WHY STUDY IN FINLAND?
The European Union member state and Nordic country, Finland, is one of the best destinations for international students intending to study abroad. The availability of wide range of courses taught in English language with the most sophisticated learning environment made Finland favorable destination for foreign students. Finland has developed its world class education system which offers students wonderful higher education opportunities in almost all fields of study. The reputation of its education system is high not only because it provides high standard of education but because also because it is continuously working and investing for increment in level of educational standards. As such, the national educational strategy is to invest substantial amount on research based education to develop the country as the information society.
The higher educational wings of Finland constitutes of Universities and Polytechnics which provide most advanced state-of-art facilities to its students. The educational culture of Finland includes coordination and support between teachers and students throughout the study period. Teachers are always available to support and solve the problem that may occur to the students.
The international students' life in Finland is not just about studying, instead it will be the most exciting, enjoyable, and memorable time in their whole life time. The unique Finnish culture, the geopolitical location neighboring Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Estonia gives student a wonderful and once in a life opportunities to explore all these countries at once along with the chances to know the cultures of one part of the world. Student will also have wonderful experience of Finnish way of life which consists high-tech society with an unspoiled nature.
ADMISSION IN FINLAND
Instructions about the method to get admission in Finnish Universities
The admission procedures and practices vary from one university to another and one faculty to another. So, it will be wise to contact directly to the admissions department of related university for necessary admission information, application deadlines and procedures.
However, in Finland, the admission requirements can be categorized according to Degree Students and Exchange Students.
FINANCIAL AIDS
Scholarships and Financial aid available for International Students in Finland
There is wide range of scholarships and financial aid available for international students in Finland. The Center for International Mobility (CIMO) is responsible for scholarships and financial aid provided to foreign students in Finland. The scholarships are available for students from all countries and in all level and faculty. In an average, around 700 students get different scholarships and financial aid to study in Finnish educational institutions including various universities and colleges every year. Different scholarship program has different eligibility criteria, application deadlines and procedures.
The scholarships and financial aids program normally includes monthly allowances. The amount of allowance vary according to academic performance of the applicant in previous studies and according to scholarship schemes.
To know more about scholarships and financial programs available in Finland for International Students, visit the CIMO website.
LIVING COST IN FINLAND
Living Cost for International Students in Finland
In an average, the student living cost in Finland is high in comparison to its European neighbours. The cost of living in main cities like Helsinki can be even more higher. Students must be careful and must have special consideration while planning to study in Finland regarding high living cost that includes food, rent, health care, study materials, transportation, insurance, and any other costs . It is very difficult to support the living expenses, especially for the students from the Developing Asian and African Countries. If any financial assistance, grants or any scholarship is not awarded to students, it will be very difficult to maintain normal life standard. One of the way to support living expenses is to work in Finland up to 20 hours a week. But it is very difficult to find jobs in Finland as the unemployment rate is high and most of the employer seek the people who know Finnish language.
It is estimated that international student need around US Dollar USD 850 to maintain the normal student life standard in Finland. This amount may vary according to the area where student going to reside. The cost of accommodation, and other services will vary according to place they stay. In cities, it is obvious to be more expensive to live than in villages. If student will cook food for themselves in their own apartments, then considerable sum of money can be saved. It is compulsory to become member of the student union for the students studying at Bachelor's and Master's degree level. Student Union will charge from USD 55 to USD 115 as a annual membership fee which entitles the student to a number of benefits including but not limited to health services, subsidized meals, cheap travel options and other discounts.
