Finland scholarships 2026/2027 for international students offer eligible non-EU/EEA students opportunities to reduce tuition costs while pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Finnish universities.
| Degree Level | Field | Host Institution | Target Audience | Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s & Master’s | Multiple fields | Finnish universities | Non-EU/EEA international students | Tuition fees may apply; scholarships/waivers available | Varies by university/programme |
Finland scholarships 2026/2027 for non-EU students can help international students reduce the cost of studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finland. However, most university scholarships focus on tuition fees and do not cover living expenses, so applicants should plan carefully for accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs.
Finland Scholarships 2026/2027 for Non-EU Students
Scholarships in Finland are primarily offered directly by individual universities rather than through a general Finnish government scholarship scheme for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants.
The exact scholarship amount, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and deadline depend on the university and degree programme you choose.
For students from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and other non-EU/EEA countries, checking each university’s scholarship rules is essential before applying.
What Do Finland University Scholarships Cover?
A key point for prospective students is that these scholarships generally focus on tuition fees rather than living expenses.
Depending on the university, you may find:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: A scholarship may cover part or, in some cases, all of the tuition fee.
- Partial Scholarships: Some universities offer a percentage reduction in tuition fees.
- Early-Bird Tuition Options: Certain programmes may provide reduced tuition fees for students who meet early-payment or early-application conditions.
- Progress-Based Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships after enrolment based on academic performance or study progress.
- Finnish Language Rewards: Certain institutions may consider progress in Finnish-language studies when awarding later scholarships.
Important: Living Costs Are Usually Not Covered
Applicants should not assume that a tuition scholarship means fully funded study in Finland.
You may still need to independently finance:
- Accommodation
- Food and daily expenses
- Local transportation
- Health insurance
- Study materials
- Residence permit-related costs
- Other personal expenses
Therefore, calculate your expected living costs before accepting a study place.
How to Find Finland Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
The scholarship process starts with choosing the right degree programme.
Step 1: Find Your Study Programme
First, identify a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
You can search for programmes through Finnish universities or the official Studyinfo.fi service.
Consider factors such as:
- Degree level
- Programme language
- Tuition fee
- University
- Scholarship availability
- Admission requirements
- Application deadline
Step 2: Check the University’s Scholarship
Once you have selected a programme, visit the university’s official website and look for its scholarship or tuition-fee information.
Check whether the programme offers:
- Scholarships
- Tuition fee waivers
- Early-bird tuition discounts
- Merit-based scholarships
- Scholarships available after enrolment
The scholarship application may be submitted at the same time as your admission application, although this varies between universities.
Step 3: Review Eligibility Requirements
Carefully read the scholarship conditions before submitting your application.
Requirements can differ significantly between universities. Pay particular attention to academic qualifications, application documents, programme-specific conditions, and scholarship deadlines.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete your degree application and scholarship application according to the university’s instructions.
Official programme search: website for programs
Always use the university’s official scholarship instructions for the final application because scholarship procedures vary by institution.
Can You Get a Scholarship After Starting Your Studies?
Yes, some Finnish universities may provide scholarship opportunities after students have started their studies.
These awards can be linked to factors such as:
- Academic performance
- Successful completion of required studies
- Study progress
- Finnish-language learning or skills
This means students should continue checking their university’s scholarship information even after beginning their degree.
Why Finland Is Worth Considering for International Students
Finland offers a wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, making it an attractive destination for students from developing countries seeking international education.
However, applicants should approach the process realistically. A scholarship that reduces tuition fees can significantly lower the cost of education, but it may not eliminate the need for personal funds.
Before applying, create a realistic financial plan covering both tuition and living expenses.
Finland Scholarship Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Selected a suitable Bachelor’s or Master’s programme.
- Confirmed that you meet the admission requirements.
- Checked whether the programme offers scholarships.
- Reviewed the scholarship eligibility criteria.
- Confirmed the scholarship deadline.
- Prepared the required academic documents.
- Checked tuition fees and possible waivers.
- Calculated your expected living expenses.
- Read the university’s official application instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there government scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Finland?
For international Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants, scholarship and tuition-waiver opportunities are generally offered by individual Finnish universities rather than through a general Finnish government scholarship programme.
Do Finland scholarships cover living expenses?
Generally, university scholarships highlighted for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes focus on tuition fees. Students should be prepared to finance their own living costs unless they have secured separate funding.
Can non-EU/EEA students apply for Finland scholarships?
Yes. Many Finnish universities offer scholarships or tuition-fee waivers specifically for students who are required to pay tuition fees, including eligible non-EU/EEA applicants.
Can I apply for a scholarship together with my university application?
At some universities, yes. Scholarship applications may be submitted alongside the admission application. However, the procedure varies, so always check the specific university’s instructions.
Where can I find Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Finland?
You can search for Finnish degree programmes through Studyinfo.fi and through the official websites of Finnish universities.
Final Advice for International Students
If you are planning to study in Finland, do not search only for the phrase “fully funded Finland scholarship.” Instead, investigate the scholarship policy of each university and programme you are interested in.
A partial or full tuition-fee waiver can still make a major difference, but you should have a separate financial plan for living costs.
For students from South Asia, Africa, and other non-EU/EEA countries, the best strategy is to compare several programmes, check their scholarship rules carefully, and apply before the relevant deadlines.
Apply for Finland Scholarships 2026/2027
- Choose your preferred Bachelor’s or Master’s programme through Studyinfo.fi or a Finnish university’s official website.
- Open the programme’s official scholarship information and check whether non-EU/EEA students are eligible.
- Review the tuition fee and scholarship conditions, including whether the award is full or partial.
- Prepare your admission and scholarship documents according to the university’s requirements.
- Submit your application through the official university application process before the stated deadline.
- Monitor your email and application portal for admission and scholarship decisions.
Official programme search: Website
Important: Scholarship amounts, eligibility rules, application periods, and deadlines vary by university and programme. Always verify the latest information on the official university website before applying.