change it until the application period ends.
Upload your documents
Upload them by your university's deadline. Example: Tampere by 14 January 2027.
Wait for the check
Programmes check if you are eligible and rank applicants.
Get results
From March 2027. Example: Tampere by 23 March 2027, Aalto master's on 30 March 2027.
Each programme has its own dates.
Common Issues & Solutions
Most problems come from missing documents or late test scores. Here is how to avoid them.
Transcript from a college linked to a bigger university
The University of Helsinki does not accept transcripts from these colleges in India or Pakistan.
Solution:
Ask the main university to issue it.
Missing document after the deadline
Applications with missing required documents are rejected.
Solution:
Upload everything well before the deadline for documents.
Score arrives too late
Aalto University needs official scores by 12 January 2027 for master's.
Solution:
Book your test early and send scores directly.
Score expires
IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.
Solution:
Check that your score stays valid.
Where to get help
- Your university's admission services
- Study in Finland, Finland's study website
- Questions about the application fee: [email protected]
How to Ask for Help Effectively
- Upload every page of each document.
- Do not add papers the programme did not ask for.
- Ask your test centre to send scores directly to the university.
- Check your email for messages from the university.
After Submission
After you apply, the university checks your papers and ranks applicants.
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