FINLAND GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP
In Finland, there are ample opportunities for fully funded scholarships in various fields.
Many people ask for information about easy scholarships, so today I am writing this post for them. This post is compiled from guidance provided by many people in different groups to make it easier for you to understand.
1 – Admissions in Finland open in November/December and the deadline extends till January/February. All universities offer different percentages of tuition fee waivers for scholarships or tuition fees + monthly allowance scholarships (fully funded). Specific funds are available for certain countries, and only tuition fee scholarships and cost of living scholarships are offered for certain cases. Please verify with the university which types of scholarships are generally available and specifically in your program.
2- The list of all Finnish universities can be found at the following link: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view
The central application system is used in Finland. You need to shortlist programs from different universities and apply online.
3 – Generally, your scholarship application will be evaluated automatically when you apply for admission. Separate applications/actions are not required. You do not need to contact professors or anyone else. You will be considered for the scholarship upon admission.
4 – However, all universities require an HEC-verified photocopy of your degree and transcript.
5 – So, it’s better to save some money and get multiple sets of HEC-verified photocopies as per the university requirements.
6 – Send the photocopies to Finnish universities through TCS. Confirm the university’s requirements and send them through TCS.
7 – Photocopies are required for verification purposes by HEC.
8 – IELTS requirements vary for different universities. Generally, a total score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each section is accepted. The University of Eastern Finland accepts a certificate of English proficiency.
You can search for other universities that accept the English Language Proficiency Certificate (ELPC) without IELTS. Many people have received fully funded scholarships there without IELTS.
Acceptable English Proficiency Certificates:
1: IELTS
2: PTE
9 – There is no application fee for Finnish universities.
10 – If you get a fully funded scholarship, you need to show 6720 euros in your bank account for a year’s living expenses. You can borrow this amount and keep it in your bank account, you don’t need to have a blood relation.
11 – No blocked account is needed as required in Germany. You just need to show an amount equivalent to PKR in your account (proof of income sources).
12 – Obtaining a residence permit is challenging and requires patience. Previously, you had to email the Abu Dhabi or Dubai embassy for a residence permit appointment, but from September 2023, the embassy in Islamabad will also provide this service. As it takes 1-3 months to obtain, it’s better to email them for an appointment once you have a scholarship offer. You will also need to fill an online application for the residence permit, as the process starts after your interview.
13 – Recognition of prior learning is accepted in Finland, meaning if your degree is 10 years old, you can provide proof and easily get admission.
14 – The link for online application is provided at the end of the post. This is Finland’s centralized online application system. You can search for your program here and get all the requirements and program details. You just need to fill the online application for admission.
15 – I have no knowledge about exchange semesters, bachelor’s, and PhDs. Despite some research, I found that there is no fee for PhD programs in Finland. Generally, programs are fully funded. Please search for details yourself.
16 – For part-time work, you can work a maximum of 30 hours a week and there is no limit on field-related work. The minimum wage is 10 euros per hour, and there are many jobs for students. In the IT background, jobs are easily available. Jobs in metropolitan areas are easier to find compared to smaller cities.
17 – Living expenses:
• Rent for student apartment: 250 – 400 euros per month (including utilities)
• Grocery expenses: 100 – 150 euros per month
• Average: 500 – 600 euros per month.
