I am sharing ‘Finland’ with you

Finland Migration Option

Did you know that according to world happiness report, Finland is currently the happiest country in the world?

The easiest means of migration to Finland is largely through schooling. There are two higher education options in Finland where you can commence either an undergraduate of postgraduate program: 13 Universities and 22 Universities of applied sciences (UAS). Bachelor programs last for 3 years, Masters for 2 years and Doctorate for 4 years. The only difference between a UAS and a regular university is that it is focused on vocational training and applied research. Hence, UAS last for one to one and half years. They can be only accessed after completing a bachelor and gaining 3 years of professional experience.

Masters Fees and funding in Finland

Prior to 2017-2018 academic year, tuition was free in Finland even to non-EU/EEA students on English taught master’s program (NB: tuition is still free to international students proficient in speaking, reading and writing Finnish or Swedish). Tuition fee for international student range between €4,000 – €18,000 depending on the level and course. Additionally, some schools offer around 50- 100% scholarship.

Below are some low tuition universities and fees:

• Aalto University – Bachelors: 12,000 euros; Masters: 15, 000 euros per year.
• Arcada University – Bachelors: 5,000 – 8,500 euros; Masters: 10,000 to 11,000
• Tampere University – All programs range from 6,000 to 12,000 per year.
• University of Eastern Finland – Masters range from 8,000 to 15,000
• University of Helsinki – 13,000 euros per year.
• University of Oulu – 10,000 to 13,000 per year.
• University of Vaasa – 10,000 to 12,000 per year with 50 – 100 percent fee waivers for exceptional students.

Here’s is the good news, NON – EU PhD students can study in Finland for free. Additionally, those who study in Finnish and Swedish are free at all levels.

Additional information:

• Diaconia University of Applied sciences – Bachelors: EUR 4,000 to EUR 5,000. Masters: EUR 6,000 per year (NB: they’re the biggest provider of UAS – level education in Social work in Finland.
• Savonia University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 5,000. Masters: EUR 6,000 per year (it is the second cheapest university in Finland). It offers 4 bachelor’s (Bachelor of Engineering in the Internet of Things, Bachelor of Engineering – mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Health care – Registered Nurse) and 2 Master’s degree programs (Master’s Degree Programme in Energy Engineering and Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Health).
• Lahti University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 5,400 per year. Master’s EUR 6,400 per year (NB: they are the 6th biggest University of Applied Sciences with focus on innovation, business and industry). It offers a bachelor’s in business administration – International business, health care – Nursing, Tourism and hospitality management, and Engineering – Mechanical Engineering and Production Technology. At graduate level, they offer degrees in Engineering – Urban sustainability and Business administration – International Business.
• Karelia University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 5,500 per year.
• Kajaani University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 6,000. Masters: EUR 6,000. They offer courses in Tourism, business, entrepreneurship, sports and leisure management and business information technology.
• South – Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 6,000. Masters: EUR 7,000 per year.
• Novia University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 6,000 – EUR 9,000 per year. Masters: EUR 8,000 – EUR 11,000 per year.
• Centria University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 7,500 – EUR 8,500 per year. Masters: EUR 7,500 per year.
• Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences – Bachelors: EUR 7,000. Masters: EUR 8,000 per year. The university offers 10 Bachelor’s and 8 Master’s degree programs and has several double degree programs in the field of technology and business.
• JAMK University of Applied Sciences – Bachelor’s: EUR 8,000, Master’s: EUR 8,000 per year. They offer Master Degree programs in cybersecurity, international business management, artificial intelligence and data analytics, sport and exercise physiotherapy, and sports business management.

Living cost

If your program is subject to a charge, proof of funds (bank statement) is expected to be provided after paying tuition. You are required to have at least 560 euros per month to cover for housing, food and other expenses (it could be more depending on the location). This implies that for a year, you will need to show proof of about 7,000 euros. Some institutions offer free feeding and housing. Hence, less will be required.

Applying for a Master’s program in Finland

The academic year in Finland commences every September but application for Masters programs usually starts from November to February of March next year (some universities close application in January). On a general note, below are some entry requirements for Masters applicants:

• An undergraduate degree (three years minimum)
• 3 years work experience for UAS Masters
• Proof of academic performance (transcript)
• Language skill (English or Finnish/Swedish depending on the language of your course)
• Other specific requirement of the university or faculty.

Quite often, you are not expected to pay application fee although some universities charge. Every university have career services that are conversant with the labour market in the Finnish or Nordic area and will be willing to advise you on choice of course and its speed of employability.

Student visa to Finland

Owing to the fact that Finland is part of the EU, visa requirements apply to Non EEA/EU wishing to study in Finland. You can only apply for the student resident permit once you have your acceptance

letter from any Finnish university or UAS. It usually takes a while, so do not delay. Your required to apply by visiting the local Finnish embassy (Abuja) in person. You are required to present:

• A formal offer letter
• A valid passport
• Proof of funds (about 7,000 euros)
• Health insurance

Post Study Option:

Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to receive a temporary residence permit for job application. This permit can only be granted as a permit extension to a student residence permit. This is issued for a maximum of 12 months after graduation to enable you job hunt. Once you find a job, you are eligible to apply for a work permit that grants you access to remain in Finland.

Best of luck with your application, if you’re the one going for it. Be sure to share this with anyone you know who is looking to study abroad.