Population:
5 491 522
Helsinki
Education in English
Russian graduates can choose from 450 undergraduate and graduate programs, entirely in English.
Recognition of diplomas
After graduating from a Finnish university, graduates receive a European diploma recognized by universities and employers around the world.
Availability
Education in Finland is free in national languages, study in English costs from 4300 € per year
The right to work while studying
Foreign students in Finland can work 25 hours during the school week and full day during holidays.
Teaching languages:
- English
10 %
90 %
Opinion
Zhanna Saydenova Graduate of the University of Tampere
A Finnish student is entitled to a variety of discounts, ranging from transportation and medicine to beer at local bars. Excellent hostels at very affordable prices! Tampere also has its own airport, where Ryanair flies, so you can get to Europe very cheaply for long winter weekends :) Finland is what you need. Finland, long loved by numerous Russian tourists, is also a country with a high level of innovation and, accordingly, scientific discoveries, which is quite closely related to the work of universities.
It's no secret that higher education here is at the highest level. Finns are not the most affable people, but after learning the language a little, you can count on Finns to become more open and friendly. Well, if you also love the sauna and nature as much as they do, then you are simply destined to become best friends. Finland has many programs in English, so the choice is truly great. The set of documents for admission is standard, and here there is a minimum of formalities. Speaking of formalities. It is customary to call a teacher, no matter how famous a professor he is, by name, and you can easily drink coffee with him and discuss your project, or the peculiarities of life in Finland - you choose! Education in Finland, as well as in Sweden, as well as in Norway, etc., is entirely designed for the independence of students. So be prepared to read quite a lot of additional literature, find sources on your own, and be always up to date on your subject. Oral exams are not often held, but written exams of 4-6 hours are not uncommon. In any case, you will have to study and read throughout the semester. Don't expect to finish 1,000 pages of required reading the night before a test. As a student, in Tampere, where I studied, there are many discounts, from travel and medical care to beer at the local bar. In addition to this, student hostels of excellent standard are offered at very affordable prices. You can also find a part-time job for several hours a week if you wish. In addition, there is an airport in Tampere where Ryanair flies, so you can fly to many European countries on a budget if you are tired of long and dark winter evenings. In general, studying in Finland meets the best European standards, so join thousands of other international students and come here not only for shopping, but also for a diploma.
Study in Finland
When talking about Finland, people most often think of forests and lakes. Such associations are quite justified, because 70% of the country's area is covered with forests, and 10% - with water. Affordable tuition fees and the quality of education have made Finland a popular place to study among Russian students.
Finland is attractive for other reasons as well. This country has centuries-old historical and cultural ties with Russia. The weather in Helsinki does not differ from that in St. Petersburg, and the conditions in the homeland of Santa Claus, in Lapland, are quite familiar to the residents of Murmansk.
Due to the similar geography, culture, history, there is quite a lot in common between Russians and Finns, so it is easy for our students to adapt to life in a new country.
Finland is one of the greenest European countries. Everyone is interested in maintaining cleanliness: authorities, local residents, students. Many Finnish universities offer educational programs in sustainable energy, ecology, and the efficient use of natural resources. Student projects on these topics are notable for their serious approach and often attract the attention of research centers.
Secondary education in Finland
Finnish children go to school at the age of 6, education is compulsory until the age of 16. At the age of 16, schoolchildren have a choice: to start work, go to college or continue their studies at the gymnasium in order to receive a certificate of maturity (Abitur).
Most of the schools in Finland are public, with instruction in Finnish or Swedish. The work of teachers is well paid, so the best of the best come to the profession.
As a result, Finnish education is of a very high standard. For example, in 2008, according to the Education Index, Finland shared the 1st place in the world with Denmark, Australia and New Zealand. In the international PISA project, Finnish schoolchildren ranked 6th in the world in reading, 5th in physics and chemistry, and 12th in mathematics.
Undergraduate studies at universities in Finland
There are two main types of universities in Finland: research universities, which provide academic training, and universities of applied sciences (polytechnics), which prepare students for future work.
Higher education in Finland can be obtained in three languages: Finnish, Swedish or English.
More than 150 programs are available in English in areas such as management, computer science, tourism and hotel business, construction, energy, ecology, design, etc.
Masters in Finland
Both at research universities and at polytechnics, Russian students can study for a master's degree.
Finnish university master's studies are full-time and lasts 2 years. The competition is several people per place, for admission you need to pass entrance tests.
Master's programs at universities of applied sciences are designed for young people who combine study and work. Therefore, training can take up to 4 years. It is easier to enter "polytechnics" than to universities, but it is necessary to confirm the presence of work experience in the specialty.
Finland is an excellent choice for studying in English, with over 300 English-taught Master's programs offered in 2017. The "highlight" of Finland is technical specialties (IT, ecology, forestry, mechanical engineering, materials science, biotechnology, etc.).
Benefits of studying in Finland
Quality
Finland is one of the international leaders in terms of secondary (PISA rating) and higher education (World Economic Forum, 2013). In 2005, Finland ranked 4th in the world in terms of the number of scientific publications; in 2007, 1,800 patents were registered.
The breadth of choice
In Finland, Russian graduates can choose from one of 450 undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English.
Comfortable living conditions
Finland is a country where life is calm and measured, and from point A to point B can be easily reached by bike in 20 minutes.
Finland is famous for its ecology and quality food. University dormitories are more like hotels, while the cost of living in them is not at all high. As a student at a Finnish university, you can enjoy a range of discounts, exercise on preferential terms and travel on a budget across the country and Europe.
The cost of studying in Finland
On January 15, 2015, the Finnish parliament voted to introduce paid higher education in English for students from outside the EU. This decision was made "in order to attract additional financial resources to the education system and improve the living conditions of students."
Education in Finland for Russians is possible if one of the requirements is met:
Study on an English-language program until the fall of 2017
Study in Finnish or Swedish
Postgraduate studies; or doctoral (Doctoral / PhD level), in any language
Citizenship of the EU (as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtetein) with a student, his parent or spouse
Permanent residence in the EU or the presence of an EU Blue Card
In other cases, training will be paid. Tuition fees for international students from € 4100 to € 12,000 per year for undergraduate programs. At the same time, universities will be able to support talented applicants and offer scholarships.
Help with university selection and enrollment
For more than 9 years we have been working with educational programs in Finland. If you want to study Finnish or English with native speakers in Finland, pursue higher education at a Finnish university or study for a master's degree, we will be happy to help you.
Professional advice on studying in Finland
Help with passing entrance exams
Collection and execution of the necessary documents
Translation of documents into English and notarization
Search for accommodation
Visa support
Organization of departure
Supervision during studies.
Are you interested in studying in Finland? Sign up for a free consultation at Allterra Education, our offices are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Either fill out the feedback form or just give us a call.
As you might guess, the system of medical care in Russia and Finland differs significantly from the Russian one. In part, this is probably due to the very mentality of the Finns, who treat every case thoroughly. On the other hand, there are completely different laws and the entire health care system. If the health insurance system and various improvements, such as an electronic queue and preliminary registration, are just emerging in Russia, then in Finland this has already been implemented long ago.
Medical education in Finland
However, it is probably worth starting by looking at the basics. Medical education in Finland lasts much longer than in Russia. Yes, the terms of study at the university are approximately the same, but postgraduate studies can last another 5-6 years. So, future doctors will have to be patient. Also, the duration of courses for nursing staff is much longer. Another feature of education is that ambulance drivers also undergo first aid courses in order to provide it in full, if required, right on the spot. At the same time, in recent years, there has been a steady deficit of junior medical personnel.
Finnish hospital care system
The first thing you pay attention to when visiting medical institutions in Suomi is the absence of the usual "hospital smell", the second is the queues to the doctor. However, if you come to the hospital without an appointment, you will first have to get a ticket to get to the registrar, and he will make an appointment with the doctor if he has free time. Therefore, it is more advisable to make an appointment by phone or via the Internet. However, it should be borne in mind that you should come exactly at the specified time, otherwise the doctor will wait until the next patient arrives, and you will have to pay a fine. So, if you cannot come, it is better to call ahead and cancel the appointment.
In mild cases, when a diagnosis of a disease or complex manipulations is not required, you may well be referred to a nurse who will provide the necessary assistance. For foreigners who have a residence permit in Finland, but they do not know the language, translation services are provided. To use them, you should come to the registry and make an appointment, this cannot be done remotely. Note that such services are quite cheap, and their cost is compensated by health insurance.
The main diagnostic technique in Finland, in addition to examination, is a blood test. In most cases, it is on its basis that a diagnosis is made, of course, if necessary, you will be referred for other tests. However, keep in mind that here you will not be given recommendations in the style of "just steam up your legs for two weeks and everything will pass." Finnish doctors are serious about treatment and, at the slightest sign of illness, prescribe a number of medications. In especially difficult cases, patients can be admitted to the hospital to monitor his condition.
All your test results, as well as service invoices, will be sent by mail. After receiving the results, if treatment is prescribed or if a more precise diagnosis is required, you should again make an appointment with the doctor. Also, the doctor can direct you to take tests directly from the office, in this case, the time of delivery will be written on a special form, with which you can go to the laboratory at the appointed time.
Finnish education is currently as popular and prestigious as European programs. The state tries to maintain a high level of standards in its universities, allocating about 6% of the country's budget specifically for support programs.
In Finland, free education, excellent teaching, loyalty to foreign students, benefits for housing, food and travel, interesting public organizations - the combination of these factors annually attracts thousands of students from Russia and Europe.
First of all, you should know that all places in Finnish universities are budgetary, respectively, study in Finland is.
Educational programs are offered in Swedish, English and. To fully assimilate information and communicate freely with your classmates, you need to know at least two languages.
The universities in Finland are divided into two types: universities and polytechnic institutes (universities of applied sciences). The term of study for a bachelor's degree is 4 years, for a master's degree - another 2 years.
Before the final choice of the institute, applicants are offered to "test" several institutions - to communicate with tutors (young teachers or current senior students), attend an open day, observe the learning process, find out detailed information about the university.
The Stanford University mystery can be found at.
In Finland, it is quite possible to continue the studies started in Russia. Teachers are loyal to the delivery of subjects, the academic difference is mastered according to an individual program provided by the university.
Several successfully completed courses at a Russian university make it possible to enroll in a master's program by passing the required subjects as an external student. Immediately after school, you can only enroll in a bachelor's degree.
Finnish specifics - documents are submitted to the university in December-April, and Russian schools and institutes issue diplomas and certificates in May-July. But for applicants there is a way out of this situation - the "Discretionary admission" program, which allows you to postpone the submission of documents, subject to the provision of certificates from the place of study.
Admission to study in Finland for Russians
It is advisable to start choosing an institute a year before the intended admission in order to study in detail the specifics and features of studying in Finland for Russians, because it differs from the standardized educational program that is familiar to us.
Do not forget that you will need knowledge of the Finnish language, because most universities conduct lectures and exams in the state language. It follows, otherwise you will not collect the required number of "credits" for renewal and transition to the next course.
Also, the applicant will need the results of international examinations in English - (6 points) and (550 points). It is not difficult to pass the tests, for this it is enough knowledge acquired at a school with advanced English, or with a tutor.
There are no entrance exams in some institutes; they are replaced with a motivation letter from the applicant in English or Finnish. They need to describe in detail why this particular university and specialty was chosen, as well as tell about your preferences and wishes in organizing the educational process.
Documents required for admission:
- Certificates (diplomas) translated into English or Finnish about the completion of a school or several courses of a Russian institute
- Motivation letter
- International exam results
Study in Helsinki
If you have successfully passed the entrance exams and passed the selection to the university, then you need to think in advance about the hostel, since it is provided on a first come, first served basis. Housing is a one-room or two-room apartment for two students.
Special organizations are engaged in the construction of housing buildings and the distribution of students. All apartments are equipped with. All this pleasure costs students 250-300 euros per month.
Before enrolling in the university, you need to present proof that you have 7,000 euros in your account (approximately the same amount, according to government calculations, it will cost a student to live in Finland per year, taking into account the cost of transport, food, housing, study guides and additional activities).
Studying in Helsinki is very busy. Here you need to work hard from the very beginning in order to ensure a transfer to the next course at the end of the year. The first month and a half you will listen to lectures, and already in mid-October the first "session" awaits you, during which the teachers will check how the passed material is assimilated.
The lesson program is selected individually, depending on the preferences of the student, you can attend several courses, electives, and study additionally. Students have access to an extensive library of textbooks in different languages. Students who skip classes, skip important topics - do not move on to the next course.
List of the best universities in Finland
| University name | Specialty | Language of instruction | Delivery time |
| University of Helsinki (Helsingin Yliopisto) | Bio and Humanities Jurisprudence The medicine Theology Pharmacology Sociology Agriculture and forestry | November-January | |
| University of Tampere (Tampereen Yliopisto) | Education Humanities, social and information sciences The medicine | Finnish, English (1 undergraduate and 5 graduate programs) | January March |
| University of Turku (Turun Yliopisto) | Humanities, natural, social and mathematical sciences, medicine, jurisprudence | Finnish, English (8 Master's Programs) | From January |
| Jyv? Skyl? University (Jyv? Skul? N Yliopisto) | Culture and art, economics, Management, sports education Informatics | Finnish, English (for Master's degree) | Until January 31 |
| University of Oulu (Oulun Yliopisto) | Humanities and natural sciences, medicine Business Technology | Finnish, English (for Master's degree) | Until January 31 |
| Abo Akademi University (? Bo Yliopisto) | Engineering Right Biology Informatics Chemistry Natural Sciences | Swedish (for all disciplines) | Until March 30 |
In all universities, education is maintained at a high level, with the diplomas of these universities you can safely go to find a job - qualified specialists are very much appreciated in Finland. After graduation, a foreign student has in reserve six months of legal stay in the country for employment, if it was not possible to find an employer in the course of study.
Relevant for all countries of the former USSR (not members of the European Union) - such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, etc., and people of all ages (there is no age limit, they take up to 70 years). But it is especially suitable - for the young and healthy (because, then, after studying at a vocational school, it will be necessary to work a little more (namely, 4 years) in Finland in order to obtain the citizenship of this country). And after receiving citizenship, you can at least spend your whole life on Social Street, and not think about anything at all. And no one will say a bad word to you.So, the detailed scheme of the county in Finland is as follows.
You learn the language (level B-1 is the average level of knowledge of the language, there are 6 levels in total: ascending - A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). You enter any Finnish vocational school (does it via the Internet. That is, initially, until the Finns themselves send you an invitation, you do not need to go anywhere. As soon as the Finnish vocational school you have chosen sends you an invitation, then go (or go - if are far away) to the Finnish embassy or consulate, and you are given a Residence Permit, as well as the entire package of documents required for entry and residence in Finland. All this is done within 1-2 months. If you need details from the source, then here is your email address a Russian-speaking administrator from a Finnish vocational school, which itself is stuffed so that people (and not only young, but also - of any age) from Russia (as well as from all other countries of the former USSR) enter its vocational school -[email protected] ). Here is a video about this vocational school (in the city - Lieksa), or as it is also called - college -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dqsQudwMv10M&t\u003d3s .
Next, add 3500 euros to your Finnish bank account. This is the so-called. "guarantee money", money that will confirm your ability to pay. But spending this money is not at all necessary. Just - let yourself lie still until you finish your studies. And then they come back to you, safe and sound. If you don't have that much money of your own, but at the same time you live, for example, in Russia, do so. You go to Sberbank, take (in rubles !!! - by no means in foreign currency !!!) 3,500 euros (today it is 275,000 rubles), take a certificate from Sberbank why you need this money. Ask to write there - "For study". Transfer this money to a Finnish bank. Quietly study there (in a Finnish vocational school) for 2 to 4 years (depending on your specialty and your abilities. If you are talented, you can graduate earlier and immediately go to work for a large salary). Finland is a truly Socialist country. They have there salary equalization (in the good sense of the word). Everyone is paid about 2 thousand euros (net - after taxes) per month. Only miners and guards in prisons receive more (because guarding criminals is very hard work). Having lived (and worked at the same time - this is important) for 4 years in Finland, you have the right (after passing the language exam, and as a rule everyone after graduating from vocational school, such a language exam is easily passed) to apply for Finnish citizenship. And the Finns are happy to give it to foreigners. They need people who are able to learn their language, and they need to work for them precisely in the working professions (since in vocational schools they teach working professions).
Education, accommodation and meals in Finnish vocational schools are free. And not only for the citizens of the country, but also for any person from any country in the world, provided that he knows the Finnish language (and he has 3500 euros on his account, which, however, he may not spend at all, they are just needed "for show") ...
And you will spit in the future on every bastard who is in power in those countries from which you had to flee. Save not only yourself, but also your family. Children are admitted free of charge to kindergarten and school, as well as to the same vocational school or institute. The wives receive an allowance and have a free opportunity to attend Finnish language courses. And for this, wives are also paid money (9 euros per day). At the same time, classes in the courses last from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Finnish vocational schools:
Helsinki - Stadin ammattiopistohttps: //www.hel.fi/ammatillinen/fi/ko ...
Kouvolu - KSAO https://www.ksao.fi
Lappeenranta - Saimaan ammattiopisto Sampohttp://www.edusampo.fi
Joensuu - Riveria https://www.riveria.fi
Kotka - EKAMI http://www.ekami.fi
If the city of interest was not found in the lists, then write to Google “the name of the Finnish city + ammattiopisto”, the first issue will be the desired option.
(ammattiopisto is a vocational school in Finnish)
About how to take out a loan from Sberbank.
Come to Sberbank (this is for residents of Russia. For citizens of other countries of the so-called CIS - I do not know for sure. But the scheme is clearly worked out. Perhaps it will work somewhere else). Take a loan from Sberbank 3500 euros - only in rubles (today it is 275 thousand rubles for 4 years)! So that in the event of a financial collapse, you can always return its "wooden" rubles to Sberbank.
The fact is that after entering a Finnish vocational school, you (according to Finnish law) have the right to work during your studies (or rather, combine work and study) for 20-25 hours a week. You will be paid approximately 10 euros per hour. This is not enough for Finnish standards, but for you (if you have a problem with money, there is already something significant). That is, you will have 200-250 euros per week, and 800-1000 euros per month. With this money, you can first of all pay interest on a loan at Sberbank (for this amount, this is about 6-7 thousand rubles a month, that is, about 80-90 euros). You can do whatever you want with the rest of the money. Many rent one-room apartments for themselves (considering that 1 square meter costs about 10 euros, then a 20-meter studio apartment costs 200 euros per month) and live in these apartments with their family. Some people buy cars and motorcycles for themselves. Travel when vacation. And so on. But practically no one thumps, because the Finns - drunkards are immediately kicked out.
But from the point of view of common sense it followspay money to Sberbank as soon as possible. So that nothing is drawn to the soul. As soon as you earn them in Finland. And you will no longer be connected with Russia by any bonds.
This, I think, is the most correct scheme. And cars and motorcycles will wait. And even a wife with children will sit here in Russia, as long as everything will be smooth.
And as soon as you pay off all the debts, then it will be possible to rent any housing, and go somewhere to Paris on vacation.
And also very important information.
Finns allow dual citizenship. That is, when you receive a Finnish passport, you will not have to give up (for example) a Russian or any other. That is, you will travel to Russia without any visas or permits. But at the same time you will already be a full citizen of Finland.
The Finnish passport allows you to enter without any visas in 173
countries of the world, including all countries of Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.
How can I learn Finnish?
First, buy yourself a "Russian-Finnish Phrasebook for Travelers". Author K. Silvan. In Moscow it costs 103 rubles.
Write out from there - pronouns (I, You, He, She, etc.), numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 and so on up to 10), + how they are written and pronounced - tens, hundreds, thousands, millions, etc. Read all of it carefully, and it will be better if you learn a lot of it by heart.
Later.
Here are two sites - suomesta.ru and lingust.ru/suomi
It explains in great detail how to learn Finnish by lesson.
The main thing is that they are not afraid of anything and are not lazy.
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The main thing for you is not to learn Finnish at the level of native speakers (as it is almost impossible for the vast majority). Not at all. You just need to pass a Finnish language interview.
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Therefore, listen to the Finnish radio for beginners - https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/selkouutiset/?id\u003d1334 (the speakers speak Finnish slowly there. Specially pronounce all words and even letters. It helps beginners to master the speech component of the language) ...
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And watch educational films like -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dHHoNCX3i51E&t\u003d18s (Finnish Lesson 01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dfhDOjdpZaI8&t\u003d1022s (Finnish Lesson 02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dIaAL7Aw4MmU&t\u003d4s (Finnish Lesson 03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dVWj5DtMyBDo (Finnish Lesson 04)
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There are also educational films from this series - you just need to substitute numbers: Finnish Lesson 05, Finnish Lesson 06, Finnish Lesson 07, etc.
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You don't have to be very smart. You just have to be attentive and patient. And you will definitely succeed. And Finland will become your second home. Rather - the first. But the place where you were born, but where you had to run away from, will be your second refuge (if, of course, you like it).
And the main highlight when learning Finnish.
Once you have learned the very basics, you will need to practice language with native speakers.
This is how it is done.
There is a website - speaky.com
This is a video chat with foreigners who want to learn a foreign language.
There you can easily find an interlocutor from among the same Finns.
Registration is very simple there. Follow the instructions (they are all in Russian) and in 5 minutes you will be already in the Community (this is the place where the language partners you need are based). All you need is a webcam (the cheapest one in Moscow costs 400 rubles). Connect to the USB connector and that's it. You can chat with Finns as much as you want until you learn this amazing and beautiful language. The language is very easy and understandable. Logically harmonious and accessible to any thinking person.
The quality of higher education in Finland and the uniqueness of the Finnish approach to education are well known all over the world. Self-control in the process of acquiring knowledge not only excludes cheating on exams, but also the study of uninteresting disciplines, without causing disapproval of teachers. Studying in Finland for foreigners is notable for its affordable cost, interesting practice, as well as a democratic attitude towards students with any level of training.
Features of the Finnish education system
First of all, it should be noted that in Finland there is no differentiation of the education system into the state and non-state sectors. The state is making every effort to bridge the gap between the quality of education in various educational institutions, and even finances private schools, which are fully controlled by the Ministry of Education.
At the same time, there is a noticeable difference in the country between universities and institutes. This is due to the fact that the institutes do not have a basis for conducting scientific research, so they do not have the right to grant students a master's degree.
The location of educational institutions in the country is due to the density of the population living in a particular region. However, there is a relatively large university in every city with a population of more than 40 thousand people.
Education in Finland attracts foreign students with no tuition fees. However, only those who know Finnish at a sufficient level to receive education can study at the expense of the state.
At the same time, the cost of English-language programs is considered quite affordable compared to other European universities.
The specifics of preschool education
In contrast to higher and secondary educational institutions, preschool institutions are paid. Kindergartens can be family, private, municipal, but the cost of education in them is the same and depends solely on family income. The minimum wage is 26 euros per month - this rate is designed for low-income families. Those who are well off pay tuition at the maximum rate - 283 euros per month. The funds received are used to support the work of the kindergarten and the salaries of teachers.
There are not enough places in kindergartens in large cities, so the state pays 500 additional euros to those families who agree to raise a child at home.
Kindergarten accepts babies from nine months to seven years of age. Most of the gardens are designed for a full school day - from 6.30 to 17.00.
According to the law, there should be no more than four kids per teacher, the same rule applies to family kindergartens. They go for a walk with the kids in any weather, accustoming them to the harsh climate of the country, while only the clothes and the purpose of the walk differ. For example, in bad weather, children can be taken to the city library, and on a sunny day, they can organize a walk in the forest.
Receiving secondary and secondary vocational education
A child's acquisition of basic general education begins at the age of seven and lasts for the next nine years. Finland has a national curriculum, which is complemented by local programs developed by each educational institution individually.
School curricula are funded from the city budget, so the communes control the child's secondary education, which in Finland is free for all citizens.
High school teachers are required to have a master's degree, elementary school teachers - a diploma in general teacher education, and secondary school teachers - specialization in the disciplines they teach. More information on this topic can be found in the article "Schools in Finland".
After leaving school, graduates enter colleges or specialized vocational schools. Students have to purchase textbooks and various study materials on their own, but the training is still free.
For those who do not know Finnish well enough, there are preparatory courses for admission to secondary specialized educational institutions. Such training lasts from 2 to 4 years.
You can enter a higher educational institution after completing the first level education (college, gymnasium).
All universities in Finland are subdivided into universities and vocational schools, which are more like Russian institutions. In the first case, the emphasis is on research work, in the second, students spend more time in production, where in practice they study the features of the acquired profession.
In most cases, instruction is in Finnish or Swedish, but universities in large cities also offer English and French language programs.
The first stage of obtaining higher education is a bachelor's degree, graduates of which can enter a master's degree, and then a graduate school, in order to subsequently receive a doctorate degree.
Only those applicants who have completed secondary education and passed the unified state exam (both in Finland and in their home country) can apply for study at universities in Finland.
Willingness to pay for tuition that is not in Finnish is also important.
Master's and postgraduate studies
Education for the purpose of obtaining a master's degree in Finland is free even for Russians, but only on the condition that it is conducted in Finnish. There is no need to take entrance exams, since the selection of applicants is based on the submitted package of documents, including a bachelor's degree, a psychological portrait of the applicant and recommendations from the previous place of study or work.
After choosing a university, it is necessary to clarify the deadlines for submitting documents for admission, since they differ in different educational institutions, although usually documents are accepted from November to January inclusive.
If the training will take place in English, a TOEFL or IELTS certificate must be attached to the documents.
Postgraduate studies last four years, during which the student takes training courses, practical training, writes and defends a thesis.
Finnish postgraduate studies can be enrolled in the presence of a master's degree, and not necessarily in the specialty chosen for postgraduate studies.
Upon admission, it is necessary to provide a developed research plan and confirm the availability of funding sources for training (scholarships, grants, sponsors).
How much does the training cost and how long does it take?
An undergraduate program is usually designed for 3-4 years, and the duration of study depends on the type of university chosen. The university offers three-year theoretical training programs, the institute - four-year practice of a predominantly polytechnic direction with training programs, after which the student is ready to enter the labor market.
The minimum cost of an undergraduate program in English is 4,000 euros, the average cost is 8,000 euros per year. Students who choose to teach in Finnish do not pay tuition fees.
Almost all students after completing their bachelor's degree continue their studies in the magistracy, since having a master's degree increases the chances of getting a high-paying job and fast career growth.
The duration of study in this case is 1-2 years, the average cost depends on the specialty, educational institution and ranges from 6 to 10 thousand euros.
Since the master's program provides for the improvement of the knowledge obtained at the bachelor's degree, admission is possible for a similar specialty or related to it. Such areas as jurisprudence, medicine, psychology, provide for the passage of professional practice.
Doctoral studies last four years, while the number of places for admission is not limited - everyone with good grades in the chosen profile is accepted.
Only in some universities there are quotas for free admission, and for those who do not pass the average grade of the diploma, they arrange an additional exam. Education is free for all categories of students, the fee is charged only for the use of teaching materials.
There is also an alternative program called “licentiate”. It only takes two years to complete this degree. And although the prestige of the licentiate is lower than that of doctoral studies, people who work in parallel with their studies are often admitted there.
Thanks to the allowance paid by the Finnish state to students, they have the opportunity to fully concentrate on their studies. There is even a special student welfare office known as Kela - all students over the age of 17 who need financial assistance can apply there.
Only full-time students whose studies last for at least two months will approve a request for benefits. Part-time students cannot expect to receive benefits.
Benefits are calculated based on personal needs and may include discounts on food, travel, accommodation, financial assistance, or a government-sponsored student loan.
If the student studied well and completed the course without extending it, then after receiving the diploma, Kela, on his own initiative, can block up to a third of the loan issued by the bank.
The allowance and compensation for living costs allow students to live independently, study and at the same time not waste time on part-time work.
If a student lives in a wealthy family, then material assistance is not provided to him until the age of 20, since the state entrusts the care of the student to his parents. In exceptional cases, you can submit a request for travel compensation if you have to travel to study at a university by train or electric train.
On average, the amount of the grant is 500-600 euros, about half of this money is spent on paying for living in a university hostel. If you wish, you can rent an apartment: in this case, only part of the costs is compensated, which is equal to the cost of living in a hostel.
As for part-time jobs, the state limits their duration to twenty hours per school week; for the period of holidays, these restrictions are removed. Most often, students work in the service sector, where the payment is made hourly and is approximately 10 euros per hour. It is also allowed to search for a job in a specialty and undergo industrial practice with payment at the same minimum tariff.
To complete the course, the student must have accumulated a minimum of 20 credits of practice, with one credit equal to 40 hours.
A work permit is not required for either Finnish or foreign students: in order to get a part-time job, it is enough to present a student visa and a certificate from the university.
Holidays in Finland have a flexible schedule, so students spend an average of two and a half months in the summer and one week in the fall, on New Years and Easter. During the holidays, the student can go home or look for work in Finland.
If a Finnish company is ready to invite a foreign student to work after receiving a diploma, the Ministry for Foreigners will support him and help him to resolve all visa issues related to employment.
How to choose a Finnish university
When choosing an educational institution for higher education, one should focus not only on the specialty, but also on such factors as:
- low cost of training in English;
- fairly high scholarship size;
- availability of distance learning;
- no need to submit test results for TOEFL or IELTS;
- the possibility of passing entrance exams in the country of residence.
This greatly simplifies the admission process, and with an equal value of diplomas from Finnish educational institutions, it increases the chances of obtaining a prestigious higher education.
At the same time, you can apply to no more than six universities - universities will consider documents in order of priority established by the student himself.
The most popular among Russian-speaking applicants are universities in cities such as Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Vaasa, South-Eastern University of Applied Sciences, ABO Academy, JAMK University of Applied Sciences. The list of popular higher education institutions also includes the Savonia and Kajaani universities, the Henley business school.
Finally
The higher education diploma obtained in Finland is highly regarded in the world and opens up the prospects for its owner to find a prestigious job, career growth and high salaries. The availability of grants, material aid and scholarships makes studying in Finland affordable for gifted students who are of value to the Finnish state. Those of them who know the Finnish language can study for free, and the payment for English-language programs is largely compensated by social benefits, so everyone is encouraged to apply for admission to the university.
Education for foreigners in Finland: Video