The Finnish Government Scholarship is a name that can cause confusion because several older Finnish scholarship schemes have been promoted online under similar titles.
What Is the Finnish Government Scholarship?
The former Finnish Government Scholarship Pool was a real Finnish government-funded scheme, but it was intended for international doctoral-level research rather than ordinary bachelor’s or master’s studies.
The Finnish National Agency for Education, known as EDUFI, announced that the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool and EDUFI Fellowship were merged into one programme.
The resulting EDUFI Fellowship later ended, meaning applicants should not treat old scholarship pages as current application opportunities.
For students searching for a Finnish Government Scholarship, the most important distinction is therefore between historical government-funded schemes and scholarships currently offered by Finnish universities.
Today, the official Study in Finland service states clearly that Finland has no governmental scholarship programmes for bachelor’s or master’s studies.
Universities and universities of applied sciences may instead offer their own scholarships or tuition-fee waivers.
Be careful with websites advertising a “fully funded Finnish government scholarship” that supposedly covers tuition, accommodation, travel and living expenses for all international students.
Are There Government Scholarships in Finland?
For applicants looking for a regular degree, the answer depends on the study level.
At bachelor’s and master’s level, Finland does not have a central government scholarship programme covering international students.
Scholarships are generally decided by individual universities and may reduce or completely waive tuition fees for eligible students.
At doctoral level, the situation is different because doctoral studies in Finland do not charge tuition fees regardless of nationality.
Students nevertheless need funding for living expenses, and universities may have paid doctoral positions or other research funding.
Key points to remember:
- There is no general Finnish government scholarship for bachelor’s studies.
- There is no general Finnish government scholarship for master’s studies.
- University scholarships may cover part or all of tuition.
- University scholarships normally do not cover living expenses.
- Doctoral programmes do not charge tuition fees.
- Doctoral candidates can seek paid research positions.
- Research funding may be available through universities and research organisations.
- The former Finnish Government Scholarship Pool is not a current general student scholarship.
- The former EDUFI Fellowship has been discontinued.
- Official university scholarship information should be checked before applying.
What Happened to the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool?
The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool was an older scholarship scheme administered through Finland’s national education authorities.
It supported international postgraduate researchers, particularly doctoral-level research carried out in Finland.
According to an official EDUFI announcement, the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool and EDUFI Fellowship were merged into a single programme.
The reform took effect at the beginning of the following programme period, with the new EDUFI Fellowship continuing the role of supporting international doctoral researchers.
This history explains why older articles, university pages, PDFs and scholarship databases may still contain references to the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool.
However, historical information should not be confused with a current application opportunity.
The official Study in Finland doctoral funding page now states that the EDUFI Fellowships programme has been discontinued, and applications to that programme are no longer considered.
If you find an old article claiming that the Finnish Government Scholarship provides a monthly allowance for doctoral research, check its publication date and compare it with current information from official Finnish sources.
Finnish University Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s Students
For international students interested in bachelor’s or master’s studies, the realistic scholarship route is usually through the university offering the degree programme.
Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland generally pay tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
Universities may provide scholarships or tuition-fee waivers to eligible students, but each institution establishes its own rules.
Common scholarship arrangements include:
- Partial tuition-fee waivers.
- Full tuition-fee waivers.
- Scholarships linked to academic performance.
- Scholarships connected to a specific degree programme.
- Scholarships awarded during admission.
- Scholarships that can become available after enrolment.
- Tuition reductions based on university-specific criteria.
- Progress-based scholarship arrangements.
- Scholarships for selected international students.
- Other university-specific funding opportunities.
A tuition scholarship should not automatically be described as a fully funded scholarship.
If the award only removes tuition fees, the student still needs money for accommodation, food, insurance, transportation and other living costs.
How Much Does Studying in Finland Cost?
Financing is one of the most important parts of preparing for study in Finland.
For students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, tuition fees for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes generally range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the university and programme.
The exact fee must be checked in the programme information.
Current official guidance also recommends planning approximately €900–€1,200 per month for living expenses, although actual costs vary according to the city and lifestyle.
Finnish immigration requirements also require students to demonstrate sufficient financial resources when applying for a student residence permit.
| Funding or cost | What applicants should know |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s tuition | Usually charged to non-EU/EEA/Swiss students in English-taught programmes |
| Master’s tuition | Usually charged to non-EU/EEA/Swiss students in English-taught programmes |
| University scholarship | May partially or fully reduce tuition |
| Living expenses | Usually paid by the student |
| Doctoral tuition | No tuition fees regardless of nationality |
| Accommodation | Must normally be included in the personal budget |
| Residence permit finances | Applicants may need to demonstrate sufficient funds |
| Part-time work | Possible under applicable residence-permit rules, but should not be the main funding plan |
The official Study in Finland service specifically warns students not to rely on part-time employment as the primary way to finance their studies.
Finding suitable work can be difficult, particularly without Finnish or Swedish language skills.
Who Can Apply for Finnish University Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the university and programme rather than on one national Finnish scholarship system.
A prospective student should first identify an eligible degree programme and then read the scholarship conditions attached to that programme.
The scholarship application may be integrated into the admission application, although procedures vary.
You may need to provide:
- Academic certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of language proficiency where required.
- A passport or accepted identity document.
- Programme-specific application documents.
- A motivation statement where requested.
- A CV where requested.
- References or recommendation letters where requested.
- Evidence of meeting admission requirements.
- Additional documents specified by the university.
Do not assume that meeting the admission requirements automatically guarantees a scholarship.
Scholarship selection can have separate criteria and may be competitive.
How to Find a Scholarship in Finland
The most reliable starting point is Studyinfo.fi, Finland’s official national application portal.
Study in Finland advises applicants to search for their preferred programme through Studyinfo.fi and then examine the programme description for tuition fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Applicants should also verify the same information on the university’s official website.
A practical search process is:
- Choose your degree level.
- Select your academic field.
- Search English-taught programmes.
- Check admission requirements.
- Check the tuition fee.
- Look for scholarship information.
- Read the scholarship eligibility criteria.
- Check whether the scholarship application is separate.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Submit the admission and scholarship applications correctly.
- Keep evidence of your application submission.
Official application portal: Studyinfo.fi – Finnish national application portal
Official Study in Finland funding information: Study in Finland – Funding Your Studies
How to Apply for a Finnish University Scholarship
The application process normally starts with selecting a degree programme rather than searching for a generic government scholarship.
Studyinfo.fi provides information about available programmes, admission requirements and application procedures.
Some programmes participate in joint applications, while others use separate application systems.
A typical application strategy looks like this:
- Search for suitable programmes on Studyinfo.fi.
- Compare tuition fees.
- Identify programmes offering scholarships.
- Read the university’s scholarship conditions.
- Check whether you qualify.
- Prepare your academic documents.
- Prepare language-test evidence if required.
- Complete the admission application.
- Complete the scholarship section or separate scholarship application.
- Submit everything before the programme’s stated deadline.
- Monitor your application account and email.
Do not apply to a scholarship simply because an unofficial website describes it as “fully funded.” Confirm the award directly with the university.
Scholarships for Doctoral Students in Finland
Doctoral applicants should approach funding differently from bachelor’s and master’s applicants.
There are no tuition fees for doctoral studies in Finland, regardless of nationality.
However, this does not mean that doctoral students automatically receive a living stipend.
Funding must still be arranged.
Possible routes include:
- Paid doctoral researcher positions.
- University-funded doctoral positions.
- Research project positions.
- Research grants.
- Foundation funding.
- Research Council of Finland opportunities.
- Research funding connected to a research group.
- International research funding.
- Academic employment.
- Funding opportunities advertised through university departments.
The official Study in Finland guidance recommends contacting the relevant university department and looking for paid doctoral positions and research funding opportunities.
It also points applicants toward Research.fi and Euraxess.fi.
Official doctoral funding information: Study in Finland – Doctoral Funding
How to Avoid Fake Finnish Scholarship Offers
The popularity of Finnish education has created a market for misleading scholarship advertisements.
Official Finnish sources specifically warn about websites and social media posts promoting “fully funded Finland government scholarships.”
Before trusting a scholarship announcement, check:
- Whether it appears on an official Finnish government website.
- Whether the university itself confirms the scholarship.
- Whether the programme exists on Studyinfo.fi.
- Whether the scholarship has clear eligibility criteria.
- Whether the application procedure is explained.
- Whether the funding amount is clearly documented.
- Whether the university provides an official contact.
- Whether payment is requested simply to “secure” a scholarship.
- Whether the information is current.
- Whether the scholarship is actually intended for your degree level.
A website using Finnish government logos is not automatically an official government website.
Always verify the opportunity through Studyinfo.fi, the relevant university or another Finnish public authority.
Can You Study in Finland Without Paying Tuition?
Some students can study without tuition fees depending on their nationality, residence status, degree level and programme.
Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland generally pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, while doctoral programmes are tuition-free.
Certain exemptions may also apply depending on the student’s circumstances.
Even when tuition is waived, living costs remain an important consideration.
A student should prepare a realistic financial plan rather than treating a tuition scholarship as complete financial support.
For students who are eligible for university scholarships, a full tuition waiver can substantially reduce the cost of studying.
It does not necessarily pay for housing, food, transportation, insurance or other expenses.
A Practical Strategy for Applicants
If your original goal is to find a Finnish Government Scholarship, adjust your search strategy rather than relying on outdated scholarship lists.
Start with the degree programme you actually want to study.
Then identify its university, tuition fee, scholarship scheme and admission requirements.
For example, an international student interested in a master’s programme in technology could search Studyinfo.fi for suitable programmes, compare universities, check each programme’s tuition fee and then review the university’s scholarship conditions.
A doctoral applicant should instead investigate research groups and doctoral programmes, contact potential supervisors when appropriate, and search for funded doctoral positions and research grants.
This approach is more reliable because scholarship rules are established at university or programme level rather than through one general government scholarship for international degree students.
Conclusion
The Finnish Government Scholarship is often presented online as a current fully funded scholarship for international students, but official Finnish information does not support that description.
Finland currently has no general government scholarship for bachelor’s or master’s degree studies, while universities may offer their own tuition scholarships and doctoral students can pursue tuition-free doctoral studies together with separate funding opportunities.
The former Finnish Government Scholarship Pool was a historical doctoral-level funding scheme that was merged with the EDUFI Fellowship.
The EDUFI Fellowship has subsequently been discontinued, so applicants should not rely on old application instructions.
For a current application, use official Finnish sources, search Studyinfo.fi for your programme, and check the scholarship information published by the university itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Finnish Government Scholarship currently available?
There is no general Finnish government scholarship programme for international students applying to bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes.
Current scholarship opportunities at those levels are offered by individual Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences.
Is there a fully funded Finnish government scholarship?
Official Study in Finland guidance warns that advertisements for “fully funded Finland government scholarships” are misleading.
University scholarships can sometimes cover tuition fully, but students generally need to arrange their own living expenses.
Can international students get scholarships in Finland?
Yes.
Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences may offer scholarships or tuition-fee waivers to eligible international students, particularly those required to pay tuition fees.
Conditions vary between institutions and programmes.
Can I get a Finnish scholarship for a bachelor’s degree?
You can apply for university-specific scholarships connected to eligible bachelor’s programmes.
There is no general Finnish government scholarship covering international bachelor’s students.
Can I get a scholarship for a master’s degree in Finland?
Yes, some universities offer scholarships or tuition-fee waivers for master’s students who meet their requirements.
The award, eligibility rules and application procedure depend on the university and programme.
Is a PhD free in Finland?
Doctoral programmes in Finland do not charge tuition fees regardless of nationality.
However, students still need funding for accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses, unless they obtain a funded position or another source of financial support.
What happened to the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool?
The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool was an older doctoral-level scholarship scheme.
EDUFI announced that it would be merged with the EDUFI Fellowship, creating a unified scholarship programme for international postgraduate researchers.
Is the EDUFI Fellowship still available?
No.
The official Study in Finland doctoral funding page states that the EDUFI Fellowships programme has been discontinued and that applications to it are no longer considered.
Where should I search for Finnish university scholarships?
Start with Studyinfo.fi, Finland’s official national application portal.
After finding a suitable programme, check the programme description and the university’s official website for scholarship conditions and application instructions.
Can I work while studying in Finland to pay my expenses?
International students with the relevant student residence permit may work subject to applicable rules, but official Finnish guidance advises students not to base their financial plans on finding part-time employment.
Employment can be difficult to find, particularly without Finnish or Swedish language skills.
I actually applied for this scholarship a couple years ago and got stuck on the strict country list—it’s not available to all nationalities, which the post doesn’t fully emphasize. Even if you meet the academic requirements, make sure your home country is on their eligible list before getting your hopes up. The monthly grant sounds solid, but I’d love to know from someone who’s actually received it whether it’s enough to cover rent in Helsinki or if you need extra savings.
Oh, absolutely—I remember that country list shock. I’m from the U.S., so I didn’t hit that wall, but a friend from Argentina had her hopes dashed the same way. As for the EUR 1,500 in Helsinki, I managed to get by with a shared flat in Kallio for €700, but you’ll definitely need to budget carefully for groceries and transit. I ended up picking up a few hours of freelance editing online to pad things out, since the scholarship doesn’t restrict part-time work.
That’s really helpful, especially the part about Kallio—I’ve been wondering if €1,500 could actually work in Helsinki without feeling pinched. Good to know the scholarship doesn’t block side gigs too, because I’d probably need to pick up some tutoring or writing to feel secure.
That’s really reassuring to hear, especially about Kallio—I’ve been eyeing that neighborhood myself. I’m glad the scholarship doesn’t block freelance work, because I’d probably need a little extra for travel and weekend treats. How did you find your flatmates and the shared apartment hunt in Helsinki?
Oh, the country list—nothing like a bit of bureaucratic gatekeeping to keep the dream alive. I’m actually in the middle of the scholarship now, and that €1,500 in Helsinki means you’re sharing a flat in Kallio or similar, not living the high life. I’d definitely have a small side hustle or savings for the fun stuff, because groceries here don’t care about your budget.
That’s a really good point about the country list. It would be helpful to know if the EUR 1,500 monthly grant is realistic for the whole 3 to 12 months, especially considering that housing costs in Helsinki can be quite high. Did you find that the scholarship allowed for any additional part-time work to supplement the living allowance?
This hits close to home. I’m from one of the eligible countries, but I almost didn’t apply because I assumed the €1,500 wouldn’t stretch far enough in Helsinki. Seeing folks here mention sharing a flat in Kallio and picking up freelance work makes me think it’s doable if you’re smart about it—has anyone had luck finding affordable housing outside of the city center, like in Espoo or Vantaa, to save a bit more on rent?
I’m currently in my third month on the scholarship, and I’d say the €1,500 really does demand you live like a student—shared flats in Kallio or Vallila are the norm, and I’ve had to dip into savings for a weekend trip to Lapland. One thing I wish the post mentioned is that the grant is taxable in Finland if you stay over six months, which caught me off guard and ate into my budget. Also, for anyone wondering about housing apps, I found my flatmates through the university’s Facebook group for international students—way easier than battling the private rental market.
I’ve been looking into this scholarship too, and the part about the grant being taxable if you stay over six months is something I hadn’t seen anywhere else—so thanks to whoever brought that up. It makes me wonder if applying for a shorter period, like 9 months instead of a full year, would actually leave you with more take-home money after taxes. Also, has anyone here managed to find a decent shared place in Espoo for under €600 that still has a reasonable commute to the university?
Great points about the tax issue—I hadn’t seen that mentioned anywhere else, and it’s a huge detail if you’re planning a longer stay. To Chantal’s question, I’ve heard Espoo can be doable under €600 for a room in a shared flat, but the commute to central Helsinki adds about 30–40 minutes by train, so you’re trading money for time. I’m curious if the monthly grant is adjusted at all for researchers with dependents, or if it’s strictly the flat €1,500 regardless.