Finland has become a hotspot for Indian students seeking world-class education in Europe. With its top-ranked universities, innovative teaching methods, and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that more Indian students are choosing Finland for higher studies.
But one big question remains: How much does it actually cost to study in Finland?
In this detailed 2025 guide, we break down all expenses—tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, part-time work options, and money-saving tips—to help you plan your Finnish education journey wisely.
Why Study in Finland? Key Benefits for Indian Students
Before diving into costs, let’s see why Finland stands out:
✅ Globally Recognized Degrees – Finnish universities rank among the best in Europe.
✅ English-Taught Programs – No need to learn Finnish for most courses.
✅ Safe & Student-Friendly – Finland is one of the safest countries in the world.
✅ Work Opportunities – Students can work part-time (30 hrs/week) while studying.
✅ Post-Study Work Visa – Stay up to 2 years after graduation to find a job.
Now, let’s get to the real costs.
1. Tuition Fees in Finland (2025)
Unlike EU students, Indian students must pay tuition fees for English-taught programs.
Average Annual Tuition Fees
| Degree Level | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €6,000 – €12,000 | ₹5.4L – ₹10.8L |
| Master’s | €8,000 – €18,000 | ₹7.2L – ₹16.2L |
🔹 Most Expensive Fields: Business, Engineering, Medicine
🔹 Most Affordable Fields: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
Top Finnish Universities & Their Fees (2025)
| University | Bachelor’s (EUR) | Master’s (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | €13,000 – €18,000 | €15,000 – €18,000 |
| Aalto University | €12,000 – €15,000 | €15,000 – €18,000 |
| University of Turku | €8,000 – €12,000 | €10,000 – €13,000 |
| Tampere University | €9,000 – €12,000 | €10,000 – €14,000 |
💡 Good News: Many universities offer scholarships (50%–100% tuition waivers) based on merit.
2. Cost of Living in Finland (Monthly Breakdown)
Finland isn’t cheap, but smart budgeting helps. Here’s what you’ll spend:
| Expense | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared Flat) | €300 – €500 | ₹27,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Food & Groceries | €200 – €300 | ₹18,000 – ₹27,000 |
| Public Transport (Student Pass) | €35 – €60 | ₹3,150 – ₹5,400 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Internet) | €50 – €100 | ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Gym, etc.) | €100 – €150 | ₹9,000 – ₹13,500 |
Total Monthly Living Cost:
-
€700 – €1,100 (₹63,000 – ₹99,000)
💡 Pro Tip: Cities like Tampere & Lappeenranta are cheaper than Helsinki.
3. Additional Costs (Mandatory & Optional)
Mandatory Fees
✔ Student Union Fee – €50–€70/year (₹4,500–₹6,300)
✔ Health Insurance (FSHS) – €70/year (₹6,300)
Visa & Travel Costs
✔ Student Visa Fee – €350 (₹31,500)
✔ Flight Tickets (India to Finland) – ₹40,000–₹70,000
4. Total Annual Cost for Indian Students
| Expense | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | €6,000 – €18,000 | ₹5.4L – ₹16.2L |
| Living Expenses (12 months) | €8,400 – €13,200 | ₹7.5L – ₹11.8L |
| Visa & Travel | €500 – €800 | ₹45,000 – ₹72,000 |
| Total (Per Year) | €9,000 – €22,000 | ₹8L – ₹20L |
💡 Can You Reduce Costs?
✅ Scholarships (Apply early!)
✅ Part-Time Jobs (Earn €9–€15/hour)
✅ Shared Housing & Home Cooking
5. Can You Work While Studying?
Yes! Indian students can work 30 hrs/week during studies & full-time during holidays.
Popular Part-Time Jobs
-
Restaurant/Café Staff (€10–€12/hr)
-
Retail Assistant (€9–€11/hr)
-
University Research Assistant (€12–€15/hr)
💡 Earnings Potential:
-
€500–€900/month (₹45,000–₹81,000) – Helps cover living costs!
6. Scholarships for Indian Students
Finland offers multiple funding options:
🔹 University Scholarships (Merit-Based) – Up to 100% tuition waiver
🔹 Finland Government Scholarship Pool – For Master’s students
🔹 Erasmus+ Grants – For exchange semesters
💡 Apply Early! Deadlines vary by university.
7. Is Finland Worth the Cost? Final Verdict
✅ Pros:
-
High-quality education
-
Safe & welcoming environment
-
Work opportunities during & after studies
-
Schengen visa allows easy travel in Europe
❌ Cons:
-
Cold weather (if you’re not used to it)
-
High living costs (but manageable with part-time work)
Final Advice:
If you secure a scholarship & work part-time, Finland is a great investment for your future!
FAQs: Studying in Finland (2025)
Q1. Can I study in Finland for free?
No, but scholarships can cover 50%–100% tuition fees.
Q2. Is IELTS mandatory?
Yes, most universities require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+.
Q3. Can I stay in Finland after graduation?
Yes! You get a 2-year job-search visa.
Q4. What’s the cheapest city in Finland for students?
Tampere, Turku & Lappeenranta are more affordable than Helsinki.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Finland is not the cheapest option, but with scholarships & part-time work, it’s absolutely manageable. If you dream of a globally recognized degree in Europe, Finland is a fantastic choice!
📌 Next Steps:
✔ Check university deadlines
✔ Apply for scholarships
✔ Start saving & budgeting
Good luck with your Finnish study journey! 🇫🇮✈️