Capital: Helsinki
Currency: Euro
Time zone: UTC +02
Main language of study: Finish, English
Second language of study: Swedish
Structure of education system: pre-school (4 years), school (9-10 years), secondary (3 years), higher (4-6 years)
The most popular cities among entrants are: Helsinki, Turku, Oulu
Higher education in Finland is different from Indian, not only because of high quality, which is evidenced by regular position of Finish universities in the rating of best educational institutions of Europe, but particular flexibility, which requires students from India to have self control and be persistent in studying. The thing is that Indian students in Finland have a right to make their own schedules for completing an education program, which often leads to the fact that those who got used to constant control from teachers or parents don’t want to study hard.
Besides, education in Finland is free for Indians. Knowledge is examined quite thoroughly. So, when getting the documents ready to a foreign university think well how will the freedom of choice affect your grades.
These days the most popular fields of study in Finland for Indians are forest management, information technologies, natural and social sciences, architecture and design, philology and economics. Moreover, studying in some specializations is possible not only in Finnish, but also in English.
Cost of education and admission requirements
Despite the fact that there is no exact payment for education for Indians, some universities may charge particular fees for additional services. For example, use of library, swimming pool, membership in a Students Union. Besides, study materials and some specializations, especially MBA may be paid.
In general an Indian student needs about 700 Euros per month to cover all expenses (including accommodation and food). That’s why one of the requirements for getting a residence permit in Finland for the period of studying is to have proof of funds from entrant’s parents or an entrant. The minimum limit of financial support in this case will depend on a university, to be more precise, a list of its paid and free services, such as food, dormitory etc.
Education in Finland – advantages
- No strict time frame for completing an education program.
Friendly attitude from professors and support during the process of studying. - Loyal attitude to make-up examination and less mandatory disciplines with final tests comparing to Indian universities.
- Attending lectures beyond the main education program is free.
- Some universities offer free Finnish language courses.
- Opportunity to stay legally another six months after graduation in order to find a job.
- Most education programs are in English, which makes it easier to continue studying in any other European country.
- It is allowed to work part time during studies, including work at university as a member of one of the scientific projects.