Application Process to Study in Finland

Finland is not the most popular study abroad destinations among international students. However, it is on the bucket list of several aspirants from India. In this article, we will talk about the best reasons to study in Finland, application process, admission requirements, application deadline, and more.

Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. With its high quality education, safe living, and high impetus to human resource development, Finland is gaining traction as a study abroad destination. As per the Finnish Immigration Service, an increase of 141% in non-EU student applications was reported in 2021. However, application process to study in Finland requires careful and timely planning. Various factors such as university selection, course selection, test prep, document preparation, etc. require meticulous preparation. In this article, we will answer your questions about how to get admission in Finland universities.

Why Study in Finland?

Before we delve into the Finland universities’ admission requirements and procedure, let us look at some of the reasons to study in Finland.

• Huge impetus to Human Resource Development: Finland gives a lot of importance to human resource development, This is reflected in the Human Development Report 2021-22, which has ranked Finland at 11th position as a Very High HDI tier country.
• A happy society: A happy society is required to fulfill your truest potential. World Happiness Report has ranked Finland as the happiest country for 5 years in a row.
• One of the best education system: Finland education system has been continuously ranked amongst the top performing education systems by various reports and organizations such as OECD and the Economist. Teachers are given rigorous training and equal importance as that of doctors.
• Culture and society: Finnish society is egalitarian in nature, with a belief that everyone has an important role to play. In addition, it is one of the cleanest and environment conscious country in the world. And not to forget, Finns absolutely love coffee.
• Home to some of the best universities: Finland is home to some of the best universities. The following table provides some of the top universities in Finland and their QS World University Rankings.

Finland University Admission Requirements

It is absolutely essential for the students to have a clarity on Finland university admission requirements. Given below is a broad list of admission requirements for Finland universities:

• Filled application form (paper-based or electronic copy as per the need of the university)
• Upper secondary-level educational documents
• Degree certificates/ officially certified copies
• Transcripts awarded by the main university
• Test scores of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT (as per the requirement)
• Proof of English-language proficiency IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Essays as per the university requirements
• Letters of Recommendation
• Financial documents
• Medical tests

Finland Application Deadline

Students, who wish to study in Finland, must note that there are two intake seasons for Finland universities; Autumn intake and Spring intake. Out of these two, Autumn intake is the primary intake and maximum number of students apply in the autumn intake. Even though the deadlines for various universities differ, we have provided a tentative time period that is more or less followed by every university.

Autumn Intake: It is the primary intake for Finland universities. Please note the given points:

• Orientation week and classes begin near about August/ September
• Application process starts near about December of previous year

Spring Intake: It is the secondary intake. Please note the given points:

• Orientation week and classes begin near about February/ March
• Application process starts near about May of previous year

Points to keep in mind:

• Do the course and university shortlisting beforehand. Do not keep it pending for the last moment
• Keep a track of all the application deadlines
• Understand that you need to appear for tests well before the application process starts. Hence your test prep must be planned accordingly
• Start collecting and filing the documents well in advance
• Always have a university/course backup ready

Also Read: Fall Intake vs Spring Intake

How to Get Admission in Finland Universities

Getting admission in Finland Universities is a lengthy process and requires planning and preparation. It is suggested that the students should not keep anything pending for the last moment to ensure a hassle-free application. Below is a broad overview of the steps required to obtain admission in Finland universities:

• Select the course(s) that you want to pursue
• Shortlist a few universities that suit your profile and needs
• Know and understand the eligibility criteria for each of the courses
• Make a list of exams that you need to appear for
• Prepare a study plan and be ready with your test scores well in advance
• While you are preparing for your exams, make sure that your start working on your resume, SOP, essays, LOR, and other related documents
• Prepare all the documents (including visa documents) well in advance so that there is no last-minute rush
• Start your university application process
• Appear for the interview(s)
• Accept the university offer
• Begin your visa application process
• Make sure to arrange for your accommodation beforehand. Contact your university if required

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