Finland is one of the best places in the world to get a high-quality education. With its innovative teaching style, world-class universities, and a strong focus on research, Finland continues to attract international students from all corners of the globe.
But studying abroad can be expensive. That’s where scholarships like the Finland 5000 Scholarship come in.
This blog post will explain everything you need to know about the Finland 5000 Scholarship; what it is, who it’s for, how to apply, what it covers, and how it can help you achieve your dreams of studying in Finland.
What Is the Finland 5000 Scholarship?
The Finland 5000 Scholarship is a financial aid opportunity provided by some Finnish universities to help international students cover their study costs.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, this is not a scholarship given by the Finnish government directly.
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Instead, it refers to a tuition fee reduction or cash grant of up to €5000 provided by participating universities to non-EU/EEA students.
The amount can vary from school to school, but the idea behind the name is to represent a financial support worth €5,000, often awarded either:
- As a partial tuition waiver, or
- As a cash incentive or relocation grant.
Who Offers the Finland 5000 Scholarship?
Some top Finnish universities that offer scholarships like this include:
- University of Eastern Finland (UEF)
- Tampere University
- University of Turku
- Aalto University
- University of Helsinki
- LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti)
- Åbo Akademi University
These scholarships are often part of the broader Finland Scholarship program, designed to attract talented international students to Finnish higher education institutions.
Purpose of the Finland 5000 Scholarship
The main goal of this scholarship is to:
- Support high-achieving international students
- Help cover initial living expenses or part of tuition fees
- Attract students to Master’s and sometimes Bachelor’s degree programs taught in English
- Encourage students from outside the EU/EEA to choose Finland as their study destination
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Finland 5000 Scholarship, applicants typically need to:
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
- Apply to an eligible English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program
- Meet the university’s admission requirements (e.g., previous academic results, language proficiency)
- Apply during the main application round, usually between January and March
- Show academic excellence, motivation, or leadership potential (depending on the school)
Tip: Some schools automatically consider you for the scholarship once you apply for admission. Others may require a separate application or motivation letter.
What Does the Finland 5000 Scholarship Cover?
Here’s what you can typically expect:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Full or partial waiver up to €5000 off the annual fee |
| Relocation Grant | One-time cash grant for living expenses (e.g., €5000) |
| Living Cost Support | Some universities may offer additional monthly stipends |
| Housing Recommendations | Help with finding student housing or discounts |
| Extension Possibility | In some cases, the scholarship continues if you meet GPA requirements |
Important: Always check the specific terms from each university, not all offer the same benefits.
Application Timeline (2025 Entry)
Here’s a general timeline for 2025 intakes:
| Stage | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| Program Applications Open | January 2025 |
| Deadline for Applications | Mid to Late January 2025 |
| Scholarship Selection | February–March 2025 |
| Admission Results | April 2025 |
| Visa & Relocation Preparation | May–August 2025 |
| Start of Classes | August–September 2025 |
Always check the specific university’s admissions page for updated deadlines and requirements.
How to Apply for the Finland 5000 Scholarship
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Go to studyinfo.fi and search for English-taught programs in Finland. Choose a university that offers scholarships to non-EU students.
Step 2: Apply to the University
Submit your online application and required documents (e.g., transcripts, passport, language certificates).
Step 3: Indicate Scholarship Interest
Some schools ask you to tick a scholarship box during your application. Others will require:
- A motivation letter
- CV
- Recommendation letters
Step 4: Wait for the Results
If selected, the scholarship award will usually be announced along with your admission offer.
Benefits of Studying in Finland
- No tuition for EU/EEA students
- High-quality education and safe environment
- English-taught programs at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels
- Opportunity to stay and work in Finland after graduation
- Modern facilities, innovation, and international exposure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Finland 5000 Scholarship available for Bachelor’s programs?
Yes, but more commonly available for Master’s degree programs. Always check the specific university.
2. Is this scholarship enough to cover all expenses?
No. The scholarship helps, but you may need additional funds for living costs (around €700–€900 per month in Finland).
3. Can I get more than €5000?
Yes, some universities offer multiple scholarships or larger packages depending on merit and need.
4. Do I need to repay the scholarship?
No. It’s a non-repayable financial award, provided you meet the scholarship’s conditions.
5. What happens if I don’t maintain my grades?
Some scholarships are renewable, meaning you must maintain a certain GPA or progress level to keep receiving benefits.