Study in Finland – Scholarship Overview
Finland is one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for Bangladeshi students because of its world-class education system, innovation-driven economy, safe environment, and high quality of life. Finnish universities offer a large number of English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programs. While Finland generally charges tuition fees for non-EU students, many universities provide scholarships that can significantly reduce or completely cover tuition costs.
Types of Scholarships in Finland
1. Finland Scholarship
The Finland Scholarship is a government-supported scholarship offered through participating Finnish universities for international students. This scholarship is mainly available for Master's degree students.
Coverage
- First-year tuition fee waiver (100%)
- Relocation grant: 5,000 EUR (offered by participating universities)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Business, Data Science, Environmental Science, Education
Apply Here:
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships
2. University Scholarships
Most Finnish universities offer scholarships for international students.
Coverage
- 50% tuition fee waiver
- 75% tuition fee waiver
- 100% tuition fee waiver
Some universities also provide:
- 5,000 – 10,000 EUR relocation or excellence grants
Eligible Majors: Engineering, AI, Computer Science, Business, Health Sciences, Economics, Education
Popular University Scholarship Portals
University of Helsinki
Apply Here:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-bachelors-and-masters-programmes/scholarships
Aalto University
Apply Here:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/scholarships-and-tuition-fees
University of Oulu
Apply Here:
https://www.oulu.fi/en/apply/scholarships
Tampere University
Apply Here:
https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/tuition-fees-and-scholarships
3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Several Finnish universities participate in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programs.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly living stipend: approximately 1,400 EUR/month
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Eligible Majors: AI, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Health
Apply Here:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
4. Doctoral Research Funding
Most PhD students in Finland receive funding through research projects, doctoral positions, or university-funded research programs.
Coverage
- Full tuition fee (PhD studies are generally tuition-free)
- Monthly salary/stipend: approximately 2,000 – 3,500 EUR/month
Eligible Majors: AI, Computer Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences
Apply through university research groups and supervisors.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility & Qualification)
Finland welcomes international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Scholarships are primarily awarded based on academic merit. Students usually apply for admission and scholarships at the same time through university application portals. Academic excellence, English language proficiency, motivation letters, and recommendation letters are important factors during scholarship selection.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Must be an international student
- Strong academic record
- HSC/A-Level for Bachelor's admission
- Bachelor's degree for Master's admission
- Master's degree for PhD admission
- IELTS/TOEFL generally required
- Research proposal required for most PhD applications
Required Documents (University + Scholarship)
Documents Required
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation letters
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Passport-size photographs
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Choose university and study program
- Check scholarship availability
- Submit online application
- Upload required documents
- Apply for scholarship during admission process
- Receive admission decision
- Receive scholarship result
- Confirm enrollment
Visa Required Documents
Student Residence Permit Documents
- Valid passport
- University admission letter
- Scholarship award letter (if applicable)
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Health insurance
- Passport-size photographs
Residence Permit Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps
- Receive admission letter
- Prepare required documents
- Apply online for residence permit
- Complete identity verification
- Submit biometrics if required
- Receive residence permit decision
- Travel to Finland
Finland Cost Overview (2026 Approx.)
Estimated First-Year Cost
Without Scholarship
- Tuition Fee: 8,000 – 18,000 EUR/year
- Living Cost: 8,000 – 12,000 EUR/year
- Health Insurance & Other Costs: 1,000 – 2,500 EUR
Total Estimated Cost: 17,000 – 32,500 EUR/year
With Scholarship
- Tuition may be partially or fully waived
- Additional relocation grant may be provided
Student expenses can be reduced significantly.