FINLAND
FINLAND
Finland is a stunning Nordic country that offers international students a unique blend of world-class education, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a vibrant, future-focused economy. Known for its clean air, thousands of crystal-clear lakes, and magical Northern Lights, Finland provides an inspiring setting for both learning and living. Whether you prefer the bustling city life of Helsinki or the peaceful charm of smaller university towns, you’ll find a welcoming, safe, and high-tech environment that values creativity and equality.
Economically, Finland punches well above its weight. With a GDP per capita of over $53,000 USD, the country is among the most prosperous and stable in the world. It’s home to global companies like Nokia, Supercell, and Kone, and it’s a leader in clean technology, gaming, and digital innovation. The Finnish education system is consistently ranked among the best globally, and tuition in many programs is affordable, with generous scholarships available for international students.
Fun facts? Finland is the happiest country in the world - eight years running! And it has almost as many saunas as cars. Ice hockey is Finland´s national sport, but there are popular competitions also on wife carrying, swamp soccer and ice swimming, for instance. It’s also one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis—sometimes over 200 nights a year in the north!
Capital
Helsinki
Languages
Finnish and Swedish
Size
338 462 km2
Population size
5,616,514 (2024)
Living Costs
Approx. 1000-1300 € (1500-2000 SGD) per month (housing included)
Studying in Finland
Number of Institutions
There are 35 higher education institutions in Finland comprising of: 13 universities, and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS). A UAS degree (BA) qualifies you for a higher university degree (master’s) program.
Number of Degree Programmes
Approx. 600 Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes are taught in English. International Courses: see above
Tuition Fees
Bachelor and Master courses in English medium are tuitioned for non-EU/EEA nationals. Annual tuition fees vary between 8000-20000 euro (12 000-30 000 SGD)
Scholarships
Each institution has its own set of scholarships, which can be explored online at Bachelors and Masters Scholarships, and by contacting the university administration in question directly.
Application
Application process is handled via national portal called Study Info. More info here
Visa and Permits
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions/student-residence-permit
Although Singaporeans are not required to hold a visa for tourism, they need a student residence permit in order to study in Finland.
Student Life
Most university towns have student housing compounds with monthly rents around 200-600 EUR, mostly in shared flats. Domestic or international internships are usually encouraged as part of the study program. Universities support students with finding internship opportunities. There is vibrant student life with a lot of extracurricular activities and social events.
Life After Studies
International graduates can apply for a 2 year post graduation after completing their degree. Studies show that 50 percent of international graduates have found employment in Finland. The ability to speak the local language (Finnish or Swedish) will greatly increase a person’s ability to find employment and settle in Finland.
More Information
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/
https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/
Video Testimonials
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