The Finnish higher education system comprises 16 universities and 27 universities of applied sciences (formerly polytechnics in English). All universities engage in education and research. Universities of applied sciences are multi-field institutions of professional higher education. The aim of studies is to provide the necessary knowledge and skills needed in expert functions in the world of work and to meet workplace requirements and development needs.
General eligibility for higher education is given by the Matriculation examination and the upper secondary vocational qualification. These qualifications require at least 12 years of schooling. Equivalent foreign qualifications also give general eligibility for higher education.
Universities of applied sciences award Bachelor-level/first-cycle degrees, the extent of which is 210 to 240 credits (3.5 to 4.5 years of full-time study) depending on the study field and also Master-level/second-cycle degrees, the extent of which is 60 to 90 credits. In all fields of study the curriculum comprises basic and professional studies, optional studies, a practical training period and a thesis.
University higher education is funded by the State through the Ministry of Education and Culture, so that students enrolled in regular degree programmes pay no tuition fees, but do have to pay for their books and other materials, plus their accommodation and living expenses.
Date Updated: 01-FEB-2012
Date Updated: 31-AUG-2011
Cooperation with European Universities
Finnish institutions of higher education have long traditions of cooperation with European universities, especially in research. In recent years, Finnish universities have also been active in developing educational cooperation with other European universities. They have concluded hundreds of bilateral agreements to promote student and staff exchanges, as well as mutual research projects.
There are extensive and efficient language teaching programmes at all levels of the Finnish educational system. These programmes prepare Finnish students for international experience through student exchanges. On the other hand, Finnish students, who have become fluent in many European languages, are able to welcome foreign students.
Finnish institutions have paid great attention to developing their readiness to receive students from abroad. All universities offer special programmes where instruction is given entirely in English. Some ordinary degree programmes can also be studied entirely or partly in English. Postgraduate studies can be pursued in English in all fields of study.
