If you dream of studying in a country known for world-class education, safe living, innovative universities, and breathtaking landscapes, Finland should be at the top of your list. The exciting part? You can study in Finland without IELTS in 2026—and even earn a fully funded scholarship.Finland continues to open its doors to international students through government-funded and university-funded programs designed to support Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD applicants from all over the world.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the updated list of Finland scholarships, universities that waive IELTS, the admission process, and everything you need to confidently begin your academic journey.
Why Study in Finland?
Finland is consistently ranked as one of the happiest, safest, and most innovative countries in the world. Its education system is admired globally for:
1. World-Class Quality
Finland offers more than 500 English-taught degree programs, delivered by:
13 universities
22 universities of applied sciences (UAS)
Several Finnish universities rank among the Top 100–200 universities in the world.
2. Modern Learning Environment
Finnish universities emphasize:
Research-based learning
Creative thinking
Innovation and real-world solutions
3. Affordable Living
Compared to other European countries, Finland offers manageable student living costs (estimated around 450–500 Euros/month).
4. Strong International Community
More than 20,000+ international students study in Finland across different cities.
5. No IELTS Requirement
Many Finnish universities accept alternatives like:
English Proficiency Certificate (MOI)
Prior English-medium education
Native English speakers
Finland Scholarships Without IELTS 2026 – Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Finland |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded / Partially Funded |
| Eligibility | All nationalities |
| IELTS Required | No (if MOI or alternatives available) |
| Application Timeline | December – January (varies per university) |
Top Finnish Universities That Do NOT Require IELTS
Several universities in Finland accept students without IELTS through English proficiency proof or MOI certificates. Below are some of the popular options:
1. LAB University of Applied Sciences
Offers programs in:
Business administration
Engineering
Tourism management
Computer sciences
Accepts English proficiency letters from previous institutions.
2. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
One of the largest UAS in Finland offering:
IT
Health sciences
Arts and design
Digital media
3. Arcada University of Applied Sciences
Famous for:
International business
Big data analytics
Nursing
Engineering
4. HAMK – Häme University of Applied Sciences
Known for:
Smart farming
Engineering
Bioeconomy
Computer applications
5. LUT University
A respected research university offering:
Mechanical engineering
Energy engineering
Business and sustainability
6. Helsinki School of Business
Great option for students aiming for business and management careers.
7. Hanken School of Economics
Top-ranked business school with:
Master’s programs taught entirely in English
International scholarship programs
8. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)
Well-known for:
Esports business
Game development
Sports sciences
Fully Funded Scholarships in Finland (Without IELTS)
Below is the list of top scholarship opportunities available in 2026. These programs cover tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and academic support.
1. Finland Government Scholarship
Covered Degrees: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Funding: Fully funded
This is one of the most popular government-funded opportunities for international students. It supports students from outside the EU/EEA region who want to study full-time degree programs.
2. Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
Covered Degree: PhD / Doctoral studies only
Funding: Fully funded
This scholarship is ideal for students:
Pursuing academic research
Seeking a fully funded doctoral program
Interested in research collaboration with Finnish institutions
Note: This program is not available for Master’s applicants.
3. EDUFI Doctoral Fellowships
Eligibility: Doctoral students, young researchers
Fields: All academic fields
EDUFI is one of the most prestigious doctoral programs, funding:
Monthly stipend
Research support
Travel allowance
This is an excellent pathway for students planning to complete a Double Doctorate or conduct advanced research in Finland.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships (Finland Included)
Erasmus Mundus programs include multiple partner universities. Many Finnish universities participate in these programs.
Advantages:
Study in 2–3 different European countries
Fully funded
Monthly stipend
Travel allowance
No IELTS requirement if MOI is provided
5. University of Helsinki Scholarship
A top-tier opportunity for Master’s students.
Duration: 2 years
Benefits:
100% tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend (up to 1,500 Euros)
Relocation allowance
Academic support
This scholarship is extremely competitive but highly rewarding.
Admission Information for Studying in Finland
Finland’s admission process is centralized, transparent, and simple.
1. Application Timeline
Opens: December
Closes: January
2. Centralized Admission Platform
You apply through:
Studyinfo.fi → The official portal for Finnish university admissions.
3. No Need to Contact Professors
Unlike many countries, Finland doesn't require email communication with professors to secure admission (except for PhD research positions).
4. Automatic Scholarship Consideration
When you apply for a program, your scholarship application is automatically considered. No separate application is required.
5. No Blocked Account Required
Unlike Germany, Finland does NOT require a blocked account. This reduces financial stress for international students.
6. Work Opportunities
Students can work 25 hours per week during studies.
After obtaining a work permit, there is no limit on professional field-related work.
7. Living Expenses
Average monthly cost:
450–500 Euros
Most students manage expenses through part-time jobs.
How to Study in Finland Without IELTS
Finland offers flexible alternatives for English proficiency. You can avoid IELTS if you meet any of the conditions below:
1. English is Your Native Language
Students who come from English-speaking countries are exempt from IELTS.
2. Previous Education Was in English
If your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree was taught in English from:
EU/EEA countries
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
…then IELTS is not required
3. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
If your previous degree was taught partially or fully in English, your university can issue an MOI letter.
This is accepted by many Finnish universities.
Your MOI letter should confirm:
Your degree was taught in English
You successfully completed the program
English was the medium of instruction
4. University English Tests
Some universities offer their own language proficiency tests, making IELTS unnecessary.
Documents Required
Every university has slightly different requirements, but generally you will need:
Valid passport
Academic transcripts & degrees
CV or Resume
Motivation letter
Medium of Instruction (MOI)
Letters of recommendation (some universities)
Research proposal (PhD only)
Application fee (if required)
Why Finland Is a Great Opportunity for 2026
If you're planning your future abroad, Finland offers one of the most stable and promising environments for international students.
List of Finland Universities, Deadlines, and Links:
- Aalto University, Deadline (From: 30 November 2025 To 2nd January 2026) https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes
- The University of Helsinki, Deadline (From: 1st December 2025 To 3rd January 2026) https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions/explore-our-international-masters-programmes
- University of Oulu, Deadline (From: 3rd January 2026 To 17th January 2026) https://www.oulu.fi/university/masters/howtoapply
- Tampere University, Deadline (From: 5th December 2025 To 3rd January 2026) https://tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/programmes/masters-programmes
- LUT University, Deadline (From :1st December 2025 To 19th January 2026) https://www.lut.fi/web/en/admissions/masters-studies
- jyvaskyla university, Deadline (From: 5th January 2026 To 19th January 2026) https://www.jyu.fi/en/apply/masters-programmes/how-to-apply
- University of Turku, Deadline (From: 5th January 2026 To 19th January 2026) https://www.utu.fi/en/study-at-utu/bachelors-and-masters-degree-programmes
- åbo akademi university, Deadline (From: 5th January 2026 To 19th January 2026) https://www.abo.fi/en/study/apply/international-master-programmes/
- University of Eastern Finland, Deadline (From: 1st December 2025 To 19th January 2026) https://www.uef.fi/en/how-to-apply
- SECCLO Erasmus, Deadline (From: 24 November 2025 To 5th January 2026) https://secclo.eu/admission/admission/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study in Finland without IELTS in 2026?
Yes, many universities accept MOI or other English proficiency proofs as an alternative to IELTS.
