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How to apply to study in Finland (2027)

Vocational school, university of applied sciences or university? Here is how applying works, the key dates for 2027, and what the new tuition fees mean for students from outside the EU.

By Fovo · 6 min read · 28 October 2026

Key facts at a glance

  • Where: most applications go through Studyinfo.fi (Opintopolku), Finland's official study portal.
  • Next joint application for higher education starting in autumn 2027: 7–21 January 2027.
  • How many: you can apply to up to six degree programmes in one joint application.
  • Application fee: applicants from outside the EU/EEA pay €100 when applying for a higher education degree.
  • New in 2026: students from outside the EU/EEA starting vocational education from 1 August 2026 usually pay tuition fees.

Finland has two main paths after school: vocational education (ammatillinen koulutus), which trains you for a specific job such as practical nurse, cook or electrician, and higher education at universities of applied sciences (ammattikorkeakoulu) and universities. How you apply depends on which one you choose.

01

Choose: vocational school or higher education?

Vocational educationUniversities of applied sciences & universities
Leads toA vocational qualification for a specific jobA bachelor's or master's degree
LanguageMany programmes are taught in Finnish. Check the teaching language of each programmeMany degree programmes are taught in English
How to applyJoint application (February–March) or continuous application at any time of the yearJoint application on Studyinfo.fi (main round in January)
Tuition fees (non-EU/EEA)Usually yes, for students starting from 1 August 2026Usually yes for programmes taught in English (typically €9,000–20,000 a year)
02

Applying to universities and universities of applied sciences

  • Search programmes and apply on Studyinfo.fi.
  • The main joint application for studies starting in autumn 2027 is open 7–21 January 2027. A smaller autumn round (31 August–10 September 2026) was for a limited number of English-taught programmes starting in January 2027.
  • You can apply to up to six degree programmes in one joint application.
  • If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you pay a €100 application fee on the Studyinfo form when applying for a degree programme.
  • Each programme sets its own entry requirements, such as language test results and entrance exams. Read the programme page carefully before you apply.
03

Applying to vocational education

  • Joint application takes place in February–March. It is mainly for young people finishing basic education in Finland.
  • Continuous application lets you apply at any time of the year, for a full qualification or for parts of one. Adults usually apply this way, often directly through the school.
  • Because many vocational programmes are taught in Finnish, schools may check your Finnish skills before you start.
04

Tuition fees: what changed in 2026

From 1 August 2026, students who are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and who start vocational education usually pay tuition fees. For example, Sedu lists €11,000 a year for vocational upper secondary qualifications, and OSAO lists a range of €7,500–29,200 a year depending on the qualification. Each school sets its own fee.

Fees usually don't apply if you, for example, have a permanent residence permit, are covered by compulsory education, or have international protection. Each school explains its own rules, so always check with the school.

In higher education, students from outside the EU/EEA usually pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English, typically €9,000–20,000 a year depending on the programme. Universities may offer scholarships, and programmes taught in Finnish or Swedish have no tuition fee. Check the exact amount on Studyinfo.fi or the programme page.

05

After you get a study place

Accept your study place, then apply for a residence permit for studies as soon as possible if you are from outside the EU. You need enough money for living costs (and for your tuition fee if you haven't paid it yet).

Read next: Student residence permit for Finland: what you need.

Checklist

  • Decide between vocational education and higher education.
  • Find programmes on Studyinfo.fi and check the teaching language.
  • Check the tuition fee and any scholarships on the school's own page.
  • Note the application dates: 7–21 January 2027 for most higher education programmes starting in autumn 2027.
  • Prepare documents and any language test results the programme asks for.

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Sources

This article is general information based on official sources as of 28 October 2026. Dates, fees and rules can change, so always check Studyinfo.fi and the school's own website. Fovo is not connected to Studyinfo, the Finnish National Agency for Education or any school.