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How to apply to Finnish universities in 2026

Fact-checked · Last updated ~9 min read

This is a complete, step-by-step guide to applying to a Finnish university for the 2026 intake — the timeline, the documents, the €100 application fee, tuition and scholarships, and the residence permit. Every figure below is checked against the official Finnish sources: Studyinfo.fi (the national application portal, run by the Finnish National Agency for Education) and Migri (the Finnish Immigration Service).

Key facts at a glance

Application portal
Studyinfo.fi (national joint application)
Main application period
Early January 2026 (autumn intake)
Application fee (non-EU/EEA)
€100, one-time
Tuition (non-EU/EEA)
≈ €8,000–€18,000 / year
Scholarships / waivers
25%–100% of tuition at most universities
Proof of funds (residence permit)
€800 / month (≈ €9,600 / year)
Residence permit authority
Migri — Enter Finland service

The 2026 application process, step by step

  1. 1

    Choose your programmes (August–December 2025)

    Finland offers around 400 English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees. Shortlist programmes by field, city and tuition, and note the specific entry requirements for each — Finnish universities publish exact grade, English-test and document requirements per programme, and they differ.

  2. 2

    Sit your English test (by November 2025)

    Most programmes require IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score. Book early so your certified result arrives before the application deadline. Some universities waive the test if you previously studied in English.

  3. 3

    Prepare your documents

    You will typically need your degree certificate and transcripts (officially translated), a copy of your passport, your English-test score, and a CV or motivation letter for some master's programmes. Check whether your documents must be legalised or apostilled for Finland.

  4. 4

    Apply via Studyinfo.fi (early January 2026)

    Finland uses one national joint-application portal, Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku). The main joint application period for autumn 2026 runs in early January 2026 (roughly the first three weeks). You can apply to up to six programmes with a single application.

  5. 5

    Pay the €100 application fee

    Non-EU/EEA applicants pay a one-time €100 application fee (introduced in January 2025), regardless of how many programmes you include. EU/EEA citizens are exempt.

  6. 6

    Sit entrance exams / interviews (spring 2026)

    Depending on the programme, selection may be based on your documents, an entrance examination, or an interview. Many technology and business master's use document-based selection; some bachelor's programmes run online entrance exams.

  7. 7

    Receive your results and accept (April–July 2026)

    Admission and scholarship decisions are usually published between April and June 2026. You must formally accept your study place by the stated deadline (typically in July) to keep it.

  8. 8

    Apply for your residence permit (as soon as you're accepted)

    Non-EU/EEA students apply to Migri (the Finnish Immigration Service) for a student residence permit via the Enter Finland service. You must prove at least €800 per month (about €9,600 for the year) in available funds. Processing typically takes 1–3 months, so apply immediately after accepting.

  9. 9

    Arrange housing and arrive (August 2026)

    Apply to your city's student housing foundation (HOAS, TOAS, TYS, PSOAS) the moment you accept your place. Studies for the autumn intake usually begin in late August or early September 2026.

Get this guide as a checklist + deadline reminders

We'll email you the full 2026 application checklist and remind you before the January joint-application deadline closes.

Sources & further reading

We keep this guide aligned with the official authorities. Always verify the exact dates and requirements for your specific programme, as they can change year to year.

Related on StudyFinland: IELTS requirements, scholarships database, and our study-city guides.

Frequently asked questions

When do applications for Finnish universities open for 2026?
For the autumn 2026 intake, the main national joint application period runs in early January 2026 (roughly the first three weeks of the month) through Studyinfo.fi. A smaller number of programmes also have a separate autumn application period and rolling deadlines, so always check your specific programme.
How much does it cost to apply to study in Finland?
Non-EU/EEA applicants pay a one-time €100 application fee (introduced in January 2025), no matter how many programmes they include in the joint application. EU/EEA citizens do not pay this fee. Tuition for degree programmes is separate and ranges from about €8,000 to €18,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students.
How much money do I need to show for a Finnish student residence permit?
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) requires non-EU/EEA students to demonstrate at least €800 per month — about €9,600 for a year — in available funds when applying for a student residence permit through the Enter Finland service.
Do I need to speak Finnish to study in Finland?
No. Around 400 degree programmes are taught entirely in English, so you can complete your studies without Finnish. You will, however, prove your English with IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent test, and learning some Finnish helps with daily life and job prospects.
Can I get a scholarship to cover tuition?
Yes. Most Finnish universities offer merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers covering 25%–100% of fees for talented non-EU/EEA students, usually assessed automatically from your admission application. See our scholarships database for details.