Finland - Higher Education
university students universities degree
There are two types of higher education institutions in Finland: universities and polytechnics (AMK institutions or ammattkorkeakoulut). There were 29 polytechnics as of fall 2000. There are 20 universities in Finland.
Polytechnics: Polytechnics provide instruction for expert functioning in the following areas: national resources, technology and communication, business and administration, tourism, catering and institutional management, health care, and social services among others. Lecturers are required to have a master's degree and principle lecturers need an academic postgraduate degree. Local and national governments fund the polytechnics (43 percent and 57 percent, respectively).
There are 3,118 full-time teachers and 1,261 part-time teachers in the polytechnics. Tourism, catering and institutional management, culture, natural resources, humanities, education in technology and communications, business and administration, health care, and social services follow the three largest enrollments. All degree programs have 20 credits (half of an academic year) in onthe-job training.
Universities: Universities offer bachelor's, master's, licentiate, and doctorates. Students generally complete a bachelor's degree in three years and a master's degree in five years. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, each university conducts a three-year assessment to target outcomes for its overall operating principles.
The purpose of universities is to promote independent research and scientific and artistic education, to provide instruction of the highest level based on research, and to raise the young to serve the fatherland and humankind. Universities shall arrange their operations in order for research, education and instruction to achieve high international standards, by observing ethical principles and good scientific practices. (University Act 645 1997)
Here is a list of universities in Finland: Abo Akademi University, HSme Polytechnic, Helsinki Business Polytechnic, Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology, Lahti Polytechnic, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Oulu Institute of Technology, Satakunta Polytechnic, Sibelius Academy, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration (Finland), Tampere Institute of Technology, Tampere University of Technology, University of Art and Design Helsinki, University of Helsinki, University of Joensuu, University of JyvSskylS, University of Kuopio, University of Oulu, University of Tampere, University of Turku, and University of Vaasa.
The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest university in the country. By a strange quirk of history, the University of Helsinki began as the "Academy of Turku." Turku was the former capital of Finland but when Finland was annexed to the Russian Empire in 1809, Helsinki became the capital, and in 1827, the university was transferred to Helsinki and then named Imperial Alexander University. There are about 33,000 students at the University of Helsinki. There are 3,063 teachers and researchers and 2,204 docents.
All universities in Finland are public. Ten of the universities are multidisciplinary, four are arts academies, three are schools of economics and business, and three are universities of technology. There is also a military academy, the National Defense College, that offers a degree in the military field.
Admission Procedures: Each university sets admission criteria and student selection procedures. University admission is highly competitive and annual intake quotas limit enrollment. Students must have completed and passed their matriculation examination. Additionally, various entrance examinations are included in the selection process.
The number of openings in all universities is limited to about one-third of the students of university age. The number of applications each year is around 66,000 and about 23,000 students are admitted.
Administration: University administration is independently organized under the University Act and Statute, 1997, 1998. Universities enjoy legal autonomy and can decide their own research and teaching policies. The highest official at the university is the chancellor. Decision-making is under the guidance of the senate made up of the rector, the first vice rector, one professor from each faculty, three other teachers and researchers, and seven students, one of whom must be a postgraduate. The dean and faculty councils are in charge of the faculties. The faculty elects both the dean and the vice-dean.
Enrollment: The number of undergraduates is about 128,000. Additionally there are approximately 19,000 post-baccalaureate students. In 1998, the universities graduated 16,500 students.
Teaching Styles & Techniques: There has been a move in recent years to shift instruction towards a more student-oriented direction by developing interactive, discussion friendly learning environments. There are large lecture classes and smaller discussion classes and seminars. University teaching aims at developing a critical mind, gaining and contributing to knowledge within a bilingual and multicultural perspective.
Finance (Tuition Costs): All education in Finland is tax supported. Students pay no tuition and receive free teaching material. Universities receive 1,131,000 Euros annually from the national government.
Courses, Semesters, & Diplomas: One hundred twenty credits are required for a bachelor's degree, while 160-180 credits are required for a master's degree. It takes an additional 6.5 years to complete a master's degree, with 4 additional years required for a doctorate. The academic year consists of two terms: the fall term running from August 1 to December 31 and the spring term running from January 1 to July 31. Christmas vacation lasts 20 days, 10 before and 10 after Christmas.
Degrees are awarded in natural sciences, humanities, industrial arts, sports sciences, theology, social sciences, business administration, psychology education, agriculture and forestry, health care, musicology, theatre, and dance. A bachelor's thesis is required. No lower degrees in medicine, engineering, or defense are offered. There is both a lower and upper degree in law.
Professional Education: Professional education is offered in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. The universities of Helsinki, Kuopio, Oulu, Tampere, and Turku have medical faculties. Basic medical education takes at least six years and leads to the degree of licentiate in medicine. In these fields, one first earns a practice degree or licentiate (between 200 and 250 credits) and then may continue to a doctorate that involves more course-work and the writing of a dissertation. Eighteen percent of physicians in Finland have taken the degree of doctor of medicine.
Postgraduate Training: After completing a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a master's degree, then a licentiate, and then a doctorate. All of the 10 multidisciplinary universities offer advanced degrees. In 1997, a total of 1,790 advanced research degree were awarded: 860 licentiates and 930 doctorates. About 40 percent of doctorates in Finland are awarded to women, while over half of all degrees go to women.
Foreign Students: There are about 8,000 international students studying at universities in Finland. The Finnish government does not assist foreign students. Admission to university by foreign students is the same as that for Finnish students with the individual universities establishing the selection criteria for admission. National health services are available to foreign students who also receive special concession for travel by air, road, and rail.
Students Abroad: Finnish students who study abroad are given a stipend to support themselves. The tuition of the host institution is paid for by the national government. Students (usually postgraduate students) submit applications to study abroad. Trying to receive these grants is highly competitive, and successful applications depend both on national priorities and student abilities.
Role of Libraries: The role of both university and individual faculty libraries is at the heart of education. University libraries in Finland work towards integrated and electronically-assessable collections. While printed material remains central to libraries, the integration of print and electronic materials is essential to keeping current in the various disciplines. This process will require increased cooperation within a single university as well as between universities.
User Comments
12 months ago
jesse
hi!
i am an HND civil engineering graduate from Ghana. i will like to apply for a masters degree in civil engineering with my HND certificate in your school. Is that possible? if it is then please give me the procedure and the fees and anything else i will need.
i hope my humble request will meet favorable considerations.
Thank you!
over 1 year ago
hi!
i am an HND civil engineering graduate from Ghana. i will like to apply for a masters degree in civil engineering with my HND certificate in your school. Is that possible? if it is then please give me the procedure and the fees and anything else i will need.
i hope my humble request will meet favorable considerations.
Thank you!
over 1 year ago
belle
hi,
i am a senior high school leaver in Ghana. i wish to offer medicine in a free tuition university in finland. how do i go about it and what are the requirements involved?
i will really appreciate it if the response is delivered into my email address
thanks
10 months ago
Ahmed
i hold hnd in statistics.How can i apply for a masters in finland universities.
6 months ago
Good day Sir/Ma,
My name is George Okeke, a graduate of Agric Economics and Extension in Anambra State University,worked with the Mnistry of Agriculture in Lagos State for 6months. i wish to further my education in Finland,a country which has much hospitality and a friendly country. If a detail is giving in time to school in Finland,i will did be glad to create a chance to grow tropical crops in a temperate region.
Thanks in anticipation
almost 4 years ago
Dear sir/madam,
Am in my final year semester pursing HND in electrical/electronics engineering in Accra Polytechnic of Ghana.I would want to further my course in Finland university. Is it possible for me to get free accomodation with short working hours that can enable me pay my fees.?Please am longing to school
in Finland.If yes pls send me information .By the way, i have second class upper.
10 months ago
Ermen
I hold an HND in Mechanical engineering from Uk and I'd like to enroll to a postgraduate course,pls tell if it is possible
about 4 years ago
dear sir
i'm in my firs year in lisence communication in cameroon i wish to school in finland in the second year communication and need informations that can help me to study in finland
6 months ago
Good day Sir/Ma,
My name is George Okeke, a graduate of Agric Economics and Extension in Anambra State University,worked with the Mnistry of Agriculture in Lagos State for 6months. i wish to further my education in Finland,a country which has much hospitality and a friendly country. If a detail is giving in time to school in Finland,i will did be glad to create a chance to grow tropical crops in a temperate region.
Thanks in anticipation
over 3 years ago
i am a graduate from Nigeria and wishes to have another degree in your school.pls i want to know when the admission is starting
over 4 years ago
hi sir/medum
i am the student of bachlor and its my last semester of bachlor program.i want to take the admission in university of finland for the MBA please give me some information about university of finland
5 days ago
I m 37 years old college graduate...and i m working in computer graphics field i want to do diploma in computer graphics from finland ....kindly guide me..
thankx
16 days ago
Sir i am currently doing HND(accounting), I want to take admission in MBA, What is the procedure to take admission? Are we eligible to take admission in MBA?
26 days ago
poku daniel adusei is my name from ghana but stay in italy i have completed my senior high school and i wish to further my education there if possible thank you
about 1 month ago
wishing to futher my education in finland.had my advance level in 2007 so i am looking for a schoolarship in finland to furher my education in business administration
about 1 month ago
wishing to futher my education in finland.had my advance level in 2007 so i am looking for a schoolarship in finland to furher my education in business administration
about 1 month ago
had my advance level in 2007 and wish to further my studies in finland so i an looking for a scholarship to further my education in business administration for a degree program
about 1 month ago
love
about 1 month ago
I have done my BS in Physiotherapy, from Karachi Pakistan.(4 years Bachelors degree course after 12 years of Schooling ) ie. Total 16 years of Education.
I would like to join some Hospital affiliated University or School to further Continue my education, and serve the Patients for a hand on Experience,and earn some reasonable and respectable amount.
about 1 month ago
I own a degree in industrial design with major in glass tech., from a nigeria university.pls hw do i secure admission into a free tuition university in finland to study master in material science.
thanks of the respons
2 months ago
Kwaku Boakye
Hi
I have a degree in civil engineering and would like to pursue a course in MBA-finance option
3 months ago
i am a registered medical practioner from nepal. i have obtained a qualification approval letter from valvira(The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) in finland. now i am supposed to do 6 months internship program in a hospital in finland. can anyone tell me how can i apply a hospital in finland?
6 months ago
Acklace D.S. Mlau
Hi AM TANZANIAN MAN HOLDING A DIPLOMA IN CLINICAL MEDICINE BUT I WANT TO BE ENROLLED INTO BACHELOR OF MEDICINE IN HELSINKI UNIVERSITY IN FREE FEE,HELP ME IN THAT AREA SO AS I CAN JOIN AND GET STUDIES TO HELP AFRICAN IN TERMS OF HEALTH SECTOR
6 months ago
seeking for admission in university of vaasa finland
6 months ago
Hi!!! Hhis is usman ahmed butt. I did my intermediate from pakistan and now i want to study in Finland in nursing diploma or in degree program aswell.. How can i apply?? Guide me so i'll be able to take admission in Finland Regards!!! Usman Ahmed Butt Looking forward your reply....
6 months ago
Good day Sir/Ma,
My name is George Okeke, a graduate of Agric Economics and Extension in Anambra State University,worked with the Mnistry of Agriculture in Lagos State for 6months. i wish to further my education in Finland,a country which has much hospitality and a friendly country. If a detail is giving in time to school in Finland,i will did be glad to create a chance to grow tropical crops in a temperate region.
Thanks in anticipation
6 months ago
Good day Sir/Ma,
My name is George Okeke, a graduate of Agric Economics and Extension in Anambra State University,worked with the Mnistry of Agriculture in Lagos State for 6months. i wish to further my education in Finland,a country which has much hospitality and a friendly country. If a detail is giving in time to school in Finland,i will did be glad to create a chance to grow tropical crops in a temperate region.
Thanks in anticipation
6 months ago
Good day Sir/Ma,
My name is George Okeke, a graduate of Agric Economics and Extension in Anambra State University,worked with the Mnistry of Agriculture in Lagos State for 6months. i wish to further my education in Finland,a country which has much hospitality and a friendly country. If a detail is giving in time to school in Finland,i will did be glad to create a chance to grow tropical crops in a temperate region.
Thanks in anticipation
7 months ago
Hi,I studied industrial and labour relations in a Nigerian University and i would like to study HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT in finland.pls i want to know the procedures and mode of applying..Thanks in anticipation of your response.
8 months ago
i am a holder of HND in accounting from a reputable institution in ghana. i want to study a bachelor degree in account in finland and precisely in your reputable institution
8 months ago
i am a holder of HND in accounting from a reputable institution in ghana. i want to study a bachelor degree in account in finland and precisely in your reputable institution
8 months ago
hi,am a Ghanaian senior high school leaver who wants to study MBBS infinland.can you help me with informations on the tuition and appliacation fee fee and deadline for application for international students for 2011
8 months ago
hi,am a senior high school graduate from Ghana who wants to study MBBS.I want to know if my wassce will be accepted for admission and need information about the tuition fee and deadline for application
9 months ago
respected sir/mam,
i am a high school graduate from Nepal. i want to study MBBS(BACHELOR IN MEDICINE AND BACHELOR IN SURGERY) in Finland. so , i am seeking for scholarships to study there. could you possibly suggest me the criteria for scholarships and other admissions procedures?
looking forward for your kind response,
yours sincerely,
adita bhattarai
9 months ago
pius
I hold BSc. Chemistry degree in Ghana and I will like to pursue a master degree in any of the tuition free universities in Finland. Is that possible for me?
9 months ago
Study bachelor degree in MBBS Program
I am Bangladeshi by birth. My birth date is 15 June 1978. I passed my BSc (Hons.) & MS in Biochemistry in the department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the university of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Now I would like to study in Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery with work permit. Am I eligible for that? If I would be eligible then what will be cost, when the session will start, how could I manage that, could I earn enough money to continue my study?
If get chance to study in MBBS Bachelor program then how many hour I would be permitted to do part time work & what is the (MBBS Bachelor degree foreign students) wages per hour in this country?
10 months ago
A. K. M. Sajedul Islam
I am Bangladeshi by birth, born on 15/06/1978, completed BSc (Honours) & MS in the subject of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of the University of Dhaka. Now I would like to study in Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Am eligible for that? If I m eligible for than how I will manage that? Could I study MBBS full time or part time? Could I get any chance to get allowed to work part timely? When the session will start? Could I manage my MBBS study through my part time income after investing of all cost for first year?
11 months ago
Aniebiet O. Jr
I am managing a professional accounting practice and desire to undertake an on-line MBA study in a good University in Finland. What are the requirements?
11 months ago
Aniebiet O. Jr
I am managing a professional accounting practice and desire to undertake an on-line MBA study in a good University in Finland. What are the requirements?
12 months ago
I am a student of microbiology in Nigeria's premier university.i have a passion to study in Finland on any medical related course.please how do i go about it?
12 months ago
I am a Civil Engineering Graduate working as an Irrigation Engineer for the Malawi government. I would like to study a masters degree in water resources Engineering or a masters degree in water management. Please furnish me with information and universities where i can apply.
about 1 year ago
Abdul Salam Siddiqui
I am graduate in economics from university of karachi now i want to extend my education in the same subject. Kindly advise me regarding the approaches og their admission.
about 1 year ago
rigan
i have only 5 in ielts.i have any change to admission in finland....????
about 1 year ago
wossen kifle
dear sir/madam
as i wrote you previously, i am an orphanage , i have nothing to
let you have to afford the college fees, even not a relatives to ask
for partial payment .i mentioned every thing what i want and i was
kindly requested for cost to, which was full funded scholar ships,i
am so scared for your silence for 2010/11, i am appreciation of you
remembrance for developing countries like Ethiopia.please, i read
what you wrote to my e-mail , but i am still eager to win the
scholarships award.remember me .make my dreams come true for my M.A
OR M.SC.God bless you,Amen!!
with kind regards
wossen
alternative e-mails
kifle.wossen398@gmail.com
wossen2010@hotmail.com
about 1 year ago
wossen
dear, sir/madam
i am wossen kifle,from Ethiopia,looking for a scholarships of postgraduate in management in 2010/11.i have got a BE.D in history in 2101.i can't afford to pay college fees and am an orphan.if you grant me a fully funded scholarships please,attached me the application form and i will soon send you all the required documents.
with kind regards
wossen
about 1 year ago
I want information on free MIS training
about 1 year ago
wossen kifle
dear sir/madam
i am from Ethiopia, looking for a scholarships of M.A OR M.SC in law or management or international curriculum design in 2011/11.i have got a B.ED in history in 2010.please send me how to apply to one of the universities of Finland, and i will send all the necessary documents soon.please, remember me.
with kind regards
wossen
about 1 year ago
hi i m from nepal and reading bachleor of engineering in electronics can i read master in mechanical engineering in finland
about 1 year ago
kacmeni gaelle
I am a second year student of banking and finane at ESG-ISTA DOUALA CAMEROON with the full convinction of obtaining my HND this year, i would like to have an application form, from your univercity which will enable me to apply for a bachelor degree programe in banking and finance while awaiting my end of course results.
hope to hear from you.
thanks
about 1 year ago
I am a graduate of Human Resources Management from Tanzania.I would like to study in Finland For Masters in Public Administration or Msc in Human Resources Management this year.Please help me.
over 1 year ago
kingsley
i am a graduate of civil engineering from a nigerian polytechnic with HND certificate.
i want to apply for masters degree in civil engineering. is it possible? pls i would like to know the requirements if possible. thanks
over 1 year ago
yambasnet
i like to have a training of duration of 6 months to 1 yrs on climate change topic. so how can i get the chance for that in finland . pls suggest.
about 2 years ago
Uthman
Hi sir/ma,I am a secondary school leaver here in Nigeria and i wish to further my education there in Finland..Please how can i go about it.
about 2 years ago
s thiruselvam
sir let me know about higher degree course in medicine in finland as my daughter is doing her MBBS in india.
over 2 years ago
oladayo
pls ihave completed my Bsc{Textile Technology,now iwant to go for my MBA in Finnish university,pls advice me on what to do to get admission quick.
almost 3 years ago
I'm a polytechnic student and a Ghanaian,How and which level are polytechnic students admitted into the Finland universities. Thanks
almost 3 years ago
am a nigerian wit a passion to study in finland.it has alwayz bin my dream.plz i ll like you to plz update me on what i need to do in other to get admitted witout stress.thank you.
about 3 years ago
i have completed my MBA(Finance), now i am interested in MS , so please give me advise how i can apply Finish Universities and which universities are performing in this field.
about 3 years ago
i am a bsc. holder in industrial realtions and personnel management from the university of lagos nigeria i'd like to study for my masters in finland this year what do i do to make it a reality?
about 3 years ago
i am student at cape coast polytechnic and want to study with you. i am a ghanaian.
over 3 years ago
hei. im drilon im live in finland and i want study in finland but im her with visawork who can help something let tell me in my msn thank you!
over 3 years ago
Hello sir/madam Iam Indian pursuing final semister in my graduation and want to do masters in finland and need ur assistance 4 getting into this program and also give me the entrance exam to be taken and the scores required by universities.
over 3 years ago
I am a cameroonian and I am very much impressed on the freeness of studies in Finland.
Due to the fact that I am not of a high standard living family I will like to complete my bachelor of law in Finland.
over 3 years ago
i am a nigerian, i would like to use this medium to inquire for processes needed to study in Finland and admission requirement thanks.
over 3 years ago
IM A STRUGLING CAMEROONIAN , IM FORTUNATE TO STUDY BECAUSE OF FORIENGN SCHOLARSHIPS FROM GERMANY.
I WILL BE PLEASED IF YOU THERE IN FINLAND CAN DIRECT ME ON HOW I CAN GET ADMISSION TO STUDY THEOLOGY IN A FREE TUITION UNIVERSITY SO THAT I CAN GET STARTED,
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
over 3 years ago
Hello Sir/Madem,
I Have a bachelor
degree in computer sciences(Bcs 3 years).I want to study in Finland.I Have
also an IELTS test and got 5 band,so please give me information about finland universities and application procedure.
Thanks.
almost 4 years ago
I'm Bubacarr suso am a graduate student in a high school in The Gambia and i now works in a medical research council (in a project called demography suvery) in the south bank of the upper river region of the country and i will like to know the producers to apply for a college or university in finland and i would like to study either social service or demography.