Fully funded scholarships for 2025 are set to create a storm in Finland! This Nordic gem is continuing its legacy by offering incredible opportunities for international students, both from the EU and beyond. Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a research degree, Finland’s world-class education system and generous scholarships make it a top contender for students worldwide. The cherry on top? Many of these scholarships come with IELTS-free application options, breaking barriers for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Welcome to Finland—the land of a thousand lakes, breathtaking northern lights, and cutting-edge education! With the 2025 academic year on the horizon, this guide will walk you through some of the best fully-funded scholarships in Finland that you can apply for right now.
Why Study in Finland in 2025?
Finland offers a unique blend of high-quality education, affordable living, and excellent post-graduation opportunities. Here’s why studying in Finland is a smart choice in 2025:
- Globally Recognized Education: 9 Finnish universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025 (https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings) top 1000, with Aalto University (#113) and University of Helsinki (#117) leading the list.
- Affordable Education: Generous scholarships cover tuition fees, living costs, and relocation grants, making it financially accessible.
- Work Opportunities: After graduation, students can apply for a 2-year post-graduation residence permit to work in sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
- Flexible Working Hours: International students can work or take an internship for up to 30 hours per week during studies and full-time during holidays in Finland on study visa (https://migri.fi/en/working-and-internships-during-studies).
- IELTS Alternatives: Finnish universities accept tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English, or even a Medium of Instruction Certificate.
Finland’s safe, innovative, and welcoming environment makes it an ideal destination for international students looking for a world-class education and a rewarding future.
English Language Requirements for Scholarships in Finland 2025
While many Finnish scholarships allow IELTS-free applications, it’s essential to check individual university requirements. Commonly accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academic: Scores between 6.0 – 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Scores ranging from 80 – 100
- PTE Academic: Minimum scores of 58 – 65
- Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced): Scores typically required around 169 or above.
3 Types of Scholarships Available in Finland for 2025 Admissions
In Finland, scholarships are divided into three main categories:
- Government Scholarships: Typically designed for doctoral and postdoctoral research students.
- University Scholarships: Offered by Finnish universities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs.
- Private/Organization Scholarships: Based on specific criteria such as research fields, nationality, or merit.
This article focuses on the Finnish Government and University Scholarships, breaking them down into 12 fully-funded opportunities that you can explore in 2025.
1# Finnish Government Scholarships 2025
These scholarships are targeted at international students pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral studies in Finland. They include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel grants for researchers
Application Timeline: September 1 – November 30, 2025.
Apply: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships.
2# Doctoral Studies Finland Scholarships 2025
Designed specifically for PhD candidates, this program supports studies aligned with Finnish research priorities. Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee waivers
- Relocation grant of €5,000
- Research funds for laboratory and fieldwork
- Monthly stipends
Apply: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/scholarships/doctoral-funding
3# University of Helsinki Scholarships 2025
The University of Helsinki offers scholarships primarily for Master’s and doctoral international students:
- Full tuition fee waivers
- Annual stipend of €5,000 for living costs
Application Process: Integrated with the Master’s program application.
Tuition Fees: Range from €13,000 to €18,000 annually.
Exemptions: EU/EEA citizens, PhD students, and exchange program students are typically exempt from tuition fees.
4# Aalto University Scholarships
Aalto University offers various scholarships for non-EU/EEA Master’s applicants based on academic merit:
- Full or partial tuition waivers
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree Scholarships: Covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
Apply: https://www.aalto.fi/en/international-students/scholarships.
5# University of Turku International Scholarships
Key scholarships at the University of Turku include:
- Finland Scholarship: For top non-EU/EEA Master’s applicants, covering tuition fees and a €5,000 relocation grant.
- University of Turku Scholarship: Tuition waivers for up to 30% of selected Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
Apply: https://www.utu.fi/en/study-at-utu/scholarships-and-tuition-fees.
6# LUT University Scholarships 2025
LUT University supports international Master’s students through:
- Tuition fee waivers and discounts
- Academic merit-based scholarships
Programs cover various fields, including engineering, business, and technology.
Apply: https://elut.lut.fi/en/completing-studies/tuition-fee/scholarship-masters-studies.
7# Tampere University Scholarships 2025
Tampere University offers:
- Degree Scholarships: Full or partial tuition waivers for exceptional Master’s applicants.
- Global Student Award: Covers full tuition fees and includes a €7,000 annual living stipend.
Apply: https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/apply-to-tampere-university/financial-matters/scholarships.
8# University of Eastern Finland Scholarships
Targeted mainly at doctoral students, these scholarships provide:
- Up to Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipends
Students from developing countries receive additional support.
Apply: https://www.uef.fi/en/tuition-fees-waivers-and-scholarships.
9# Hanken School of Economics Diversity Scholarships
This scholarship promotes diversity by offering tuition fee waivers to:
- International Bachelor’s and Master’s students
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in business and economics.
Apply: https://www.hanken.fi/en/apply/study-hanken/international-students/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.
10# University of Oulu Internationalization Scholarships 2025
This program supports Master’s students through:
- Tuition fee waivers
- Financial support for international mobility and exchange programs.
11# Åbo Akademi University International Scholarships
Åbo Akademi University offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships for:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral students
12# Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Scholarships
Metropolia University offers generous tuition fee waivers to international students enrolling in its applied sciences programs. Benefits include:
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Industry collaborations for research and internships
