How to Apply for Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Finland: A Complete Guide for International Students

International students interested in studying in Finland can search for English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programmes through Studyinfo.fi, Finland's official national education application portal. The application process depends on the programme, university, academic qualifications and application period.

For students applying from Rwanda and other countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), the most important steps are to confirm academic eligibility, check tuition fees and available university scholarships, prepare the required documents and understand Finland's student residence permit requirements.

Applications do not all open on the same date. The main joint application for many English-taught programmes starting in autumn is usually held in January, but some programmes have separate application periods or other admission arrangements. Prospective applicants should check the current official programme listing before making plans.

Official starting point: SearchFinnish degree programmes on Studyinfo.fi

Quick Facts: Studying in Finland

Detail	Information
Country	Finland
Opportunity	Bachelor's and master's degree admissions
Official application portal	Studyinfo.fi
Eligible applicants	Applicants meeting the requirements of their chosen programme
Bachelor's entry qualification	A secondary-school qualification that provides eligibility for higher education
Master's entry qualification	A suitable bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification accepted by the institution
Master's at a university of applied sciences	Usually requires a suitable degree and at least two years of relevant work experience after the qualifying degree
Application route	Joint application or separate application
Application fee	€100 for applicants covered by the non-EU/EEA/Swiss application-fee rules, subject to applicable exemptions
Tuition	Depends on the programme, institution and applicant's fee status
Scholarship availability	Depends on the institution and individual scholarship scheme
Deadline	Varies by programme and application round
Residence permit	Usually required for non-EU/EEA students staying for degree studies longer than 90 days

Application status: ONGOING AS A GENERAL ADMISSIONS PATHWAY. Individual programmes may be open, upcoming or closed on 9 October 2026. This guide does not claim that every Finnish university is currently accepting applications.

What Is Finland's Bachelor's and Master's Admissions System?

Finland offers higher education through universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS).

Universities generally offer academic education and research-oriented programmes. Universities of applied sciences focus on professionally oriented higher education and practical applications of knowledge.

International applicants can search for suitable degree programmes, review their requirements and submit applications through the official national application portal when the relevant application period is open.

The process is not a single nationwide application with one deadline for every programme. Some degree programmes participate in a joint application, while others use separate applications with different dates, assessment methods and document requirements.

The official Study inFinland admissions guide provides an overview of the application process.

Who Can Apply for a Bachelor's Degree in Finland?

International students can apply for bachelor's-level studies if their previous education meets the requirements of the programme and institution.

For many programmes, applicants need a secondary-school qualification that grants eligibility for higher education in the country where the qualification was awarded.

For applicants who completed secondary education in Rwanda, the important question is whether their certificate and academic results meet the entry requirements of the specific Finnish programme.

Do not assume that every Finnish institution assesses the same Rwandan qualification in exactly the same way. Check the programme description and contact the university's admissions office if your eligibility is unclear.

Bachelor's admission checklist

Before applying, confirm that:

· You have completed the required secondary education.

· Your qualification is accepted for the chosen programme.

· Your subjects and grades satisfy any programme-specific conditions.

· You meet the English-language requirements, if applicable.

· You can provide the required certificates and transcripts.

· You can complete any required entrance examination, aptitude test or other selection process.

· You understand the tuition fee and available funding options.

Some programmes use entrance examinations or SAT results. Other programmes may apply different selection criteria. The exact requirements depend on the degree programme.

Who Can Apply for a Master's Degree in Finland?

Master's applicants generally need a suitable bachelor's degree or another qualification accepted by the university.

However, requirements differ between universities and universities of applied sciences.

Master's programmes at universities

Applicants usually need a relevant bachelor's degree that satisfies the programme's academic prerequisites.

Certain programmes may require specific previous studies, relevant subject knowledge, a particular grade average, work samples, an entrance assessment or other supporting materials.

Some programmes also specify when an applicant must complete a degree that is still in progress.

Master's programmes at universities of applied sciences

For many UAS master's programmes, applicants need:

· A suitable bachelor's degree or another accepted higher education qualification.

· At least two years of relevant work experience acquired after completing the qualifying degree.

· Any additional academic, professional or language requirements listed for the programme.

Some artistic fields may apply alternative rules to the work-experience requirement. Applicants should consult the specific programme's official admission criteria.

Important: A person who has only completed secondary school is generally not eligible to enter a master's programme directly. They should investigate bachelor's programmes instead.

Joint Application vs Separate Application

Understanding the two application routes is one of the most important parts of applying to Finland.

1. Joint application

A joint application allows applicants to apply to multiple participating programmes through one application form during a specified application period.

According to the official Study in Finland admissions guidance, applicants can apply to up to six degree programmes in one joint application.

The available programmes, order of preferences, selection methods and deadlines depend on the particular application round.

A joint application can be useful if you have identified several programmes that match your academic background and career goals.

2. Separate application

A separate application is managed according to the arrangements of an individual programme or institution.

Separate applications may have different opening dates, deadlines, forms, selection criteria and document-submission instructions. Some programmes may offer additional application rounds or rolling admission.

Do not assume that a programme is closed just because the main January joint application period has ended.

Which application route should you choose?

Situation	Recommended action
Your preferred programme participates in a joint application	Follow the joint application's instructions and deadline
Your programme has its own application period	Use the programme's separate application route
You want to start studies in January	Search for programmes offering that intake
You want to begin studies in autumn	Investigate the main January application round and any separate alternatives
You are unsure about your qualifications	Contact the university's admissions services before submitting

Always confirm the application route on the official programme page.

When Can You Apply for Finland University Admissions?

Many English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes starting in autumn have their main joint application period in January.

A smaller number of programmes may participate in an autumn joint application for studies beginning the following January. Other institutions run separate application rounds.

Since this guide was prepared on 9 October 2026, applicants should investigate programmes accepting applications for 2027 study starts as well as any current separate application rounds.

The exact dates for an individual programme must be checked on Studyinfo.fi and the university's official admissions website.

How to avoid missing a deadline

1. Identify your preferred degree programme.

2. Open its official Studyinfo.fi listing.

3. Find the application start and closing dates.

4. Check the time zone and final submission time.

5. Confirm the deadline for supporting documents.

6. Check whether tests, portfolios or additional forms have earlier deadlines.

7. Save the official application page and review it regularly.

Do not rely on an old social media post or a previous year's application schedule.

What Is the Application Fee for International Students?

Since 1 January 2025, applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland are generally required to pay a €100 higher-education application fee, subject to applicable exemptions.

The fee is collected through Finland's national application process. It is not a scholarship fee, tuition payment or guarantee of admission.

The application fee is separate from tuition and living costs. Paying it does not mean that a university will accept the applicant.

Applicants should review the official application-fee instructions to determine whether the fee applies to their individual situation.

Official information: Universityof Helsinki — Application fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Finland?

Admission and affordability are two separate questions. A student may qualify academically but still need to arrange tuition and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, although exemptions may apply.

The official Study in Finland website reports that tuition fees for these programmes typically range from approximately €9,000 to €20,000 per academic year. Individual programmes may charge more or less.

Always check the actual fee shown by your chosen institution.

Living expenses

Students must budget for accommodation, food, transport, insurance and other personal expenses.

The official Study in Finland guidance recommends budgeting approximately €900–€1,200 per month for living costs, depending on location and lifestyle. Finnish Immigration Service financial requirements must also be checked before applying for a residence permit.

Other expenses to plan for

Your budget may need to cover:

· The applicable application fee.

· Tuition payments, if required.

· Passport and document preparation costs.

· English-language tests, if required.

· Certified translations, where required.

· Student residence permit processing.

· Insurance and accommodation.

· Travel to Finland.

Do not assume that admission automatically includes accommodation, flights, a monthly stipend or other financial benefits.

Are Scholarships Available for International Students?

Some Finnish universities offer scholarships or tuition-fee waivers for eligible international students. The availability, selection criteria and benefits vary by institution and programme.

Finland does not offer a universal government scholarship that automatically covers all international bachelor's and master's students. Applicants should distinguish university-specific scholarships from external funding opportunities.

How to find scholarships

1. Search for your degree programme on Studyinfo.fi.

2. Visit the university's official admissions website.

3. Look for scholarship, tuition-waiver or funding information.

4. Check whether scholarship consideration is automatic or requires a separate application.

5. Review academic conditions, deadlines and renewal requirements.

6. Calculate any tuition and living expenses that remain uncovered.

A tuition waiver may reduce or eliminate tuition costs without covering accommodation, food, insurance or travel.

Before accepting an offer, calculate the total cost of attendance and compare it with confirmed funding.

Do You Need IELTS or TOEFL?

Not every Finnish degree programme has identical English-language requirements.

Depending on the programme, institutions may accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English qualifications or other specified evidence of proficiency.

Some applicants may qualify for exemptions or alternative proof based on their previous education.

Check the exact requirements for your chosen programme, including:

· Accepted tests and versions.

· Minimum overall scores.

· Minimum scores in individual sections.

· Whether results must be available by the application deadline.

· Exemptions based on previous studies.

· Whether the institution requires official score reporting.

Do not assume that studying English at secondary school automatically exempts you from an English test. The university determines whether your evidence satisfies its requirements.

Documents to Prepare Before Applying

The exact document checklist depends on the programme. Some documents may be mandatory, while others are needed only for specific courses or applicants.

Commonly requested documents

· Secondary-school certificate and academic transcript for bachelor's applicants.

· Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript for master's applicants.

· Valid passport or other accepted identification.

· Proof of English-language proficiency, if required.

· Official translations of documents, if required.

· Evidence of relevant work experience for programmes that require it.

· Portfolio, entrance examination results or other programme-specific materials, where applicable.

Recommended preparation

It is also useful to prepare a clear academic CV and a draft motivation statement where the programme requests one.

Before uploading anything, make sure names and other personal details match across your documents. Follow the institution's requirements for document format, certification, translation and submission.

Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a universal list of compulsory documents. The official programme page determines what must be submitted.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Through Studyinfo.fi

Step 1: Identify your preferred subject

Start with your academic background, career goals and previous qualifications.

Choose a realistic field of study rather than applying to programmes solely because they are located in Finland.

Step 2: Search for degree programmes

Visit Studyinfo.fi and search for bachelor's or master's programmes.

Filter the results by degree level, language, subject and other available criteria.

Step 3: Read the admission requirements

Open each programme listing and confirm:

· Academic eligibility.

· Required previous subjects or qualifications.

· Language requirements.

· Application route.

· Selection methods.

· Application dates.

· Required documents.

· Tuition fees and scholarship information.

Step 4: Check the university's own website

The university may provide additional explanations about entrance examinations, document verification, programme content, tuition payments and scholarships.

If the information is unclear, contact its admissions services.

Step 5: Prepare your documents

Gather the required certificates, transcripts, test results and other materials. Arrange translations or certifications if instructed.

Do not wait until the final day to discover that a document is missing.

Step 6: Submit the application

When the application period is open, follow the official instructions on Studyinfo.fi or the institution's designated application system.

Enter your details accurately and select programmes carefully.

Step 7: Complete any additional requirements

Depending on the programme, you may need to complete an entrance examination, provide additional documents, submit a portfolio or attend an interview.

Check whether these requirements have separate deadlines.

Step 8: Pay the applicable application fee

If the fee applies to you, follow the official payment instructions. Check whether your application can be processed before assuming the payment has been completed.

Step 9: Monitor your application

Check your email and the relevant application system for requests, updates and admission results.

Respond to any requests for additional information before the stated deadline.

Step 10: Evaluate your admission offer

If admitted, read the offer carefully. Confirm the acceptance deadline, tuition conditions, scholarship decision and instructions for securing your place.

Remember that admission and scholarship awards may be separate decisions.

Step 11: Arrange funding and immigration requirements

Once you have an offer, confirm your finances, insurance, accommodation and student residence permit requirements.

Use the official Finnish Immigration Service instructions before making travel arrangements.

What Happens After You Receive an Admission Offer?

Receiving an offer is an important milestone, but there are still several steps to complete.

Accept your study place

Follow the official instructions and accept the offer by the deadline provided.

Finland's higher-education system generally permits a student to accept only one study place leading to a degree in Finnish higher education per academic term. Read the official rules before accepting multiple offers.

Confirm scholarship and tuition arrangements

Check whether your scholarship decision has been issued and whether you must complete additional steps to receive the award.

Read the tuition payment schedule and any scholarship conditions.

Apply for a student residence permit

Non-EU/EEA students generally need a residence permit to study in Finland for more than 90 days.

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) provides the official instructions. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds and valid insurance under the applicable rules.

Start reviewing these requirements early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Official guidance: Studyin Finland — Student residence permit.

Arrange accommodation and travel

Investigate student housing options and prepare a realistic arrival budget.

Do not book non-refundable travel based only on an informal message or an incomplete application. Confirm the official admission, immigration and travel requirements first.

Advice for Applicants from Rwanda

For Rwandan students, a practical approach is to prepare early, investigate programme eligibility and compare funding options before paying application-related costs.

If you have completed secondary school

Concentrate on bachelor's programmes that accept your qualification. Review subject prerequisites, grades, English-language rules and entrance examinations.

If you already hold a bachelor's degree

Search for master's programmes that match your previous studies. Check whether the programme requires relevant professional experience, particularly for UAS master's degrees.

If you need a scholarship

Do not search only for the word “fully funded.” Examine exactly what each university scholarship covers.

A tuition waiver is not necessarily a living-cost scholarship. Confirm whether you can cover the remaining costs and meet residence-permit requirements.

If your documents are not in English

Check whether the university accepts the original language of your documents or requires an official translation. Follow the institution's rules before paying for translation services.

If you are unsure whether you qualify

Contact the admissions office with your qualification name, graduation year and the programme you intend to study. Ask for written clarification where possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying without checking eligibility.
A programme's general description does not replace its detailed admission criteria.

2. Assuming every programme opens in January.
Separate applications may have different schedules.

3. Confusing admission with a scholarship.
Being admitted does not guarantee tuition support or living expenses.

4. Ignoring the application fee.
Eligible applicants must follow the applicable fee rules.

5. Waiting until the deadline to prepare documents.
Missing certificates, translations or test results can delay an application.

6. Treating all English-taught programmes as identical.
Language tests, selection methods and academic prerequisites vary.

7. Relying on unofficial application links.
Use the official programme listing and university website.

8. Assuming part-time work will cover all costs.
Employment is not guaranteed. Plan your finances using confirmed resources rather than expected future earnings.

Official Links for Applicants

Use these sources to verify current admission and funding information:

· Search programmes and application routes: Studyinfo.fi

· General admissions guidance: Studyin Finland — Admissions

· Bachelor's and master's admission guide: Studyin Finland — Bachelor's and Master's Admissions

· Tuition and living costs: Studyin Finland — Fees and Cost of Living

· Residence permit guidance: Studyin Finland — Student Residence Permit

· Official immigration authority: FinnishImmigration Service

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can international students apply to universities in Finland?

Yes. International applicants can apply if they meet the academic, language and other requirements of their chosen programmes. Application routes and deadlines vary.

2. Can a student from Rwanda apply to study in Finland?

Rwandan applicants can investigate Finnish degree programmes and apply when eligible. The institution must assess whether the applicant's academic qualifications and other documents meet the programme requirements.

3. When should I apply for a Finnish university programme?

Many English-taught programmes starting in autumn use a January joint application period. Other programmes have separate application rounds. Check the current official listing for the programme you want.

4. Is university education in Finland free for international students?

Not always. Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, unless an exemption applies or a scholarship reduces the cost.

5. Can I receive a full scholarship to study in Finland?

Some institutions offer scholarships, but coverage differs. Check whether an award covers tuition only or also provides living-cost support. Do not assume that every admitted international student receives a full scholarship.

6. Do I need IELTS to study in Finland?

Not necessarily. English-language requirements and accepted evidence vary by programme. Check the exact requirements and any exemptions with the institution.

7. What should I do after being admitted?

Accept your offer within the stated deadline, confirm your tuition and scholarship arrangements, review residence-permit requirements, arrange insurance and accommodation, and prepare for travel only when the relevant conditions are satisfied.

Final Advice

Finland offers international students several routes into higher education, but a successful application starts with choosing the right programme and understanding its specific requirements.

Begin with Studyinfo.fi, verify your eligibility, compare the real cost of attendance and investigate scholarships directly with the relevant institution. If you are applying from Rwanda or another country outside the EU/EEA, pay particular attention to application-fee rules, tuition costs and residence-permit requirements.

Your next step: Search for a suitable programme on Studyinfo.fi and confirm its current application deadline before preparing your final submission.

Editorial disclaimer: CareerLift Global is an independent career and opportunity information platform. It is not the Finnish admissions authority or a university. Applicants should verify admission criteria, fees, scholarships, deadlines and immigration requirements directly with the relevant official authorities.

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026. Application information may change.