StudyLink logoHome
Students on a university campus

Universities in Finland

With world class education facilities, affordable tuition fees, breathtaking scenery and an inclusive environment, Finland is a very attractive destination in Europe for international students.

See also: Study in Finland

The types of university

There are two types of university in Finland:

  • Universities – There are 13 public universities, with a focus on research output, in Finland. These include the University of Helsinki, the University of Turku and Tampere University.
  • Universities of Applied Sciences – There are 22 universities with a focus on practical learning in Finland. These include Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

The majority of Finland’s universities are public, but there are also a selection of private universities, such as the Helsinki School of Business.

Popular Finnish cities for international students

  • Helsinki – Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki is the capital of Finland and host to several of the country’s top universities.
  • Vaasa – On the west coast in Finland, Vaasa is known for its links to the energy sector and is home to 3 universities.
  • Turku – Situated on the south west coast of Finland, Turku enjoys rich history and benefits from the Aura river. There are two universities in Turku and 3 universities of applied sciences.
  • Tampere – Situated inland in southern Finland, surrounded by two lakes, Tampere is a popular tourism destination in Finland but is also home to 4 universities.

The top universities in Finland

Finland has many highly rated universities, and features 10 in the QS world university rankings, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and the University of Turku.

Table of the top ranked universities in Finland

UniversityTimes Higher Education World University Ranking 2024Best Global UniversitiesQS World University Ranking
University of Helsinki12199115
Aalto University201-250273109
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT251-300696351
University of Oulu251-300447313
Tampere University301-350400436
University of Turku301-350342315
University of Jyväskylä401-500520446
University of Vaasa401-500

Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland501-6001037601-610
University of Eastern Finland501-600487451-460

See below for a list of universities and higher education providers in Finland. Click on universities you are interested in below to read more and to see which courses are available for international students.

Degrees in Finland Masters in Finland

Highlighted courses in Finland

Industrial Systems Analytics MSc

University of Vaasa Finland

Find out more

Energy Engineering MEng

Savonia University of Applied Sciences Finland

Find out more

Master's Degree Programme in Public Health MSc

University of Eastern Finland Finland

Find out more

International Business, Bachelor of Business Administration BBA

HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences Finland

Find out more

International Business (IB) - Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor Degree

SAMK Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Finland

Find out more
View all courses in Finland

Search for courses in Finland

Sign up to StudyLink.com

Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.

Sign up now
Students with books and test tubes
Search for courses