Finland is a country that is situated in the Northern Europe and is globally recognized for its world class education system, high living standards and a stable economy. It is also named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years, Finland offers a safe, clean and innovative environment for international students. Higher education in Finland is generally divided into two categories, Academic Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), both of which places heavy emphasis on research, technology, practical learning and a global career opportunity.

Study in Finland

Why Finland is one of the best destinations for Nepalese students

• World Class Education: Finnish universities are consistently ranked among the top globally that prioritize practical problem solving, research and self-directed learning.
• Working Rights: International students in Finland can work up to 30 hours per week during their semester classes and unlimited hours during their official academic breaks.
• Post-Study Work Permit: The graduates are eligible for a 2-year post-study residence permit to seek employment or launch a startup upon the completion of their degree.
• Tuition Free PhD Programs: The doctorate studies in Finland are completely tuition free for all the international students regardless of their nationality.
• High Standard of Living: Finland provides a safe social environment, immaculate nature and a top tier public infrastructure.

Popular Courses for Nepalese Students

• Information Technology and Computer Science: Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Science and Game Development.
• Engineering and Renewable Technology: Environmental Engineering, Renewable Engineering, Industrial Management, Logistics, Mechanical Engineering and Automation Engineering.
• Business Management: International Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Global Supply Chain, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• Healthcare and Social Services: Nursing and Healthcare Management, Global Public Health and Biomedical Sciences.

Popular and Affordable Universities for Nepalese Students

• Centria University of Applied Sciences: Highly popular amongst the international students, due to the early bird tuition fee discounts and affordable living costs in the central part of Finland.
• Kajaani University of Applied Sciences: It offers specialized programs in the IT, business and game design with emphasis on performance-based scholarship programs.
• Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences: High student satisfaction rates and generous tuition fee discounts for students who are earning 55 ECTS credits per year.
• Satakunta University of Applied Sciences: It specializes in logistics, automation engineering and nursing with early payment fee reductions.
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: One of Finland’s largest UAS and is located in the capital region with direct links to the corporate hiring partners.

Top 5 popular cities in Finland for Nepalese students

1. Helsinki: The capital region (including Espoo and Vantaa) is home to leading research universities, tech hubs, and corporate headquarters.
2. Turku: Finland’s oldest city and a key academic hub and hub of biotech/maritime industries, boasting a large student population.
3. Tampere: It is a lively student city, where technology, culture and organized student housing networks (TOAS) are celebrated.
4. Oulu: The main technology hub in the North, renowned for its innovativeness in ICT and relatively cheap regional cost of living.
5. Lappeenranta s Lahti: Excellent places to study green energy, environmental engineering and circular economy.

Types of Courses

• UASBachelor’sdegree(3.5to4Years):Professional degree that combines theoretical knowledge with mandatory practical training or internships.
• Academic University Bachelor’s Degree (3 Years): It is a research based academic degree that prepares the students for advanced master’s studies.
• UASMaster’sDegree(1to1.5Years):A practical based master’s program that requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of post-graduation work experience.
• Academic University Master’s Degree (2 Years): High level scientific degree that involves specialized coursework and research thesis.
• Doctorate or PhD (4 Years): An advanced research-based degree which is tuition free for all international students.

Academic Requirements

Level of Course	Academic Requirement (NEB)	English Language Requirement
UAS bachelor’s degree	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA 2.8+	IELTS: 6.0 overall, PTE: 54+
Academic University Bachelor’s	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA of 3.0+	IELTS: 6.5 overall, PTE: 58- 65
Master’s Degree (UAS and Academic)	3 or 4-year bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.8+	IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 bands), PTE: 58-65
Doctorate or PhD	Relevant master’s degree or with a strong GPA of 3.2+	IELTS: 6.5-7.0, PTE: 65+

Finland University Application Process

1. Course and University Selection: Search and select desirable programs up to 6 via the Finland’s official central application portal at (Studyinfo.fi).
2. Prepare Documents: Compile all the academic transcripts, passport copies, English proficiency scores, CV and motivation letter.
3. Submit Application: Complete the application form during the national joint application period (typically January for Autumn intake).
4. Sit for Entrance Exams: Complete the mandatory entrance examination (FINNIPS) or submit the official SAT scores if required.
5. Accept offer: After receiving the offer letter, confirm your study place on Studyinfo.fi and pay the first-year tuition fee to secure your acceptance certificate.

Types of Scholarships

• Early-BirdDiscounts:10% to 50% discount for accepting the offer and paying the tuition fee within the specified time frame (typically 14-30 days).
• Academic Merit Scholarships: These are the scholarships provided by the university, which vary from 25% to 100% of the tuition fees, from the second year of studies onwards, subject to the successful completion of at least 55 ECTS per year.
• The Finland Scholarship (Master’s Level): A 100% scholarship for the first year of master’s studies and a €5,000 relocation allowance for students who attain high grades at master’s studies.

Cost Breakdown from Nepal to Study in Finland

1. Pre-Departure and Administrative Expenses

Items	Cost in Euros	Cost in NPR
First Residence Permit Online Fee (Migri)	€600	NPR 105,000
VFS Global Biometrics Fee (Kathmandu)	€35-€70	NPR 6,000-12,000
Mandatory Health Insurance	€300-600 per year	NPR 52,000-105,000
English Language Tests (IELTS/PTE Academic)	€200-€220	NPR 28,000-34,000
Medical Examination/Biometrics	Nil	NPR 5,000-10,000
No Objection Certificate	Nil	NPR 2,000
Flight Ticket	Varies	NPR 86,000-130,000

Note: The value of euros keeps changing due to the supply and demand

2. Living Costs and Official Migri Maintenance Requirement

• MonthlyLiving:€800 per month (NPR 139,291 approx.)
• Annual Personal Bank Account: €9,600 per year (NPR 167,000 approx.)

Finland Student Residence Permit Application Process and Document Checklist

Finland Student Residence Permit Application Process

1. Create Enter Finland Account: Register on the official Enter Finland online portal and choose first residence permit for studies.
2. Fill Details and Attach Documents: Complete the online application and upload all the necessary documents such as acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance and tuition receipt.
3. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the €600 online application fee online.
4. Book for Biometrics: Schedule an appointment at the authorized VFS Global Center in Kathmandu or at the designated Finnish Embassy to verify your identity and submit the biometrics.
5. Wait for approval: Once approved by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), your official Residence Permit card will be issued.

Documents Checklist

1. Valid Original Passport (must have at least 12 months validity after program starts).
2. Official acceptance letter from a Finnish Higher Education Institution.
3. Official Scholarship Award letter or Tuition Fee Payment Receipt.
4. Personal Bank Statement (6 months) in the student’s name of at least €9,600 + unpaid tuition.
5. Compliant Private Health Insurance Policy Certificate (covering between €40,000 and €120,000).
6. Academic documents (legalized +2 Transcript, Character Certificate, bachelor’s degree/Marksheets).
7. English Language Certificate (IELTS/PTE).
8. No Objection Certificate (NOC).
9. Enter Finland Application Fee Payment Confirmation Receipt.