Cheap Universities in Finland for 2024

Many people choose to study a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finland thanks to the high quality of education.
Local students and students from the EU/EEA benefit from free tuition if they enrol at Finnish public universities.
For international students from other parts of the world, the cheapest Master’s degrees on our portals start at around EUR 4,000 per year of study.

Finland is renowned for its high-quality education system and excellent standard of living, making it a popular destination for international students. Higher education costs in Finland vary significantly between public and private institutions.

On our portals, you can explore dozens of Bachelor's degrees and hundreds Master's degrees, offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.

Public universities generally offer free tuition fees for EU/EEA students, while non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees. But what if you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to study in Finland without breaking the bank? Is that possible? The answer is ‘yes’ and we’ve compiled a list of local higher education institutions that offer affordable studies.

Cheapest universities in Finland

Most affordable universities in Finland, according to our data:

Here's a list of the universities in Finland that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available degrees for both international and domestic students, in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:

Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:

1. Aalto University

Aalto University, located in Espoo, is one of Finland’s leading public universities, renowned for its strong focus on technology, business, and arts. Formed through a merger of three prestigious institutions, Aalto is highly regarded for its research and innovation. The university offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for non-EU students, along with numerous scholarships. Student life at Aalto is vibrant, with modern facilities, a range of student organizations, and proximity to Helsinki, providing ample cultural and professional opportunities.

2. Tampere University

Tampere University, located in the city of Tampere, is known for its multidisciplinary approach and strong programs in technology, health sciences, and social sciences. As a public institution, it offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable tuition fees for non-EU students, with various scholarships available. The university’s dynamic campus life, coupled with Tampere's vibrant cultural scene and beautiful lakeside setting, offers a rich and engaging student experience.

3. University of Turku

The University of Turku, located in Finland’s oldest city, is a prominent public university known for its strong research output and programs in medicine, humanities, and natural sciences. It offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and competitive tuition fees for non-EU students, along with numerous scholarships. The university provides a lively student life, with a historic campus, a variety of student organizations, and the charming city of Turku enhancing the overall experience.

4. University of Oulu

The University of Oulu, situated in the northern city of Oulu, is renowned for its research and programs in technology, health sciences, and environmental studies. As a public university, it offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for non-EU students, with various scholarships available. The university’s modern campus, active student life, and Oulu's unique Arctic setting provide a distinctive and enriching environment for students.

5. University of Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä, located in the city of Jyväskylä, is known for its strong emphasis on education, sports sciences, and natural sciences. This public university offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable tuition fees for non-EU students, along with various scholarships. The university offers a vibrant student life with a supportive campus community, a range of extracurricular activities, and the beautiful surroundings of Central Finland.

6. LUT University,

LUT University, spanning the cities of Lappeenranta and Lahti, is recognized for its focus on engineering, business, and environmental sciences. As a public institution, it offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for non-EU students, with numerous scholarships available. The university’s dynamic campus life, coupled with strong industry connections and a focus on sustainability, provides a rich and engaging student experience.

7. University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland, with campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, is known for its multidisciplinary approach and strong programs in education, health sciences, and environmental sciences. This public university offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and competitive tuition fees for non-EU students, along with various scholarships. The university provides a supportive and vibrant student life, with a close-knit community and beautiful natural surroundings enhancing the overall experience.

8. Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Laurea University of Applied Sciences has multiple campuses across the Helsinki metropolitan area. It is known for its practical and professionally oriented programs in health care, business, and social services. As a public institution, it offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable fees for non-EU students, with various scholarships available. The university provides a supportive and dynamic student life, with a focus on real-world skills and strong industry connections.

9. Häme University of Applied Sciences

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) has campuses in several cities, including Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, and Valkeakoski. It is known for its practical programs in technology, business, and health sciences. As a public university, it offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and affordable tuition fees for non-EU students, with numerous scholarships available. The university provides a vibrant student life with a focus on hands-on learning and strong ties to local industries, enhancing both academic and professional development.

Cheapest universities in Finland

Scholarships for international students in Finland

We have excellent news for you: all non-EU/EEA students required to pay tuition fees can apply for scholarships offered by regular universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS).

All universities in Finland or UAS have their own systems of scholarships and set their eligibility requirements. Students who qualify for a scholarship should apply during the regular university application process. Since the system is different at each university, it’s best to ask them for help should you encounter any difficulties.

All students — including those from the EU/EEA — should consider the rather high living costs in Finland. On average, you can expect to spend between 700–1,000 EUR per month and sometimes over 1,500 EUR in larger cities. Learn more about living costs in Finland.

Affordable degrees for non-EU/EEA International students

Finland requires tuition fees for international students who come from outside of Europe, specifically from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students.

The cheapest Bachelor’s degrees for non-EU/EEA international students in Finland have yearly tuition fees ranging between EUR 8,000 and EUR 9,500.
The cheapest Master’s programs for non-EU/EEA international students in Finland start at approximately EUR 4,000 and reach up to EUR 10,000 per year.
When comparing MA study programmes from Finland, international student tuition fees between EUR 10,000 and EUR 12,000 can be considered moderately affordable.

NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals as of the date this article was published.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Finland offers a unique opportunity for international students to receive a high-quality education with relatively affordable tuition fees. While EU/EEA students benefit from free tuition at public universities, non-EU/EEA students can still find affordable options, especially with the availability of scholarships and financial aid. With its excellent standard of living, diverse academic programs, and vibrant student life, Finland is an appealing destination for students seeking a rewarding educational experience.

Methodology

We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and yearly tuition fees for affordable degrees.
All tuition fees mentioned in this article are for 1 year of study.
We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Finland that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other university degrees listed on our website.
Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than what half of the university degrees, but more expensive than the lowest 25% degrees listed on our website.
For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Other resources

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are tuition fees free for international students in Finland?

Tuition fees are free for EU/EEA international students in Finland. Non-EU/EEA students must pay for their studies.

2. How much are the living costs for students in Finland?

Living costs in Finland average between €700 and €1,000 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. In larger cities, costs can exceed €1,500 per month.

3. Do public universities in Finland charge tuition fees for EU/EEA students?

No, public universities in Finland do not charge tuition fees for EU/EEA students.

4. Can international students get financial aid in Finland?

Yes, many Finnish universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students to help manage tuition and living expenses.

Was this article helpful?