Finland Application Timeline 2026: Month-by-Month
Applying to a Finnish university is a marathon, not a sprint. This month-by-month calendar maps the entire journey for the autumn 2026 intake, from shortlisting programmes to arrival day. All key dates are checked against Studyinfo.fi, Finland's national application portal.
August–October 2025: Research and shortlist
Explore the roughly 400 English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes and note the specific entry requirements for each. Requirements — grades, English-test scores, and required documents — differ by programme, so build a spreadsheet early.
October–November 2025: Sit your English test
Book IELTS Academic (usually 6.0–6.5 needed) or TOEFL iBT well before the deadline so your certified result is available when you apply. If you previously studied in English, check whether your programme grants a waiver.
December 2025: Prepare documents
Gather your degree certificate, transcripts (officially translated), passport copy, English-test result, and any motivation letter or CV required. Confirm whether your documents must be legalised or apostilled.
Early January 2026: Apply via Studyinfo.fi
The main joint application period for autumn 2026 runs in early January (roughly the first three weeks). One application lets you apply to up to six programmes. Non-EU/EEA applicants pay a one-time €100 application fee.
March–May 2026: Entrance exams and interviews
Depending on the programme, selection is based on your documents, an entrance examination, or an interview. Prepare for any programme-specific tests during this window.
April–June 2026: Results and acceptance
Admission and scholarship decisions are published between April and June. Accept your place by the stated deadline (usually in July) to keep it.
June–August 2026: Residence permit and housing
As soon as you accept, apply to Migri for your student residence permit (proving at least €800/month in funds) and apply for student housing (HOAS, TOAS, TYS or PSOAS). Studies typically begin in late August or early September.
