Internships in Finland: How to Find and Land One
Finland has a well-developed internship culture, particularly in technology, engineering, and business sectors. Many Finnish companies actively recruit university students for paid internships, and some of the best internship opportunities in Europe are available here.
When to Start Looking
The Finnish internship season runs mainly from May to August. Applications are typically open from January to March. For tech companies like Nokia, KONE, Wärtsilä, and startups in the Helsinki metro area, apply by February at the latest. For academic internships (research assistants), enquire with your department in October–November.
Where to Find Internships
Your university's career portal is the best starting point — many companies post exclusively there. Other platforms: Duunitori.fi, LinkedIn, Glassdoor Finland, and company career pages directly. Many tech startups in Espoo's 'Silicon Valley' publish openings only on their websites.
Are Internships Paid?
Most Finnish internships are paid, typically at €1,500–€2,500/month depending on the sector and company size. Tech companies tend to pay more (€2,000–€3,000 for software engineering roles). Some academic placements are unpaid or offer only a small stipend.
Academic Internships and Thesis Partnerships
Many Finnish companies offer to host master's thesis projects. This arrangement typically involves the company paying a monthly stipend of €1,500–€2,000 while the student completes their thesis on a company problem. It is an excellent way to combine academic requirements with professional experience.
International Student-Specific Opportunities
Some Finnish companies specifically target international students to diversify their teams. Business Finland (the national innovation agency) and VTT Technical Research Centre both offer paid internships for international students. The CERN Student Programme and EU institutions also recruit from Finnish universities.
