Finland Government Scholarship Programs Explained
Finland offers several government-backed scholarship programs for international students and researchers. Unlike many countries, Finnish government scholarships are administered by multiple bodies — understanding which one applies to your situation is the first step.
CIMO / EDUFI Fellowships
The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) administers fellowship programs for doctoral-level and postdoctoral researchers. These cover a monthly stipend of €1,500 for 3–12 months and are intended for researchers from specific partner countries.
Finnish Government Scholarships for Bilateral Partners
Finland maintains bilateral scholarship agreements with around 30 countries. Through these agreements, students from partner countries can apply for a Finnish government scholarship covering tuition and a monthly allowance. Check EDUFI's website for the current list of eligible countries.
HEI (Higher Education Institution) Scholarships
Finnish universities themselves are the primary source of scholarships for international master's students. Most universities offer merit-based tuition waivers and some offer additional living allowances. These vary significantly by university and programme.
Erasmus+ Incoming Mobility
If you are an exchange student from a European university with an Erasmus+ agreement with a Finnish institution, you receive an Erasmus+ grant from your home institution. This typically covers €300–500/month depending on the partner country category.
Finding the Right Scholarship
The best starting point is the scholarship database at studyinfinland.fi, maintained by EDUFI. Filter by your nationality, degree level, and field of study. Many scholarships require you to first apply and gain admission to a programme before applying for funding.
