Future is Made in Finland – FAQ
FUTURE IS MADE IN FINLAND – FAQ 1
STUDY: APPLYING – WHAT, WHEN, HOW 1
STUDY: LANGUAGE MATTERS 3
STUDY: MONEY MATTERS + ACCOMMODATION 3
STUDY: PERMIT MATTERS 4
PHD, POSTDOC, RESEARCH 4
WORK: WORKING IN FINLAND, SETTING UP A COMPANY, RESIDENCE PERMITS 6
STARTUP: SET UP A COMPANY IN FINLAND 7
FUTURE IS MADE IN FINLAND: PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES VIRHE. KIRJANMERKKIÄ EI OLE
MÄÄRITETTY.
Study: Applying – What, When, How
How can I study in Finland?
Studying in Finland is open to foreign students from and outside Europe. There are a lot of English-
taught courses available at Bachelor, Master and PhD level. Students from outside Europe need to pay
tuition fees, but universities do have compensating grants. Guidelines for applying to study programs
and for grants are available at www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions
Can I study in English? What is available?
There are more than 500 English-taught programmes available. You’ll find them all listed or through a
keyword filtering at Studyinfo.fi https://beta.studyinfo.fi/ – there you can also learn how and when to
apply, and what the eligibility criteria for your favourite course would be. For starter’s advice on how to
proceed, see www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions
What are the best universities in Finland?
Most Finnish comprehensive science universities belong to top 600 globally (AWRU-Shanghai list), and
all of them are within the top 1000. Even smaller universities do have internationally strong, cutting-
edge research teams. In learning outcomes the students in Finnish HEIs rank #1 in scientific literacy
globally (Universitas-21)
You can find a full list of universities in Finland at https://www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
University/UAS – what’s the difference?
There are two different sectors of higher education in Finland: 1) Universities provide academic
learning based on scientific research, whereas 2) Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) offer more
professionally oriented higher education degrees, geared towards the working life. Only universities
offer Doctoral/PhD level degree options.
Have a look at www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions/study-programmes for more info on the degree types
the HEIs offer!
More information on the higher education system in Finland is available at:
Ministry of Education and Culture / Higher education: https://minedu.fi/en/heis-and-science-agencies
Can I study subject X (any discipline) in Finland?
There are more than 500 English-taught study programs in Finland. You can search for the available
program and degree options at Studyinfo.fi: https://beta.studyinfo.fi/
Use your keyword to filter the database and learn more!
What are the entry / eligibility requirements?
Eligibility and entry requirements are degree course specific, so you should check all the admission-
related requirements and your eligibility with the study program or the university you are planning to
apply to. You will find the universities’ Admissions Services contacts on each university’s own website,
see list at www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
When can I apply?
The main joint application period is in January annually (for studies starting in September). But there
are exceptions, some degree programmes may have a different application schedule. Always check the
exact application timetable with the study program or university you wish to apply to. For advice on
how to get started, see www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions
Where can I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online at Studyinfo.fi – see www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions for info on
how to proceed!
What documentation I need to submit?
This depends on the degree programme. Check all details with the university you are interested in. You
will find the universities’ Admissions Services contacts on each university’s own website, see list at
www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
How about scholarships?
All Finnish universities offer scholarship options for those non-EU students who have been admitted to
their English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes. Doctoral level funding options also exist. Check
with the university of your choice what kind of scholarship options they offer, and how you can apply for
them. See: www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships
I want to ask about my application
In all questions relating to your application, turn to the Admissions Services of the university you are
applying to. You can find their contact on the universities’ Admissions info pages – see list and links at
www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
Study: Language Matters
Do I need IELTS/TOEFL? What is the minimum score?
It depends on the degree programme. Check with the university you are applying to about the available
options and requirements regarding your English proficiency.
Are there Finnish courses in universities?
Yes, if you are admitted to university in Finland, you can usually include Finnish or Swedish language
studies in your degree. Ask your hosting Finnish university for details!
Opiskelu suomeksi/ruotsiksi (studies in Finnish/Swedish)
If you already know Finnish or Swedish, then you might also be interested in the degree option offered
in our national languages. See www.opintopolku.fi / www.studieinfo.fi for advice!
Study: Money Matters + Accommodation
I want a scholarship (Bachelor/Master)
Bachelor and Master level scholarships are offered by the universities. You can usually apply for the
scholarship from the university when you apply for admission – see www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions
I want a scholarship (Doctoral/PhD)
Doctoral / PhD funding options also exist. Ask with the university of your choice about the available
options! See www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships/doctoral-funding
How much is the tuition fee?
Bachelor and Master tuition fees depend on the programme, varying between approx. EUR 4.000 to
18.000 annually. Check the fee and related scholarship options with the university you wish to apply to
– see list at www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
On Doctoral level, there are no tuition fees charged – regardless of your nationality.
How much are the living expenses?
Living costs would be approximately EUR 700-900 per month including accommodation. Students get
discounts on public transportation and student restaurants, and in many services as well (movies,
concerts etc): www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships/fees-and-costs
For instance, a student meal costs around EUR 2,60.
How about accommodation?
Student accommodation is the most common and the most budget-friendly option. There are student
associations in each HEI home town providing services and apartments as well – see links at
www.studyinfinland.fi/life-finland/accommodation
Study: Permit Matters
I want a student residence permit for Finland
You can start your student residence permit process after you have been admitted to university in
Finland. See www.studyinfinland.fi/life-finland/residence-permits for starter’s advice.
What are the requirements for a student residence permit?
You can find detailed information on the Finnish Immigration Services pages
https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland
You need to be officially admitted to a degree programme in Finland, also you need to show you have
insurance and financing to cover your expenses. See https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland
There’s no Finnish embassy in my country
In the student residence permit process, it is obligatory to visit a Finnish diplomatic mission in person.
This may require that you travel to the Finnish embassy designated to serve habitants in your country.
Check at https://um.fi/finland-s-representation-abroad-by-country
Can I bring family members with me?
Yes, it is possible, but all the accompanying family members need to apply for their own residence
permit, usually based on family ties. You’ll need to show you can manage financially as a family. See
www.migri.fi and www.infofinland.fi for advice and information on questions regarding family
immigrating to Finland, including schooling opportunities for school-aged children.
Is it possible to enter Finland amid the current Covid situation?
Yes, it is possible but in some countries there might still be some queues in handling residence permit
applications due to gradual opening up after the restrictions caused by the Covid Pandemic. Due to
regional flight restrictions, it may be difficult to reach the nearest Finnish diplomatic mission
especially in South Asia.
PHD, Postdoc, Research
Doctoral/PhD level
In Finland doctoral studies normally include academic research work as a team member, with a paid
salary. There are university-specific PhD programs, with salaried positions, where you are expected to
make your studies in four years. Alternatively, you can directly contact the research team/professor of
interest, and indicate your interest as a PhD student.
For doctoral study programs, please see https://beta.studyinfo.fi/ (keyword: doctoral programme)
For Doctoral level scholarship advice, see www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships/doctoral-scholarships
Are there any Doctoral/PhD level Tuition Fees?
There are no tuition fees for PhD studies. Doctoral studies are normally conducted as a member of a
research team with a paid salary. Starter’s advice and information on doctoral studies is available at:
www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions/doctoral-admissions
Is there any postdoc opportunity in the area of X (any area) in Finland?
There are plenty of available postdoc positions in Finnish universities in various fields. The best way to
find them quickly is to go to the Euraxess site https://www.euraxess.fi/jobs/search/country/finland-
1071 and use your keywords for filtering the most interesting ones.
One can also directly contact interesting research teams and make a personal query. Any trusted
personal recommendation, or any link to the research team in question, would be helpful.
Are there any grants for postdocs?
Usually the research team, offering a postdoc position, has prepared funding for the available position.
If other funding is needed, the team can also advise on other funding sources like private foundations
and the Academy of Finland. On average, 30% of the junior researcher (postdoc) positions of the
Academy of Finland are held by foreign researchers.
The Academy of Finland Postdoc:
https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/apply-
now2/funding-for-research-post-as-postdoctoral-researcher-2020-all-research-fields/
What is a normal salary of postdoc in Finland?
Normally postdoc’s monthly salary is between EUR 3.100–4.400.
Are there any senior research fellow opportunities in the area of X in Finland?
Universities have a plenty of open senior researcher positions, which they normally announce in the
euraxess.fi portal: https://www.euraxess.fi/jobs/search/country/finland-1071. You can use your own
keywords for filtering the most interesting offerings.
One can also directly contact interesting universities’ international office, or any interesting research
team to get the most up-to-date list of open positions.
How about the funding of senior researchers in Finland?
Usually the research team offering a senior research fellow has reserved funding for the available
position. If other funding is needed, the team will advise on various funding sources. If you have an
affiliation in a Finnish university, you are eligible to apply funding from the Academy of Finland:
Academy Research Fellow – Mid career:
https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/apply-
now2/funding-for-research-post-as-academy-research-fellow-2020-all-research-fields/
Academy Professor – Senior career:
https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/apply-
now2/research-post-as-academy-professor-second-stage-for-invited-applicants/
What is the salary of a senior researcher in Finland?
Monthly salary of the Academy Research Fellow is EUR 5.100
Monthly salary of the Academy professor is EUR 9.100.
Work: Working in Finland, setting up a company, residence
permits
Why to work in Finland?
Finland is one of the constant top countries in global rankings of innovation, technology and
education, key rankings:
• Finland, the happiest country in the world (UN World Happiness Report 2019, 2020, 2021)
• Most employee friendly working hours (European Company Survey)
• Greenest country in the world (Yale University)
• 3rd in Global Gender Gap Report 2017 (World Economic Forum)
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• 1st in skill development at work (European Working Conditions Survey)
• The best in the world in innovation (World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report
2017-2018)
• The best university – industry research collaboration in the world (Global Innovation Index
2016)
The vast majority of major Finnish companies, especially in the field of IT, use English as their working
language. For women and Families, Finland is an especially good destination due to the high equality
of society. In addition, inclusive social security and healthcare are an integral part of the Finnish
welfare society.
During studies
Part-time work is allowed during studies, see www.studyinfinland.fi/life-finland/working-finland
Most Finnish students take a summer job, project work or internship to gain work experience, and it is
highly recommended also for international students, as well. The universities have contacts with local
employers and can advise on applications.
After graduation
Permit categories:
If you are a degree student in Finland, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit for up
to one year after graduation, to seek for employment.
If you have not studied in Finland, you can still apply for jobs in Finnish companies. After finding a job
in Finland, there are many different options for a work permit for specialists in different fields, see
https://migri.fi/en/working-in-finland
How to find a job in Finland?
One of the fastest/best gateways to employment in Finland after studies are the network you build
during your studies via internships, practice placements and thesis work for companies.
Open jobs in Finland for English-speaking professionals can be found on job.workinfinland.fi -website,
a national job portal listing open positions in Finland for international experts for example in robotics
& Ai, ICT, Engineering and marketing & sales.
It is also recommendable to follow the websites of Finnish private employment agencies (for example
Barona, ICT Direct, Staffpoint), job advertising platforms (Monster, Oikotie, JobsinHelsinki, Indeed)
and professional social media (especially LinkedIn is very commonly used in advertising jobs in
Finland).
For engineers there are many private portals managed by recruitment agencies e.g.
https://nipromec.teamtailor.com/ ; https://www.enersense.jobs/ ;
https://echoengineering.fi/en/open-jobs/
More information about working in Finland at http://www.workinfinland.fi or
https://www.infofinland.fi/en/frontpage.
Set up a company in Finland
Do you have a brilliant idea? Would you like to develop your start-up in the world's happiest country?
When setting up a company to Finland firstly go through the following steps:
Why to set up a company in Finland:
• An excellent test bed for innovative, ambitious startup teams and a great place to scale your
business globally as Finland has one of the highest rates of investment per capita in Europe
• A vibrant and friendly startup ecosystem with accelerators, angel investors, VCs and strong
innovation support by the government
• The capital Helsinki ranks number one in the world in local connectedness among founders,
investors and experts
• A great array of established networking events, such as Slush, to meet with investors and pitch
ideas
Step 1: Familiarize yourself with permits and registration.
Get information of the residence permits required, how to get your personal identity code and a Finnish
tax card, and how to register your place of residence. For example, entrepreneurs coming to Finland
with an innovative business idea a scalable business model can apply for a Startup Permit. see
https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-finland/startupkit/familiarize-
yourself-with-permits-and-registration/
Step 2: Decide on where in Finland you want to leave and get familiar with the
communities and social networks.
Discover what different cities of Finland have to offer, get your personal basics such as personal bank
account, electricity contract, telephone and internet connection sorted, see
https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-finland/startupkit/moving-to-
finland/
Step 3: Establish your own company
Register your business, open a corporate bank account, get insurance and find accounting services, see
https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-
finland/startupkit/establishing-a-company/
Step 4: Develop your business, get funding, and build a professional network.
Find a workspace for your business, apply to accelerator and incubator programs, get funding and build
your professional network in Finland, see https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-
finland/startup-in-finland/startupkit/developing-business/
More information about Starting up in Finland:
• Startup Kit https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-
finland/startupkit/
• Startup kit partners: https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/startup-in-
finland/startupkit/startup-kit-partners/
• Startup Permit https://www.businessfinland.fi/startuppermit
