Study In Finland

Education System in Finland

Higher education institutions in Finland are classified into two categories: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences, both of which provide higher education degrees. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) measures students’ academic workload. A full-time academic year corresponds to 60 higher education credits in this framework.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)

A Bachelor’s degree from a Finnish UAS comprises 210, 240, or 270 credits, translating to 3.5 – 4.5 years of full-time study. The content of degree programs is determined by each UAS, meaning programs with identical names could have different study modules across various UAS institutions. In Finland, UAS institutions offer Bachelor’s degrees across diverse fields of study.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Universities

A Bachelor’s degree from a Finnish university comprises 180 credits and typically requires about three years of full-time study. Students accepted into Finnish universities can pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. In Finland, the language of instruction for most bachelor's degree programs is English. Undergraduate degree courses here also allow students to pursue a term at partner universities.

Master’s Degrees in Universities of Applied Sciences

Finland is home to over 22 Universities of Applied Sciences. The university is also referred as 'Polytechnics' or 'AMK ( Ammattikorkeakoulu)'. In Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), various Master’s degrees are available, primarily designed for individuals who are already professionally active. In the job market, a UAS Master’s degree holds the same value as a traditional university Master’s degree.

Master’s Degrees in Universities

A Master’s program in a university typically comprises a minimum of 120 credits and usually takes around 2 years of full-time study to complete. Finland offers an exceptional learning experience for Master's students due to their small class-size approach, where engagement between students and teachers is more meaningful. Industry collaboration and collaborative learning are also practiced.

Doctoral Degrees

Postgraduate studies at the university level are designed to lead to a doctoral degree. This degree typically requires 240 credits and takes about four years to complete. Doctoral programs include research, specific studies related to the discipline, and public defense of a doctoral thesis. In Finland, students can choose between structured doctoral programs or personalized paths.

Licentiate Degrees

Before pursuing a doctorate, students can attain a pre-doctoral qualification known as a licentiate. This intermediate step involves a study duration of about two years and includes 60 credits. The licentiate serves as a foundation, preparing students for the more rigorous demands of the Doctoral program. Upon completion, students are eligible to conduct independent research and supervise a Master/Licentiate thesis.