WHY CHOOSE TO STUDY IN FINLAND

Thursday - 18/12/2025

Finland is one of the countries with the best education systems in Europe and in the world. According to statistics in 2016, the number of international students in Finland was 21,061, of which more than 10% were Vietnamese students (2,516 students). With advanced educational quality, a highly developed higher education system, diverse programs, globally recognized qualifications, and abundant career opportunities, Finland is one of the most attractive study-abroad destinations in the world.

World-class education quality:
According to PISA – the Programme for International Student Assessment, the quality of education in Finland is rated as the best in the world. Finnish qualifications meet international standards and are globally recognized.

All universities in Finland are ranked among the top 2% worldwide according to prestigious rankings such as QS World University Rankings and THE Rankings. For example, the University of Helsinki is among the top 20 universities in Europe and within the TOP 100 best universities worldwide (THE Rankings 2020). Several other high-quality universities are also listed in the world TOP 300, such as Aalto University, Tampere University, and the University of Oulu.

Besides multi-disciplinary and research-oriented universities, Finland also has a large number of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), which focus on professional training and are highly praised for teaching quality.

Finland is also among the top countries that equip young people with the most essential skills to navigate, adapt, and thrive in a constantly evolving global labor market (Global Education for the Future Index, 2018).

Many English-taught programs:
Finland offers more than 400 degree programs taught in English – from summer courses to full Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The member universities of the University of Finland consortium – University of Eastern Finland, Tampere University, University of Turku, and Åbo Akademi University – offer a wide range of top-quality Master’s programs fully taught in English.

Moreover, most Finnish people speak English fluently, allowing international students to communicate easily in daily life.

In addition, international students in Finland have opportunities to learn and practice Finnish, as well as explore the country’s culture through summer programs.

Diverse study fields – modern facilities:
Finnish universities offer a wide variety of academic fields for students to choose from, based on their interests and strengths. Major study areas include: Arts & Humanities; Business, Management & Law; Engineering & Construction; Social Sciences, Journalism & Communication; Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics; Education; Information Technology; Health & Welfare; Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary; Social Services, with degree levels from Bachelor to Master to PhD. (See more here.)

Students can comfortably choose to study in vibrant cities like Helsinki or Tampere, or in peaceful regions such as Lapland. Finnish institutions are known for their modern, high-quality facilities: multifunctional buildings, advanced labs, and extensive eLearning systems.

Extremely affordable study costs:
As a country that heavily invests in education, students are fully exempt from tuition fees if they:

Study a Doctoral program (PhD);
Enroll in programs taught in Finnish or Swedish;
Participate in short-term exchange programs;
Are citizens of Finland, Switzerland, or EU/EEA countries.

Since August 2017, Vietnamese students enrolled in English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs must pay tuition fees. However, tuition in Finland remains very affordable – only about 8,000-18,000 EUR per year.

Finland is also one of the European countries with the lowest living costs. A student only needs about 700-900 EUR per month – much cheaper compared with popular destinations like Paris or London.

Many scholarship opportunities:
There are two types of scholarships: Government scholarships and university scholarships. Most Finnish universities offer scholarships for international students from outside the EU – those who are required to pay tuition fees. These scholarships are usually based on academic merit and may include full or partial tuition waivers or financial support for living expenses. (See more here.)
Opportunities for international exchange programs:
A major advantage for students studying at Finnish and Nordic universities is access to international exchange programs through extensive partnerships with universities worldwide. Students are encouraged to participate in exchange studies for one semester to one year, with financial support from the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship fund.
Part-time work opportunities – post-graduation employment:
Students are allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, with wages ranging from 8-15 EUR per hour. It’s relatively easy to find common part-time jobs such as restaurant service, newspaper delivery, childcare, kitchen assistant, etc., as long as you have basic Finnish communication skills. During holidays, you can even travel to neighboring European countries to work and gain experience.

After graduation, students may stay in Finland for one year to seek employment. Additionally, they have opportunities to work long-term and settle in Finland if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Beautiful natural landscapes – rich cultural diversity:
Finland is known as the land of forests and lakes, with stunning scenery and pristine nature. It is easy to find untouched lakes and green forests anywhere across the country – 168,000 natural lakes and 20 man-made reservoirs. Students often enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, canoeing, etc. Finland is also one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights. Alternatively, students can explore museums, art galleries, flea markets, Scandinavian architecture, or experience traditional Finnish saunas.
Excellent quality of life:
International students appreciate the outstanding quality of life in Finland, as the country:

Was ranked the happiest nation in the world for two consecutive years (UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2019);
Is considered the safest country in the world, with notably low crime rates (World Economic Forum, 2017);
Ranked 2nd globally in the 2017 Social Progress Index, excelling in Nutrition & Basic Medical Care, Personal Freedom & Choice, Shelter, Personal Rights & Inclusion, and Access to Information & Communications.

Easy travel within Europe:
As a Schengen member state, Finland allows students to travel freely across 26 Schengen countries without needing additional visas. Its strategic location also makes it convenient to visit Eastern European and Scandinavian countries during holidays. Nearby countries such as Norway and Sweden can be reached easily by train.

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact:

Duc Anh EduConnect

Hotline: 09887 09698

Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn

Website: www.ducanhduhoc.vn

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WHY CHOOSE TO STUDY IN FINLAND

Thursday - 18/12/2025

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WHY CHOOSE TO STUDY IN FINLAND

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