Finland has become one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for international students. With over 400 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs and world-class doctoral and research opportunities, Finnish universities open their doors each year to thousands of learners from all over the world.
However, since tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, scholarships play a crucial role in making education in Finland more affordable and accessible. For the 2026 admissions cycle, several fully funded and partial scholarships are available, ranging from tuition waivers to generous monthly stipends that support living costs.
Application Windows and Admission Notes
For programs starting in the fall of 2026, Finland has two main application windows. Bachelor’s programs generally require applications in January, while many master’s programs open their calls as early as November and close by January. Students should apply for scholarships at the same time as admission unless otherwise specified.
Language requirements remain flexible: many universities accept IELTS or TOEFL, but some have introduced their own English tests or waived the requirement altogether for students from exempt countries or those with previous studies conducted in English. Applicants outside the EU/EEA should also prepare to pay an annual student union fee of around €80–100, which provides access to discounts in restaurants, transportation, and cultural activities. It is also important to budget for living costs, which typically range from €700–900 per month, and are higher in cities like Helsinki.
Finland Universities Scholarships for 2026-2027 Intakes
The University of Helsinki offers one of the most comprehensive scholarship schemes. For master’s students from outside the EU/EEA, scholarships are awarded in three tiers: a full tuition fee waiver plus a €10,000 stipend, a full tuition waiver only, or a €10,000 living grant without a fee waiver.
These awards are renewable each year if the student maintains good academic standing. In addition, Helsinki provides International Student Grants ranging from €1,000 to €1,500 per month for up to three years to help cover living expenses.
1# University of Tampere Scholarships
At the University of Tampere, students required to pay tuition fees for English-taught programs can compete for merit-based scholarships that cover 50% to 100% of tuition costs. An outstanding option here is the Global Student Award, which not only pays full tuition but also provides a €7,000 annual living stipend for two years of master’s study.
2# University of Oulu Scholarships
The University of Oulu runs an International Scholarship Scheme with two levels. Business School master’s students can receive a 50% tuition waiver, while other international master’s programs and the five-year Intercultural Teacher Education program offer 75% tuition coverage. To continue beyond the first year, recipients must complete 55 ECTS credits. The University also awards a special Protein Science Scholarship to students of the Protein Science and Biotechnology master’s program, offering around 15 tuition fee waivers annually.
3# Aalto University Scholarships
Aalto University attracts top talent with its wide range of scholarships. The Gold category is particularly generous, covering full tuition, living expenses, and study-related costs. Other categories provide either tuition waivers or living stipends separately. These scholarships are highly competitive and aimed at international master’s students.
4# University of Turku Scholarships
At the University of Turku, merit-based scholarships include tuition fee reductions and a unique set of postdoctoral scholarships. Each year, five researchers are selected for a five (05) year postdoctoral track with a monthly salary of around €3,000, subject to annual performance review.
5# University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Scholarships
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) provides one 100% tuition scholarship per program, alongside several 30%–50% waivers. These are awarded during admission and help cover the cost of the degree without affecting living expenses.
6# LUT University Scholarships
LUT University offers tuition fee scholarships and early-bird discounts for international students. Master’s applicants can save €5,000 with early applications, while continuing students can apply for second-year scholarships based on performance.
7# University of Jyväskylä (JYU) Scholarships
At the University of Jyväskylä (JYU), scholarships are tied to progress: students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement during their first year may receive a waiver covering part or all of the second-year tuition fee.
8# Hanken School of Economics Scholarships
The Hanken School of Economics awards merit-based tuition waivers and also participates in the Global Business School Network (GBSN) scholarship scheme, supporting candidates from specific regions.
9# Åbo Akademi University Scholarships
Finally, Åbo Akademi University runs a tuition waiver scholarship scheme for non-EU/EEA students across its programs, with updates on the 2026 scholarship scheme expected closer to the application opening.
Finnish National and Government Scholarships for 2026 Admissions
In addition to institutional scholarships, Finland also offers research-focused schemes funded at the national level. The Government of Finland Scholarship Pool provides grants of €1,500 per month to international researchers. While this award does not cover tuition, travel, or insurance, it helps visiting scholars manage living costs.
The EDUFI Fellowship, administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education, remains a key resource for doctoral students and early-stage researchers. Fellows receive monthly grants to support living costs, with applications submitted jointly with the host Finnish institution.
Earlier known as the CIMO Fellowship, the EDUFI Fellowship continues to offer €1,500 monthly support for periods ranging from three months to one year, specifically for doctoral and double-doctoral research in Finland. Applications are accepted year-round, but it is recommended to apply at least five months before the intended start date.
International and EU-Linked Scholarships in Finland in 2026
Several Finland-based programs also participate in EU-funded initiatives. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) programs, many of which include Finnish universities as partners, provide fully funded master’s degrees that cover tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
These applications usually run from October to January for the following academic year. Similarly, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers may apply through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks and Postdoctoral Fellowships, which Finnish universities regularly host. For American students, the Fulbright Finland Foundation remains a strong channel to pursue degrees and research in Finland, often combined with tuition fee waivers from the host universities.
Final Guidance for 2026 Applicants
Finland offers a scholarship ecosystem that balances tuition waivers, living stipends, and research fellowships. Master’s students will find the most extensive support at universities like Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, and Aalto, while doctoral and postdoctoral candidates can benefit from national fellowships such as EDUFI, MSCA, and Fulbright Finland.
As applications for 2026 admissions begin opening in late 2025, now is the time to prepare documents, check eligibility criteria, and track university-specific deadlines. Careful planning will ensure you maximize your chances of securing financial support while studying in one of Europe’s most innovative and student-friendly countries.
