If the global education system were a classroom, Finland would undoubtedly be the star pupil. Renowned for its academic excellence, innovative pedagogy, and progressive social values, Finland stands out as a world-leading study destination.
Finland consistently ranks as one of the world's happiest nations, boasting a premier education system and a profound commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond its academic reputation, Finland has gifted the global music scene iconic bands like Nightwish, HIM, Apocalyptica, and Amorphis.
You might be wondering: “This sounds incredible! But can I pursue my degree in English? And which top-tier Finnish universities offer English-taught programmes for international students?”
Let’s explore your options!
How many English-taught universities are there in Finland?
According to the official ‘Study in Finland’ platform, international students have access to 13 research-focused universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS). The great news is that most offer a wide range of English-taught degree programmes across all academic levels.
A quick search through our comprehensive databases will reveal the following:
Here are some of the most highly regarded Finnish universities we recommend for international students:
How do I know if a Finnish university teaches in English?
On our portals (e.g. Bachelorsportal, Online Result, PhDportal), we exclusively list programmes taught in English to streamline your search. You can also find vital details regarding English proficiency requirements for each specific degree.
Keep in mind that individual university websites may feature additional English-taught degree offerings not found on third-party portals.
In such cases, we recommend conducting independent research to confirm language requirements and international student eligibility. If you need further clarification, always reach out to the university’s admissions office directly.
To qualify for English-taught programmes in Finland, you will typically need to provide valid scores from recognized international English language tests:
- TOEFL iBT
Learn more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic requirements.
Is English enough to live and study in Finland?
Absolutely! English is widely spoken across Finland, making it easy to navigate daily life, succeed in your studies, and settle into the community. Finland ranks consistently among the highest globally for English language proficiency.
While proficiency in Finnish can open more doors for employment, many international companies in Finland operate primarily in English. Roles that require frequent public or client interaction usually necessitate Finnish language skills, but in sectors like IT, engineering, and research, English is often sufficient.
If you're interested in learning the basics of the Finnish language, here are some helpful resources to get you started:
- Learn Finnish with Duolingo
- Learn Finnish with LingoHut
- Learn Finnish on the FinnishPod101 YouTube channel
The best English-taught universities in Finland
According to the annual QS World University Rankings, these are among the top-performing institutions in Finland that offer English-taught degrees:
Affordable English-taught universities in Finland
We have fantastic news for students from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA): you are generally eligible for tuition-free education at all public universities in Finland!
For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees typically range from 4,000 to 18,000 EUR per academic year. While fields like Medicine and STEM tend to be at the higher end of this spectrum, PhD programmes remain tuition-free for all international students regardless of citizenship.
While these costs are an investment, they remain highly competitive compared to tuition rates in countries like the United States, where costs can often be several times higher.
To help manage your educational expenses, you can explore the available scholarships for international students.
Learn more about managing your tuition and living costs in Finland.
Application requirements at English-taught universities in Finland
Common application requirements for Finnish universities generally include the following:
- Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s
- Academic transcript of records or grades
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of ID or passport
- Up to 4 passport-size photos
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- GMAT or GRE test result (only at some universities)
To ensure a smooth admission process and avoid common errors, read our comprehensive guide on how to correctly complete your university application form.