Admissions·Europe· 8 min read

How University Admission Works in Finland for International Students

Finland admission via Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku) — entrance-exam vs certificate selection and the tuition-plus-scholarship model.

Last updated 24 June 2026

Key facts

Portal: Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku) — joint application
Selection: Certificate-based and/or entrance-exam selection
Tuition: Non-EU/EEA pay for English-taught degrees; scholarships exist (verify)
Immigration body: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)

One joint portal: Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku)

Finland centralises higher-education admission through the national Studyinfo.fi service (Opintopolku). Universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS) publish their programmes here, and you build and submit your application through the portal, often during a shared joint application period.

There are typically joint application periods (for example a main spring round for many English-taught programmes) plus separate or rolling application rounds for certain programmes. Read each programme's page on Studyinfo for its application period, requirements, and selection method, because these are set per programme.

Apply through the national Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku) portal
Universities and universities of applied sciences both publish here
Programmes use joint application periods plus some separate rounds

Entrance-exam vs certificate-based selection

Finnish programmes commonly admit students through a combination of selection methods. Certificate-based selection (sometimes called certificate intake) ranks applicants on their prior academic results — for example school-leaving or degree grades. Entrance-examination selection ranks applicants on a test, which may assess subject knowledge or aptitude and can be held on campus or online.

Many international programmes use a combination — for instance an entrance exam, an admission test, or a structured assessment of academic background and English. Each programme decides which methods it uses and how places are split between them, so check the selection method on the programme's Studyinfo page before applying.

Certificate-based selection ranks applicants by prior grades
Entrance-exam selection ranks applicants by a test
Each programme sets its own mix of methods — read its Studyinfo page

Entry and language requirements

To be eligible, your previous qualification must give access to higher education and be assessed as meeting the programme's entry level, and some programmes set specific subject requirements. English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency, with accepted tests and minimum levels set by each institution; some also accept other evidence of English.

Requirements, accepted documents, and how qualifications are assessed are decided officially and per programme. Confirm the exact entry and English requirements on the programme's Studyinfo page and the university's own site before applying.

Your prior qualification must give access to higher education
English-taught programmes require proof of English (levels set per university)
Verify subject prerequisites and accepted documents per programme

Tuition fees and scholarships for non-EU/EEA students

In Finland, students from outside the EU/EEA (and not otherwise exempt) generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programmes; EU/EEA students and certain others generally do not pay tuition. Fees are set by each university and vary by programme.

Many Finnish universities pair their fees with scholarship schemes for talented fee-paying students, which may cover part or all of the tuition. These scholarships are competitive, have their own criteria and deadlines, and are never guaranteed. Because fees and scholarships are decided officially and change, verify the current amounts and scholarship rules on each university's official page.

Non-EU/EEA students generally pay tuition for English-taught degrees
Universities often offer scholarships for fee-paying students
Scholarships are competitive — verify fees and criteria officially

After admission: residence permit

Non-EU/EEA students who are admitted generally apply for a residence permit for studies through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before starting. The application requires proof of admission, sufficient funds, insurance, and other documents that depend on your situation.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Permit rules, the funds you must show, fees, and processing times change, so verify everything on the official Migri source and your university's international office before making plans.

Non-EU/EEA students generally apply for a study permit via Migri
Requirements include admission, funds, and insurance
Verify current immigration rules on the official government source

Frequently asked questions

Where do I apply to study in Finland?

Through the national Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku) portal, where universities and universities of applied sciences publish their programmes. Most apply during a joint application period, though some programmes have separate rounds. Read each programme's page for its dates.

How are students selected in Finland?

By a mix of certificate-based selection (ranking on prior grades) and entrance-exam selection (ranking on a test). Many international programmes combine methods and assess English. Each programme sets its own approach on its Studyinfo page.

Do international students pay tuition in Finland?

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally pay tuition for English-taught degree programmes, while EU/EEA students generally do not. Universities often offer scholarships for fee-paying students. Verify the current fees and scholarship rules officially.

Do I need a residence permit to study in Finland?

Non-EU/EEA students who are admitted generally need a study residence permit via Migri, showing admission, funds, and insurance. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify current rules on the official Migri source.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku) — national application portal; Study in Finland — official site; Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) — studying.

Last verified: 24 June 2026.