Motivation Letters and References for Finland
Many Finnish master's programmes ask for a motivation letter, a CV or references. Each programme sets its own list. Send only what your programme asks for.
Example: Motivation Letter
Programmes check applicants who meet the basic rules, then choose using their own rules. Letters are part of that only when the programme asks for them.
- Some programmes ask for a motivation letter.
- Each study option needs its own letter at Aalto University.
- Some programmes ask for references or papers from your jobs that show you worked there.
- At the University of Helsinki, a reference letter that a programme asks for must be sent for each programme.
How Universities Use Your Documents
Only complete applications that meet the basic rules are looked at.
Each programme ranks applicants by the criteria on its own page.
For Students From India and Pakistan
A motivation letter tells the programme why you fit it.
Essential Components of a Strong SOP
Read the programme's instructions
The admission criteria on Studyinfo (Finland's national website for applying to universities) say which documents the programme wants.
Key Points to Include:
- Check the 'Admission criteria' part of your programme on Studyinfo.
Match how the programme chooses
Programmes rank applicants by their own criteria, listed on their pages.
Key Points to Include:
- Read how the programme chooses students on its own page.
One letter per programme
At Aalto, upload a separate letter for each study option.
Key Points to Include:
- Upload each letter to the right study option.
Ask for references only if your programme lists them.
These can delay or cancel your application.
Missing a required letter
A missing mandatory attachment means your application is rejected.
- You did not check the programme's admission criteria on Studyinfo.
Read your programme's document list before you apply.
One letter for two programmes
Each study option needs its own letter.
- The same file uploaded to both study options.
Write a separate letter for each programme.
Sending letters nobody asked for
At the University of Helsinki, extra documents are not read and slow down your application.
Send only the documents your programme lists.
Short answers about letters and references for Finnish universities.
Need help with a letter for a specific programme? Talk to us.
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