MS in Finland: Top Universities, Fees, & More

Updated on 21 October, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Are you seeking to become an expert in business, natural sciences, economics or education? Then pursuing an MS degree is the best fit as it provides knowledge and training in specific areas of science, technology, mathematics, or in the behavioral sciences, medicine, nursing, social work, and a wide range of related multidisciplinary subjects.

Are you looking for a country to pursue your higher education and settle with good career prospects? The answer is MS in Finland. In 2018, World Economic Forum’s Universities 21 (U21) Ranking of Higher Education Systems ranked Finland’s higher education system is the best in the world.

As the home to some of the world's best and most prestigious universities, studying master's in Finland is just the right step to kickstart your higher education and career. You must select a master's specialization based on your academic background and long-term goals. Read on to discover about the courses, fees, eligibility criteria and other important factors necessary to study in Finland.

Duration of MS in Finland

In Finland, master's degrees are always two years long, while at universities of applied science, the time frame may be shortened because of the requirement that students have a significant amount of prior work experience.

The application process for master's programmes in Finland typically runs from November through February or March. The Finnish academic year begins in September (though it may sometimes close as early as the end of January). Depending on the master’s degree in question, the exact dates may vary from one university to another or even within a single university.

Eligibility To Study In Finland

Applicants must fulfill general eligibility criteria before they are evaluated for various study options. The criteria includes the following: 

  • An accepted proof of language proficiency (through language tests and other university approved methods of demonstrating language expertise)
  • Submit all the required application documents within the deadline
  • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 and writing score of 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): 02, and 22 for writing 
  • TOEFL PDT (Paper- delivered Test): Reading 22, Listening 22 and Writing 24
  • Admission criteria for subject-specific master’s is to have a bachelor’s degree with good score in the concerned field

 Outstanding applicants with degrees in other disciplines, such as engineering, mathematics, physics, information systems, or the natural sciences, will be considered, provided they have the necessary training and can demonstrate the required abilities.

Course Structure Of MS in Finland

Any masters course, say Masters in Computer Science, spans across two years and comprises a total 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of the following: 

  • Major Studies (40-60 ECTS)
  • Minor Studies (20-25 ECTS)
  • Elective Studies (25-30 ECTS)
  • Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

Tuition Fees to Study Masters In Finland

Choosing to study in Finland is one of the best decisions a student can make as its education system is very well known to dominate the world stage. In light of the same, no tuition fees is charged from the some category of students that would include citizens of EU/EEA states or Switzerland, holders of a permanent Finnish residence permit/ long-term resident’s EU residence permit (P, P-EU), holders of a fixed-term continuous residence permit (A) which hasn’t been granted based on studies, and holders of an EU Blue Card (a residence permit card with a marking “EU Blue Card” as the type of the permit)

MS in Finland for Indian students comes with a certain tuition fee as they belong outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. English. The annual tuition fee depends on the university and the degree programme, varying between €4,000 and € 18,000.

Top Universities for Pursuing MS in Finland

For students looking for the best universities to study abroad, the below-mentioned Finnish universities are the best bet. 

University Name QS Rankings 2023 Average Yearly Fee* Top Specializations Offered Course Duration
University of Helsinki 106 € 13,000 

Master’s Programme in Agricultural Sciences

Master's Programme in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences,

Master's Programme in Computer Science 

33 other MS programs

2 years 
Aalto University 116 € 15,000 

Animation, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Additive Manufacturing for Full Flexibility (EIT), Master of Science (Technology)

Business Analytics, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) and more 

2 years 
University of Turku 291 € 12,000  Master's Degree Programme in Education and Learning 2 years 
University of Jyväskylä 347 € 12,000 

Banking & International Finance 

Biology of Physical Activity 

Brain and Data Science etc.

2 years

Scope and Job Prospects after MS in Finland 

The door to career prospects after pursuing MS are wide open for students. The degree gives them an excellent foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions at universities and internationally. 

The technology and IT sector of the nation is now its largest industry, and it is regarded as a significant European tech centre. Helsinki was recognised as the third-best city for work-life balance in the 2022 Work-Life Balance Index. In an index that also took into account vacations, sleep, commuting time, disposable income, and total hours worked, it came in equal first for a "happy and wellbeing" score.

With an MS degree in hand, the students have a great probability of bagging a good job opportunity across various companies and industries while also striking a perfect work life balance in Finland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Finland without IELTS?

IELTS or TOEFL are the most frequently approved options to demonstrate an applicant's ability in English for Finnish higher education. Hence, in the majority of circumstances, you do need to apply with a legitimate IELTS/TOEFL exam result. There are a few colleges where you can apply without IELTS if you provide a 3-minute English-language motivational video.

How to study in Finland for free?

In Finland, tuition is not entirely free. To assist you manage your expenses, you might apply for a scholarship. Universities provide a variety of scholarships for international undergraduate and graduate students. Doctoral level scholarship programmes are also available. To be eligible for the scholarship and submit an application, you must first meet the conditions.

Can I study and work simultaneously in Finland?

Foreign students are free to work during their studies as long as it is linked to their academics. Students are allowed to work in other unrelated jobs, but only for a maximum of 25 hours per week, typically a part-time employment during the school year, and a full-time job with no limits during breaks.

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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