You’ve been in Finland for a year on temporary protection, finished some free Open University courses - and now you want a full degree. Or you’re in Ukraine, scrolling through programs on Studyinfo.fi and spotting something perfect - Data Science at Aalto, business at Haaga-Helia, engineering at Tampere - but the requirements list looks like a ten-level quest. Application, entrance exams, diploma translation, apostille, language certificate, residence permit, proof of finances… Where do you even start? Let’s break down the entire path from your first click on Studyinfo to your first day in the lecture hall.
Finnish Higher Education: What to Choose¶
Before you apply, get familiar with the system - because Finland has two types of universities, and it’s not a “better vs worse” hierarchy, it’s two different formats.
Yliopisto (University) vs AMK (University of Applied Sciences)¶
Finland has 14 traditional universities (yliopisto) - these are about academic education, theory, research, and scholarly careers. Among them - University of Helsinki (top 100 globally), Aalto University, University of Turku, Tampere University. A bachelor’s at a yliopisto takes 3 years (180 ECTS), a master’s takes 2 years (120 ECTS).
Alongside them work 22 universities of applied sciences - ammattikorkeakoulu, or AMK/UAS. These focus on practical education for specific professions: nurse, civil engineer, business manager, IT developer. A bachelor’s at an AMK takes 3.5-4 years (210-240 ECTS), including mandatory work placement. There’s also an AMK master’s, but you need 2-3 years of work experience to apply.
Language of Instruction¶
Most programs are in Finnish or Swedish. But the number of English-taught programs grows every year. In 2026, the first round of yhteishaku (joint application) alone had nearly 300 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. For Ukrainians who recently arrived in Finland, English-taught programs are the logical choice. If you’ve already reached B2-C1 Finnish - congrats, every door is open, and Finnish-taught programs are free even for non-EU citizens.
How to Apply: Studyinfo.fi Step by Step¶
The entire admissions process in Finland runs through one portal - Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku in Finnish). It’s the single window for all universities and AMKs.
Step 1: Pick Your Program¶
Go to Studyinfo, set your filters: language (English), level (Bachelor’s / Master’s), field. Each program has its own page with a detailed description: what you’ll study, admission requirements, deadlines, costs, admissions office contacts. Read carefully - requirements differ even between programs at the same university.
Step 2: Figure Out Your Admission Group¶
For bachelor’s programs, this is critical. Finnish universities divide applicants into groups based on their educational background:
- Admission Group 1 - applicants with IB, EB, Reifeprüfung (DIA), or Finnish ylioppilastutkinto. Selection based on SAT/ACT scores
- Admission Group 2 - everyone else, including Ukrainian school-leaving certificate or diploma. Selection based on entrance exams or SAT/ACT
So with a Ukrainian certificate, you’re in Admission Group 2. For AMK programs, there’s usually an entrance exam - often online, sometimes SAT-based.
Step 3: Submit Through Yhteishaku¶
Yhteishaku (joint application) is the national application system. You fill out one form and can apply to up to 6 programs ranked by preference. If you’re accepted to multiple programs, you get a place in the one ranked highest.
Key Dates for 2026:
| Round | Application Period | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|
| First spring yhteishaku | January 7-21, 2026 | English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs |
| Second spring yhteishaku | March 2026 | Finnish-taught programs |
| Results | February-May 2026 (all published by May 27) | - |
| Studies begin | August 2026 | - |
For master’s programs, some universities have separate deadlines outside yhteishaku. For example, the University of Helsinki accepts applications for international master’s programs from early December through late January.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee¶
Since January 1, 2025, all applicants from outside the EU/EEA pay a 100 euro application fee. It’s a one-time payment covering all your applications for one academic term. The fee is collected by Opetushallitus (Finnish National Agency for Education) directly in Studyinfo when you fill out the application.
Important: the fee is non-refundable, even if you don’t get in. And paying it doesn’t guarantee admission - it’s just a processing fee. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are exempt.
Step 5: Take the Entrance Exam or Submit SAT Scores¶
Depending on the program:
- AMK (applied sciences) - usually an entrance exam. For English-taught programs, it’s often an online test, or SAT (results must be available by March 30, 2026)
- Yliopisto (bachelor’s) - either SAT/ACT or an entrance exam (depends on admission group and program)
- Master’s - usually document-based selection (motivation letter, CV, diploma, grades), sometimes an interview
What Documents You Need and What to Translate¶
Here’s the most practical part. Each university has its own nuances, but the general list is standard.
Full Document Checklist¶
| Document | Translation Needed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| School-leaving certificate (for bachelor’s) | Yes - English, Finnish, or Swedish | Copy + translation + apostille |
| Transcript of grades (school) | Yes | Needed to determine level |
| Bachelor’s diploma (for master’s) | Yes | Copy + translation + apostille |
| Diploma supplement / transcript | Yes | With grades and ECTS credits (if available) |
| Language certificate (IELTS / TOEFL) | No | Results sent directly from test center |
| Passport | No | Copy of photo page |
| Motivation letter (for master’s) | - | Written in English |
| CV (for master’s) | - | In English |
| Proof of current enrollment | Yes (if not in English) | If you haven’t graduated yet |
Translation Requirements - Pay Attention Here¶
Finnish universities are crystal clear: if a document isn’t in English, Finnish, or Swedish, you need an official translation. Self-translation (“I’ll translate it myself, my friend speaks English”) - won’t be accepted. Ever.
Who can do the translation:
- Authorized translator in Finland (auktorisoitu kääntäjä) - a translator who passed a special exam by Opetushallitus. The registry of authorized translators is on the Opetushallitus website
- Sworn translator from another EU country - for example, a beeidigter Übersetzer from Germany
- The institution that issued the document - your university in Ukraine can issue a transcript in English. Some Ukrainian universities do this for free or for a small fee
- A professional translation agency - with the translator’s stamp and signature on every page
Authorized translations in Finland cost 80-85 euros per page (1,560 characters including spaces). One page of a school certificate usually translates into 1-2 pages. A diploma supplement with grades can take 3-5 pages. Budget 250-500 euros for the full set.
There’s a cheaper option: order a translation online through ChatsControl or another service, then have it certified by an authorized translator. Or get the translation done in Ukraine - from a sworn translator with an apostille, which costs significantly less.
Apostille - Do You Need It?¶
For educational documents from Ukraine - yes, you need an apostille. It confirms the document’s authenticity. An apostille for education documents is obtained through Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science. The procedure takes up to 10 business days, but can take longer in practice, especially for remote applications.
The correct order: get the apostille on the original first, then translate the apostilled document. Not the other way around - the translator needs to see the apostilled version.
Language Certificate¶
For English-taught programs, you need one of:
| Test | Minimum Score (typical) | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0-6.5 | ~245 USD | 2 years |
| TOEFL iBT | 79-92 | ~265 USD | 2 years |
| PTE Academic | 54-62 | ~225 USD | 2 years |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169-176 | ~220 EUR | Lifetime |
Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) - it’s cheaper (~65 USD) and taken online. But not all programs recognize it - check the specific program page on Studyinfo.
A note for Ukrainians: if you studied in an English-taught program (for example, a bachelor’s in English at a Ukrainian university) - some Finnish universities accept this as proof of language proficiency instead of a separate test. But this needs to be confirmed individually.
Tuition Fees: How Much and Who’s Exempt¶
This is the question everyone asks. Short answer: depends on your status.
Tuition for Non-EU Students¶
English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs charge tuition for students from outside the EU/EEA:
| University | Bachelor’s (per year) | Master’s (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | 13,000-18,000 € | 13,000-18,000 € |
| Tampere University | 10,000 € (from 2026) | 12,000 € (from 2026) |
| University of Eastern Finland | 10,000 € | 10,000 € |
| Aalto University | 15,000-17,000 € | 15,000-17,000 € |
| AMK (average) | 8,000-12,000 € | 8,000-12,000 € |
Who Doesn’t Pay¶
Here’s where it gets interesting:
- Finnish-taught and Swedish-taught programs - free for everyone, regardless of citizenship. If you learn Finnish to B2 level and enroll in a Finnish-taught program, you pay nothing
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens - free on any program
- Ukrainians with temporary protection - exempt from tuition fees on humanitarian grounds. This is confirmed by law: students who hold a residence permit based on temporary protection at the start of their studies are not required to pay tuition fees
Temporary protection in Finland has been extended until March 4, 2027. So if you start studies in August 2026, you’re covered. But if temporary protection ends and you switch to a different permit type (such as a student residence permit), check whether the exemption still applies.
Scholarships¶
Most Finnish universities offer scholarships for non-EU students. Usually it’s a tuition fee waiver - partial or full coverage. Some examples:
- University of Helsinki - scholarship program covers 50% or 100% of tuition
- Aalto University - scholarships for academically strong students
- University of Eastern Finland - tuition fee waiver on humanitarian grounds for Ukrainians
- Tampere University - merit-based scholarships
Scholarships are usually applied for automatically when you submit your program application - there’s no separate form. The decision comes with your admission letter.
Free Opportunities for Ukrainians - Even Without Full Admission¶
If you’re not ready for a full degree program yet, there are stepping-stone options that’ll help you earn credits and experience.
Open University (avoin yliopisto)¶
Finnish universities have opened free Open University courses for Ukrainians with temporary protection. These are real university courses that award ECTS credits - and those credits count when you apply for a full degree program later.
Here’s what specific universities offer:
- University of Helsinki - free Open University courses for the 2025-2026 academic year
- LUT University - Open University and non-degree studies with rolling admission to English-taught programs
- University of Eastern Finland - Open University free for Ukrainians
- Arcada UAS - Open University courses free for anyone who fled the war
- Laurea UAS - free courses in business, marketing, and IT in English
Separate Study Rights (erillinen opinto-oikeus)¶
If you had a study place at a Ukrainian university, you can apply for separate study rights on humanitarian grounds. This gives you access to courses at a Finnish university for up to 2 years (maximum 120 ECTS). You don’t get student status or a degree - but you earn credits that count toward a future full admission. The University of Eastern Finland, for example, admitted 20 Ukrainian students through this scheme.
Details for each university are on the Study in Finland page for Ukrainians.
Student Residence Permit¶
If you’re already in Finland on temporary protection, you don’t need a separate student residence permit to study. Temporary protection gives you the right to both work and study. But if you’re applying from abroad or your temporary protection is ending, you’ll need a student residence permit through Migri.
What You Need for a Student RP¶
- Admission letter from a Finnish university
- Proof of financial means - currently a minimum of 800 euros per month, meaning 9,600 euros in your bank account for one year of study. Note: from August 2026, this is expected to increase to 850 euros per month (10,200 euros per year) - Migri has published the proposed changes
- Health insurance - if your studies are less than 2 years, you need private insurance. If more than 2 years, Kela covers you
- Valid passport
- Completed application on Enter Finland
You apply through Enter Finland (Migri’s online portal). Student RP costs 450 euros (online submission). Processing takes 1-3 months - apply well in advance.
Proof of Funds - Where From?¶
A bank statement from the past 3 months showing 9,600 euros. The account must be in your name - shared accounts or guarantee letters from private individuals aren’t accepted. A university scholarship also counts as a source of funding.
Recognizing Your Ukrainian Diploma¶
For master’s program admission, the Finnish university evaluates your diploma itself - separate recognition through Opetushallitus usually isn’t needed. But if you want to work in the public sector or a regulated profession after graduating, you’ll need official recognition.
Quick equivalence guide:
- Bachelor’s (4 years) = alempi korkeakoulututkinto (Finnish bachelor’s)
- Specialist or Master’s = ylempi korkeakoulututkinto (Finnish master’s)
- Candidate of Sciences = tohtorin tutkinto or lisensiaatin tutkinto
More on the recognition procedure in our article about Opetushallitus.
Step-by-Step Timeline: From Decision to First Day¶
Let’s say you want to start studies in August 2026. Here’s a rough plan:
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| September-October 2025 | Pick your program on Studyinfo.fi, check requirements |
| October-November 2025 | Take IELTS/TOEFL, get apostille on documents, order translations |
| December 2025 | Apply for master’s programs (some universities open early) |
| January 7-21, 2026 | Yhteishaku - submit application for English-taught programs |
| February-April 2026 | Entrance exams / SAT / interviews (if required) |
| May 2026 | Results (by May 27) |
| June 2026 | Apply for student RP through Enter Finland (if needed) |
| August 2026 | Start studying |
For the second yhteishaku (Finnish-taught programs in March), the timeline shifts by 2 months.
Practical Tips from Those Who’ve Been Through It¶
A few things official guides rarely mention:
English transcript from your Ukrainian university. Many Ukrainian universities issue a Diploma Supplement in English - it’s part of the Bologna Process. If your university does this, you save on transcript translation costs. Ask your dean’s office or international department.
IELTS vs TOEFL. Both work equally well for Finland. But IELTS Academic is mentioned more often in requirements. If you’re on a budget, look at the Duolingo English Test (~65 USD vs ~245 USD for IELTS), but make sure your program accepts it first.
Apply for scholarships. Even if you’re under temporary protection and don’t pay tuition - some scholarships also cover living expenses. Don’t ignore this.
Open University as a strategy. Earn 30-60 ECTS through free Open University courses, then apply for a full degree program. First, those credits will transfer and shorten your study time. Second, it shows the admissions committee you’re serious and can handle studying in Finnish/English.
Online document submission. All documents are submitted through Studyinfo electronically - scans or photos. But some universities may request originals by mail after enrollment. Keep your originals handy.
FAQ¶
Can I apply to a Finnish university with a Ukrainian school certificate after 11th grade?¶
Yes. A Ukrainian certificate of complete general secondary education qualifies you to apply for bachelor’s programs in Finland. You’ll be placed in Admission Group 2, with selection based on entrance exams or SAT results. The certificate must have an apostille and be translated into English, Finnish, or Swedish.
How much does tuition cost for Ukrainians with temporary protection?¶
If you hold a residence permit based on temporary protection at the start of your studies, tuition fees are waived. This applies to English-taught programs at universities and AMKs. Finnish-taught programs are free for everyone.
Do I need an authorized translation or will any translation work?¶
Finnish universities require an official translation - from an authorized translator, a sworn translator, or the institution that issued the document. Every page of the translation must have the translator’s signature and stamp. Self-translations aren’t accepted.
What’s the deadline for applying to English-taught programs?¶
The first spring yhteishaku 2026 runs from January 7 to 21. Some master’s programs have separate deadlines (December-January). Check the specific dates on the program page in Studyinfo.
Can I work while studying in Finland?¶
Yes. Students with a residence permit can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic term and without limits during breaks. Ukrainians with temporary protection can work without any restrictions.
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