How to Apply to Universities in Finland (2027): Step by Step

Bachelor's programmes taught in English

1. Decide which route the programme uses. Most sit in the first joint application on Studyinfo, 7 to 21 January 2027 for studies starting in autumn 2027, but Aalto University and the University of Helsinki run their own separate admissions on their own dates, so read the university's admission page before you plan anything.
2. Work out which admission group you fall into. One group is ranked on SAT or ACT scores, another on a recognised school leaving certificate. You may be eligible for both, and at some universities you may apply in both.
3. Book the SAT or ACT months ahead if your group needs it. The score has to reach the university by its own supplementation deadline, which is usually a few weeks after the application closes, and the test cannot normally be older than two years.
4. Prove your English unless the university says otherwise. Most ask for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, and the minimum differs by university; Aalto's Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology asks for no language test at all.
5. Fill in the application at Studyinfo.fi during the window, ranking up to six programmes. The form is only visible while the window is open and it closes at 15.00 Finnish time.
6. Upload the attachments by the separate document deadline, usually about a week after the application closes.
7. Accept the study place by the stated date. For the January 2027 round, results come by 6 July 2027 and the place has to be accepted by 13 July 2027 at 15.00.
8. Pay the tuition, then apply to Migri for a residence permit for studies as soon as you have the acceptance, because the permit is what governs when you can travel.

Master's programmes taught in English

1. Check the specific programme's academic prerequisites; Finnish master's admission is programme by programme and often asks for particular prior coursework.
2. Prove your English. IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in writing is the common bar at the research universities, though Tampere and Turku set 6.0 overall for some entry routes.
3. Apply through Studyinfo in the first joint application of spring 2027, 7 to 21 January 2027, unless the university runs its own separate round.
4. Apply for the university's own scholarship at the same time as admission. There is no separate later application and no government scheme.
5. Accept the place, pay the fee, then apply for the residence permit.