From the perspective of a future student, Finland has two obvious advantages: a convenient geographical location and the ease of obtaining a student visa to Finland. The higher education system in this country corresponds to the European one: it is represented by a network of universities located in different cities. A high level of teaching is maintained in both capital and regional universities.
Information about any Finnish university and the conditions for admitting foreigners can be easily found on the Internet. Communicating directly with the chosen educational institution is also easy if you know English. But if you have no idea where to start, you can use the help of educational agencies specializing in study tours. The service for preparing and processing documents for obtaining higher education in Finland costs on average €600-800. Regardless of whether you resort to the help of an intermediary or prefer to act on your own, the first thing to do is to gather as much detailed information as possible about the upcoming studies.
Universities in assortment
Finland has a population of 6 million, so there are fewer universities here than in more populous countries: only 29 universities. Some of them are located in the capital, others have regional status. The most famous is Helsinki University. Also popular are the universities of Savonia, Mikkeli, Vaasa (Vaasan University), and Kajaani.
In Helsinki, there are other interesting higher education institutions: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration Information Office, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration Centre for International Studies, Sibelius Academy, etc.
State universities in Finland accept all applicants provided they pass the exams successfully. The most popular field of study among Finnish youth is IT: specialists in this area can expect high-paying jobs. However, higher education is not as popular among the natives as one might assume. Many practical Finns believe it is much more profitable to finish a college (similar to a vocational school) in a couple of years and start earning money than to spend five or six years studying theory and doing research. Perhaps this calm attitude of the local population towards diplomas explains such a favorable regime for foreigners: programs designed for students from abroad are available in almost all universities.
“Me you understand”
Many young people who want to get an education in one of the European countries are scared by the language barrier. And Finnish is considered one of the most difficult languages (although this is not entirely fair: in terms of melody and number of vowels, it resembles Italian, and in terms of grammar, Estonian). But learning it is not necessary – it is enough to know universal English at an acceptable level. This is usually what is taken during admission.
However, there are exceptions: for example, at the University of Helsinki, a Finnish language course must be completed within the first year of study. Most first-year lectures are given in English, but later teaching is mainly in Finnish. Nevertheless, there are textbooks and supplementary literature on many subjects in English; exams can also be taken in the language of Shakespeare. So even at the University of Helsinki, there is a theoretical possibility to get a degree without knowing Finnish at all. But if you prefer not to take risks, choose a fully English-language program.
What do we take?
The admission scheme in all Finnish universities is the same: a language exam (test and interview) and a couple of exams in specialized subjects. For example, statisticians must take statistics and mathematics, engineers – mathematics and physics. In some cases, entrance exams for foreigners are held not in Finland, but in the country of residence.
The choice of programs at Finnish universities for foreigners is impressive: “International Management,” “International Business,” “Tourism,” “Information Technology,” “Hotel and Restaurant Business,” etc. Engineering specialties are also offered: “Technology and International Business,” “Engineering and International Business.” Those planning to work in Europe in the future should pay special attention to them: there is a huge demand for qualified engineers, including in Finland itself.
Of course, among the educational programs there are more and less popular ones. Therefore, the more points you score on the entrance exams, the higher the chance of getting into your desired field. If your points are disappointingly low, you may be placed on a “waiting list” to retake the exams in the next academic year.
Ours are coming!
Another delicate issue related to long-term study abroad is the notorious difference in mentalities. But if most young people have a good idea of the way of thinking of the British and Americans, things are more complicated with Finns. When planning to study in Finland, it is important to consider three circumstances.
First, in Finland (and generally in Europe), school ends later than in our country. And university is often entered not immediately after school, but after several years. Thus, the average age of Finnish students approaches 25 years. Many freshmen already have families. Naturally, the difference of seven to eight years affects communication.
Secondly, as already mentioned above, it is practically impossible to be expelled from a Finnish university, since each student creates their own study plan and chooses what to attend and what to skip. But to successfully pass exams and defend a diploma, strict self-discipline is required. This is unusual for our students, who expect to be controlled and pushed. References to difficult personal circumstances, work overload, etc. will not help you on the exam.
Thirdly, our students in Finland tend to communicate exclusively with their compatriots, partly due to insufficient knowledge of the Finnish language. Most universities have student organizations aimed at international students. Participating in them provides excellent opportunities to see the country, get acquainted with its culture, and meet interesting people.
What about money?
Higher education in Finland is free, and this attracts many foreigners. But free education is only available for bachelor's programs (3.5-4 years) and exchange internship courses (from six months to a year). Students must cover their own living expenses and pay for insurance. At the same time, all students, including foreigners, have the right to work, which significantly helps offset costs. Finnish universities have a flexible attendance policy, and each student studies according to an individual plan, allowing them to choose a comfortable pace. So those who wish can easily combine study with work.
However, to obtain a student visa, you must confirm that you have financial support for your initial stay in Finland. As proof of financial solvency, a bank statement for €5-6 thousand is sufficient.
Standard application documents:
* completed application form (the form can be requested by email from the chosen university or found on specialized websites dedicated to higher education in Finland);
* copy of secondary school certificate (notarized translation into English or Finnish);
* English test results (TOEFL – minimum score 213 or IELTS – 6.5 points);
* essay in English with a detailed explanation of why you chose this particular university;
* recommendations, certificates, awards, etc. (recommendations from teachers from previous place of study or work in the field are mandatory);
* one 3x4 photograph.
Work is a reality!
After defending a diploma at a Finnish university, finding a permanent job in Finland is quite realistic. The ease of finding employment directly depends on the demand for the profession and the appropriateness of expectations: a programmer finds a job much easier than an English teacher. Employers welcome work experience, even outside the field: if you worked at McDonald's as a student, you could learn teamwork and customer communication.
Knowledge of languages significantly helps in job searching. Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. If you have an acceptable level of at least one of them, and also know English and Russian well, that is already a 'powerful combination' for Finnish employers. And finally, abilities, willingness to work, and readiness for further training can make up for any shortcomings in education. Especially since learning at work is just beginning.