In Finland the national strategy is based on a desire to develop the country as an information society that educates its citizens to a high standard. In order to achieve this, Finland channels substantial investment into research and development. In addition, Finland has internationally recognized expertise in many areas, and its institutions of higher education have state-of-the-art facilities.
Finnish universities and polytechnics offer over 400 international study programmes in different disciplines taught in English.
In 2007, some 11 300 foreign students representing more than 100 nationalities were studying for a degree in Finland, and of them approximately 11 300 were enrolled in universities and polytechnics. In addition, approximately 8 400 other students come to Finland every year either on exchange programmes or independently.
Internationally compatible degrees:
In 2005, the degree structure of Finnish universities was amended to become more compatible internationally. All programmes are based on a joint European credit transfer system (ECTS), which facilitates international transparency and recognition of Finnish degrees at a global level.
As the network of Finnish universities and polytechnics covers the whole country, students can choose among very different study environments: there are large urban campuses and quieter, close-to-nature campuses. Thanks to the quality assurance system, the quality of universities’ infrastructures, student services, and teaching and research is high irrespective of location.
More than just studying:
Studying in Finland offers also an insight into the culture of Finland and the country's two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, all of which are unique in many ways. Finnish society is egalitarian and well-organised: it provides a solid foundation for the development of modern, internationally-oriented higher education.
Universities:
Finnish universities have roots going back to the 17th century and today the country has one of the most comprehensive university networks in Europe.
There are 20 universities in Finland: of these 10 are multi-faculty universities, 3 are universities of technology, 3 are schools of economics and business administration, and the remaining 4 are art academies.
In addition, university-level education is provided at the National Defence University under the Ministry of Defence. The total university enrolment is currently over 176 000 students.
All universities carry out research and confer doctorates. Each university has also a centre for continuing education.
Polytechnics:
The Finnish polytechnic system was built during the 1990’s to create a non-university sector of higher education. It was founded on the institutions, which previously provided post-secondary vocational education and which have been developed to form a nationwide network of regional institutions of higher education, i.e. polytechnics.
Polytechnic education emphasises close contacts with business, industry and services, especially at the regional level. The degrees are designed to meet the changing requirements and development needs of the world of work, having a pronounced occupational emphasis, and qualifying graduates for various expert duties.
There are 26 polytechnics (=universities of applied sciences) operating under the Ministry of Education. Most polytechnics are multi-field and operate in several units. Finnish polytechnics have defined themselves as universities of applied sciences. Therefore the institutions have also named themselves as universities of applied sciences.
Currently there are over 133 000 students registered at polytechnics in Finland. Polytechnics undertake some research and development with an applied and practical emphasis.
To apply to study in Finland go here
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