Scholarships in Finland 2024-2025: A Complete Guide

Calling all ambitious international students! Finland, the land of a thousand lakes and educational excellence, beckons you to pursue your academic dreams. While Finnish universities are known for their high-quality education, the good news is that financing your studies there might be easier than you think. This blog post will delve into the exciting world of scholarships available to international students in Finland, helping you navigate the path to a world-class education without breaking the bank

Scholarships in Finland 2024-2025

1. Finland Government Scholarships (FGS)
2. Finland Scholarships
3. Åbo Akademi University Scholarships
4. CIMO Scholarships
5. University-specific Scholarships

Finland Government Scholarships (FGS)

Offered by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, this prestigious scholarship is open to talented students from developing countries outside the EU/EEA who are applying for a Master’s degree program in Finland. It covers full tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and even a relocation grant! The application period typically opens in early December and closes in February.

• Who can apply: Talented students from developing countries outside the EU/EEA applying for a Master’s degree program in Finland.
• Criteria: Strong academic record, clear career goals aligned with Finnish studies, and demonstrable need for financial assistance.
• Terms & Conditions: Covers full tuition fees, a monthly allowance for living expenses, and a relocation grant. Awarded for one year with a possibility of renewal for the second year based on academic performance.
• Deadline: Typically opens in early December and closes in February.

Finland Scholarships

This scholarship program is specifically aimed at non-EU/EEA students applying for Master’s programs at select Finnish universities. It provides funding for the first year of tuition fees, and some universities may offer further scholarships for the second year. Application procedures are handled by the universities themselves, so be sure to check their websites for deadlines and specific requirements.

• Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA students applying for Master’s programs at participating Finnish universities (check the list on the scholarship website).
• Criteria: Varies depending on the university, but generally strong academic record and relevant qualifications for the chosen program.
• Terms & Conditions: Typically covers tuition fees for the first year of a Master’s program. Some universities may offer additional scholarships for the second year.
• Deadline: Varies by university. Application procedures are handled by the universities themselves, so check their websites for deadlines and specific requirements.

Åbo Akademi University Scholarships

Åbo Akademi University offers scholarships specifically for EU/EEA students enrolling in Master’s programs. These scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees for two years, with the second year being conditional on maintaining good academic performance.

• Who can apply: EU/EEA students enrolling in Master’s programs at Åbo Akademi University.
• Criteria: Excellent academic record and a strong fit for the chosen program.
• Terms & Conditions: Covers 100% of tuition fees for two years, with the second year conditional on maintaining good academic standing.
• Deadline: Check the Åbo Akademi University website for specific deadlines and application procedures.

CIMO Scholarships

Offered by the Finnish Council on Education (CIMO), these scholarships are available for exchange students and students applying for postgraduate studies (Master’s or Doctoral level) at Finnish universities. The scholarships typically cover a monthly allowance and health insurance but do not include tuition fees. Individual universities manage the application process, so check their websites for deadlines and specific requirements.

• Who can apply: International students applying for exchange programs, Master’s or Doctoral degrees at Finnish universities.
• Criteria: Varies depending on the program and the student’s home country. Generally, a strong academic record and relevant qualifications are required.
• Terms & Conditions: Typically covers a monthly allowance for living expenses and health insurance, but does not include tuition fees. The duration of the scholarship varies.
• Deadline: This varies depending on the program and the student’s home country. Check individual university websites for deadlines and application procedures.

University Specific Scholarships

Many Finnish universities offer scholarships for international students, both at the Masters’s and Doctoral levels. These scholarships can vary greatly in terms of amount and coverage, so it’s important to research the scholarship opportunities offered by the universities you’re interested in.

• Who can apply: Varies depending on the university and scholarship program. Some may be open to all international students, while others may target specific nationalities or fields of study.
• Criteria: Varies greatly. Check the scholarship webpage of the universities you’re interested in for details.
• Terms & Conditions: Varies greatly in terms of amount and coverage (tuition fees, living expenses, etc.).
• Deadline: Vary depending on the university and scholarship program.

Website: Check the websites of the universities you’re interested in for information on their scholarship offerings.