FINNISH HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE OF FINLAND
Finnish Government Scholarships (University Finland Scholarships)
partial · bachelors, masters
- Partial to full tuitionCoverage
- Finnish institutionsHost country
- Non-EU/EEA studentsEligibility
- Bachelor’s & Master’sStudy levels
- €5,000 relocationFinland Scholarship (master’s)
- Institution-administeredApplication
At a glance
partial
Funding
€15k
Max amount
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
Non-EU/EEA countries
Country
Finnish higher education institutions, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland
Provider
There is no single central "Finnish Government Scholarship" for degree students; instead, Finnish higher education institutions provide their own scholarships for non-EU/EEA students who pay tuition fees, and a national "Finland Scholarship" supports first-year non-EU/EEA master's students at participating universities. Together these are often referred to collectively as Finnish/University Finland scholarships. Institution scholarships typically cover a percentage of tuition (commonly 50–100%) and, in some cases, a contribution to living costs in the first year. The national Finland Scholarship covers the first year's tuition plus a relocation grant of €5,000 for selected master's students. Coverage, the number of awards, and renewal conditions (often tied to study progress) vary by institution. Students apply for these scholarships as part of, or right after, their degree application through the national Studyinfo / university admission system, usually by the January deadline of the joint application round. Because each institution runs its own scheme, applicants should read the specific scholarship terms of their chosen university.
What's covered
- Tuition reduction — A waiver of 50–100% of tuition, depending on the institution and award.
- Finland Scholarship (master's) — First-year tuition plus a €5,000 relocation grant for selected first-year non-EU/EEA master's students.
- Living contribution (some) — Some institutions add a first-year living-cost contribution.
- Renewal — Continuation in later years is usually tied to meeting study-progress (credit) requirements.
How to apply
Apply for your Finnish degree programme through Studyinfo / the university admission system, and apply for the institution's scholarship within that process, by the January deadline.
- Choose a programme & institution — Select a fee-charging bachelor's/master's programme and read its scholarship terms.
- Note the joint-application deadline — The main joint application round commonly closes in ~early-to-mid January.
- Apply for admission — Submit your degree application via Studyinfo / the institution's system.
- Apply for the scholarship — Indicate/apply for the scholarship as part of (or right after) the admission application.
- Selection — The institution awards scholarships, usually with admission, on academic merit.
- Maintain the award — Keep the scholarship by meeting the study-progress requirements each year.
Eligibility
Fee statusA non-EU/EEA citizen liable to pay tuition fees in Finland.
ProgrammeApplying for a fee-charging bachelor's or master's programme at a Finnish institution.
MeritStrong academic record (the basis for most institutional scholarships).
AdmissionAdmitted to the degree programme through the joint application.
Institution rulesMeet the specific scholarship criteria set by your chosen institution.
There is no central degree scholarship — each institution administers its own, and the national Finland Scholarship covers first-year master's students. Apply via Studyinfo/university admission, typically by the January round.
Eligible countries
Non-EU/EEA countries
Deadlines
2027 joint application (typical)2027-01-15
Selection
Most Finnish institutional scholarships are awarded on academic merit as part of the admission decision; the national Finland Scholarship is offered to selected first-year master's students. Criteria, coverage, and the number of awards are set by each institution, so the bar varies.
Verified sources
- Scholarships — Study in Finlandstudyinfinland.fiofficial
About the provider
Finnish higher education institutions — universities and universities of applied sciences — offer scholarships for fee-paying international students, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland, and participate in the national Finland Scholarship. The system reflects Finland's aim to attract talented international students while institutions manage their own awards.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is there a single Finnish Government Scholarship for degrees?
+
No — for degree students there is no central government scholarship. Finnish institutions offer their own scholarships for fee-paying non-EU/EEA students, and a national "Finland Scholarship" supports first-year master's students.
Who is eligible?
+
Non-EU/EEA international students who are liable to pay tuition fees in Finland and are applying for a fee-charging bachelor's or master's programme at a Finnish institution.
What do the scholarships cover?
+
Typically a 50–100% tuition reduction; the national Finland Scholarship covers first-year tuition plus a €5,000 relocation grant for selected master's students. Some institutions add living-cost support.
What is the Finland Scholarship?
+
A national scheme covering the first year's tuition and a €5,000 relocation grant for selected first-year, non-EU/EEA master's students at participating Finnish universities.
How do I apply?
+
Apply for your degree programme through Studyinfo / the university admission system and apply for the institution's scholarship within that process, by the January joint-application deadline.
When is the deadline?
+
The main joint application round commonly closes in ~early-to-mid January for studies starting in autumn. Confirm the exact date with your chosen institution.
Are these full scholarships?
+
They range from partial (e.g. 50% tuition) to full tuition, and the national Finland Scholarship adds a relocation grant. Full living costs are generally not covered, so plan additional funds.
Do EU/EEA students need a scholarship?
+
EU/EEA students generally do not pay tuition fees in Finland, so these tuition scholarships are aimed at non-EU/EEA fee-paying students.
Can I keep the scholarship for all years?
+
Usually yes, if you meet annual study-progress (credit) requirements set by your institution; otherwise the scholarship may be reduced or withdrawn.
Which institutions offer them?
+
Most Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences offer scholarships for fee-paying students and participate in the Finland Scholarship; check the specific institution's page.
How competitive are they?
+
It varies by institution and programme; awards are merit-based and limited, so strong academics improve your chances. Popular programmes are more competitive.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
+
Often the scholarship is considered as part of admission, but some institutions require a short separate application or motivation. Read your institution's scholarship instructions.