As an EU member, Finland offers temporary protection to over 7,000 Ukrainian refugees, and more are expected to follow. You can find additional information on Finland’s UNHCR page.
The Nordic country has 13 regular universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS). These higher education institutions used to host over 20,000 international students every year, but the pandemic has lowered that number in the last couple of years.
Below, you’ll find support initiatives, financial aid programmes, and relevant information for displaced students from Ukraine:
Credential evaluation
- The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) is the official organisation in charge of recognising foreign qualifications. In most cases, EDUFI delegates this responsibility to universities, which make an admission decision based on your knowledge and skills.
- The Ministry of Education and Culture offers more details about the higher education system, research organisations, and science agencies in Finland.
- You can find additional information about national education bodies and other relevant agencies on Finland’s dedicated ENIC-NARIC page.
Scholarships and financial aid
- According to UNESCO, the Finnish government will help around 2,000 Ukrainian students continue their education by covering their costs.
- Normally, all non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees in Finland and can apply for scholarships. In the case of Ukrainian refugees, all Finnish universities have agreed to offer full scholarships covering tuition costs for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.
- Aalto University has created a Ukraine Fund, which will be used to offer financial aid. 20 Ukrainian students will receive grants worth 800 EUR per month and an additional 400 EUR for travel costs.
- The University of Eastern Finland have allocated 100,000 EUR to a grant scheme. Initially, 20 Ukrainian students will benefit from it.
Study programmes and opportunities
- Some Finnish universities have opened a separate application path. They offer non-degree studies (individual courses, not a full degree) with a maximum duration of 2 years and open studies, which are free for all Ukrainians.
- The list of universities that participate in this initiative includes the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, the University of Eastern Finland, etc.
- Some academic institutions have also extended the application period for various study programmes starting in autumn.
- You can explore all the study opportunities for Ukrainian refugees on the official Study in Finland website.
- Learn more about the university application process and living costs in Finland.
Other support resources
- Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland (SIMHE) is an organisation that helps refugees and asylum seekers get access to higher education, complete their degrees, or find jobs.
- The Finnish Immigration Services provide additional information to Ukrainians on how to receive temporary protection and live in a reception centre. This process is faster than applying for asylum.
- Health and social services, as well as psychological support, are available to Ukrainian refugees. You can learn more on the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health page.
* Please note we give our best to constantly update the information posted here, but we may not be able to track all specific changes that may occur.