Study in Finland gives Pakistani students a high-quality education. Finland has over 40 higher education institutions (13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences) and 600+ programs taught in English. Popular fields include engineering, IT, business, nursing, tourism, and hospitality. Bachelor’s degrees take 3–4 years, master’s 1–2 years, and PhD 3–4 years. Top universities include the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Tampere University, usually requiring 60% marks. Tuition fee is about €8,000–€12,000 per year. Living costs are €600–€1,000 per month. Top scholarships such as the Finland Government Scholarship and Aalto University Scholarship help reduce costs. For the student visa, you need a bank statement of at least €6,720, and the approval rate is usually 90–95%.
Quick Facts About Study in Finland For Pakistani Students
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Popular Cities | Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu |
| Total Institutions | 40+ (Universities + UAS) |
| English Programs | 600+ |
| Duration | Bachelor: 3–4 years • Master: 1–2 years • PhD: 3–4 years |
| Intakes Available | September and January Intake |
| Tuition Fees (Avg.) | €8,000 – €12,000/year |
| Living Cost | €600 – €1,000/month |
| Work Rights | Up to 40 hours/week during semesters |
| Post-Study Option | 2-year job-seeking residence permit |
| Visa Processing | 1–2 months |
| Funds Proof | Minimum €6,720 (1 year) |
| Top Scholarships | Finnish Government Scholarship Pool, University-specific waivers |
| Top Universities |
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| Top Bachelor Programs |
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| Top Master’s Programs |
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| Top PhD Fields |
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| English Requirement | IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 79+ / MOI (in some cases) |
Top Universities in Finland for Pakistani Students (English Programs)
Here are best affordable universities to study in Finland with strong English-taught programs and scholarship options:
| University | Popular Fields | Tuition (€/year) |
| University of Helsinki | Science, Law, Arts, Data | €13,000 – €18,000 |
| Aalto University | Business, Engineering, IT, Design | €12,000 – €15,000 |
| Tampere University | Technology, Medicine, Health | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| University of Turku | Education, Social, Biotech | €8,000 – €12,000 |
| LUT University | Energy, Engineering, Business | €10,000 – €13,500 |
| University of Eastern
Finland |
Health, Education, Environment | €8,000 – €10,000 |
| Metropolia UAS | Nursing, Engineering, Design | €8,000 – €10,000 |
| Haaga-Helia UAS | Business, Tourism, Hospitality | €8,500 – €10,500 |
| JAMK UAS | Tourism, Entrepreneurship | €8,000 – €9,000 |
| Lapland UAS | Tourism, Business IT | €8,000 – €9,500 |
| SAMK | Logistics, Service Design, Tourism | €8,000 – €9,000 |
1-Year Courses in Finland For Pakistani Students (Fast Track Options)
Universities in Finland offer 1-year master’s routes or accelerated programs, ideal for professionals and students who want to finish quickly.
| Aalto University | Design & Creative Business (12–18 months) |
| LUT University | Global Management, Renewable Energy (1 year) |
| University of Turku | Law & Governance (60 ECTS) |
| Metropolia UAS | Health Business Management (1 year) |
These programs are competitive and may come with scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students
To study in Finland, most universities expect:
- Minimum 60% in previous qualification (Matric/Intermediate/Bachelor)
- IELTS 6.0+ (some programs may require higher)
- Strong motivation letter / SOP
- Relevant academic background for selected program
- Some universities may require entrance exams (especially UAS)
Cost of Study in Finland for Pakistani Students
Study in Finland is often more affordable than in many other European countries, especially because many universities offer scholarships and fee waivers. Tuition fees depend on your degree level, and PhD studies are often tuition-free or funded. Below is a simple breakdown of the usual tuition fees and monthly living costs for Pakistani students.
Tuition Fees in Finland
| Bachelor’s | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Master’s | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| PhD | Often tuition-free / fully funded |
Tip: Most students reduce fees through partial or full scholarships.
Living Cost in Finland (Monthly Estimate)
| Accommodation | €250 – €450 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 – €300 |
| Transport | €40 – €70 |
| Other | €100 – €200 |
The total study in Finland for Pakistani students costs from €7,000 to €15,000 per year including tuition and living.
Step-by-Step Admission Process To study in Finland
Applying to study in Finland is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Many students prefer guidance through study abroad Consultant in lahore to improve admission accuracy and visa success. Our Study abroad advisers guide them which intake to apply for because most programs open applications in January–March (for September intake) and some programs also offer January intake in selected institutions. Below are the detailed step-by-step guide to help you through it:
Choose the Right Program
Start your journey to study in Finland by identifying the right program for your goals. Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s, master’s, or 1-year fast-track course, the first step is choosing a field that aligns with your interests and future career path. Study WES offers student service support from the very beginning helping you evaluate your options, understand program structures, and compare tuition before you even apply.
Prepare Required Documents
Once you’ve selected your desired program, start preparing a strong set of documents. You’ll typically need:
- Passport (valid)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL / MOI (if accepted)
- Motivation letter / SOP
- CV/Resume
- Recommendation letters (if required)
Get Offer & Pay Deposit
If successful, you’ll receive either a conditional or unconditional offer from the university. After receiving the offer letter you need to pay the tuition deposit (usually 30–50% of the annual fee) then the university issues the official confirmation letter.
Finland Student Visa Requirements (Residence Permit)
To study in Finland, you apply for a Residence Permit for Studies.
| Passport | Valid for full stay |
| Admission Letter | From Finnish institution |
| Tuition Payment Proof | Required before visa |
| Funds Proof | €6,720 minimum for 1 year |
| Health Insurance | Min. €40,000 coverage |
| Visa Fee | Approx. €350 |
After graduation, you can apply for a 2-year job-seeking residence permit or move to a work permit.
FAQs
Can I stay in Finland after graduation?
Yes. After graduation, Finland offers a 2-year job-seeking residence permit, which allows you to stay and search for a job or move to a work permit.
Do Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) require an entrance exam?
Yes, many UAS programs may require an online entrance exam, and some may include an interview. It depends on the program and university.
Can I apply to Finland after Intermediate (FA/FSc/ICS)?
Yes. You can apply for Bachelor’s programs after Intermediate. You’ll need strong documents, English proof (IELTS or accepted alternative), and program eligibility.
Which programs are best in Finland for Pakistani students?
Popular and high-demand programs include Computer Science/IT, Data Science, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Health Technology, Hospitality and Sustainable Energy.
Can I take my spouse with me on a Finland student visa?
Yes, dependents (spouse/children) can apply, but you must show additional financial proof and meet the dependent visa requirements.
What jobs are in demand in Finland?
Common in-demand fields include IT/software, data/AI, engineering, healthcare/nursing, and some skilled trades. Demand varies by city and year.
Are gap years accepted for Finland?
Yes. Up to 2 years gap is usually fine with a brief SOP mention. 3–5 years often needs a clear reason + proof (job/courses/training). 5+ years is possible but depends on your profile, so you need a strong SOP and solid documents.
