Study in Finland: Comprehensive Guide to Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Finland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, the iconic "land of a thousand lakes," and as the magical home of Santa Claus in Lapland. Beyond its natural beauty, it is a global leader in innovation and home to world-class higher education institutions.

But what are the actual financial requirements for international students pursuing a degree in Finland?

1. University tuition fees in Finland

Finland is a top destination for students because public universities typically offer tuition-free education for citizens from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. This allows students to focus their budgets on daily living expenses or travel rather than costly tuition fees.

Since autumn 2017, students from outside the EU/EEA are required to pay tuition. Annual fees generally range between 4,000 and 18,000 EUR, depending on the specific program and university.

For instance, consider tuition rates which typically range from 2,000 to 12,000 EUR per academic year for international students:

• Social Science degrees: 8,000–10,000 EUR/year
• Science, Engineering, and Medical degrees: 12,000 EUR/year
• Education, Humanities, and Economics degrees: 10,000 EUR/year

Universities we recommend in Finland

Discover how universities rank globally to help inform your academic search.

Keep in mind that if you are liable for tuition, you can apply for a scholarship programme. Most public universities in Finland provide these, offering an excellent way to significantly reduce your total education costs.

Additionally, you can explore the Online Result Scholarship to help secure extra funding for your studies abroad.

Learn more about tuition fees in Finland.

2. Student living costs in Finland

Average living costs in Finnish cities

Monthly living expenses in Finland generally range from 700 to 900 EUR, depending on your city. Helsinki is typically the most expensive, while cities like Lappeenranta, Pori, and Tampere are often more budget-friendly for students.

Review the average monthly budget required for major Finnish cities, inclusive of housing costs:

• Helsinki: between 980 and 1,580 EUR/month 
• Jyvaskyla: between 700 and 1,100 EUR/month
• Oulu: between 660 and 1,000 EUR/month
• Tampere: between 870 and 1,300 EUR/month

We provide these estimates to help you plan your finances effectively. Your total expenditure will ultimately depend on your personal lifestyle and spending habits.

Accommodation costs

There are two primary housing options typically available to international students:

• Student housing foundations: a single room in a shared student apartment costs between 160 – 380 EUR/month. You can also choose a single apartment, but it is more expensive.
• Rent/Share a flat available on the open market: prices range between 400 – 800 EUR/month, and they vary depending on many factors (e.g. how close it is to the city centre, how big is the city). Sharing the flat with other students/flatmates is convenient because it lowers the overall costs and you get to know and interact with other people.

Food costs

Food costs fluctuate by location, but you can expect to spend approximately 200 - 250 EUR/month on groceries. Save money by utilizing discount supermarkets like Lidl, Sale, Alepa, and K-Market, especially during late-night hours when many items are marked down.

Dining out is also an option; a casual meal costs roughly 11 EUR, while a three-course dinner for two at an average restaurant typically costs around 60 EUR.

Transportation costs

Most students rely on public transit. A monthly student travel pass costs between 35 and 50 EUR. While rental cars are available, they are significantly more expensive, costing roughly 230 EUR for a five-day rental.

If you prefer to stay active, walking to campus is a great, cost-effective option if you live in a central or nearby area.

Extra costs

Don't forget to account for smaller miscellaneous expenses in your student budget:

• The student union membership fee: between 80 - 100 EUR/academic year. You'll receive the student card and enjoy discounts for public transport and student restaurants.
• Social activities: around 100 EUR/month

You can also use the Numbeo website to compare current local prices and cost-of-living data in Finland.

Ready to launch your studies in Finland? Explore further resources, such as the best Scandinavian universities, the process for obtaining a student visa in Finland, or a guide on how to enrol in a Finnish university.