Finland is quietly becoming one of the most compelling destinations for international students who want to earn a high-quality degree taught entirely in English. If you’ve been looking for an affordable, academically rigorous option in Europe, Finland deserves a serious look — especially for the 2027 intake, when hundreds of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes will be open to international applicants.
Why Study in Finland?
Finland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for education quality. Finnish universities emphasize critical thinking, innovation, and research-based learning. Beyond academics, Finland offers a high standard of living, a safe environment, and a welcoming culture for international students. Many universities also offer scholarships or tuition fee waivers specifically for non-EU/EEA students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
The 7 Universities Offering English-Taught Bachelor’s Degrees
According to Study in Finland — the country’s official study information portal — the following universities are among those offering English-taught bachelor’s programmes for students planning to start in autumn 2027:
1. University of Helsinki — One of Finland’s most prestigious research universities, offering select bachelor’s programmes in English across science, humanities, and social sciences.
2. Aalto University — Known globally for its design, technology, and business programmes, Aalto offers English-taught bachelor’s degrees and is renowned for strong industry connections and innovation culture.
3. University of Turku — Offers English-taught programmes in fields such as information and communication technology and international business.
4. Tampere University — A strong option for students interested in engineering, technology, and health sciences, with several fully English-taught bachelor’s tracks.
5. LUT University — Specializes in energy, cleantech, and business programmes, and is known for being particularly welcoming to international students with scholarship opportunities.
6. Åbo Akademi University — A bilingual university (Finnish/Swedish) that also offers some English-medium programmes, particularly in science and technology.
7. University of Eastern Finland (UEF) — Offers English-taught bachelor’s programmes with a focus on health sciences, forest sciences, and computing, along with scholarship options for international applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements vary by university and programme, most English-taught bachelor’s programmes in Finland require the following from international applicants: a completed upper secondary education (equivalent to Finnish matriculation), proof of English language proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–92), and submission of required application documents through the national application system. Non-EU/EEA students are generally required to pay tuition fees, but many universities offer merit-based scholarships that can cover 50% to 100% of tuition costs.
How to Apply
Most applications to Finnish universities for bachelor’s programmes are submitted through the Studyinfo.fi portal, which is Finland’s centralized application system. The application process typically involves selecting your preferred programmes, submitting your academic transcripts and language test scores, and in some cases completing an entrance examination or submitting a motivation letter. Scholarship applications are often bundled with the admissions process, so you don’t necessarily need to apply separately — check each university’s official scholarship page to confirm.
Application Deadlines
For the autumn 2027 intake, application periods for Finnish universities typically open in January 2027 and close around late January to early February 2027. Scholarship decisions are usually announced alongside or shortly after admission results in spring. It’s strongly recommended to prepare your documents — especially English language test results — well in advance, as test bookings can fill up months ahead of time.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Research each university’s specific programme requirements carefully, as they differ. Check whether your country has bilateral agreements with Finland that might offer additional funding. Connect with current international students via university forums or social media to get firsthand insights. And most importantly, don’t wait — spaces in English-taught programmes are limited and competitive.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
