Cost of Studying in Finland 2025 - Tuition Fees, Living Expenses & Budget Tips

Finland is a great study option for Indian students because of its high-quality education system and access to affordable or tuition-free doctoral programs. However, the total cost of studying in Finland in 2025 depends on the level of the course, the university, the city, and personal lifestyle.

For bachelor’s and master’s courses, Indian students usually pay tuition fees between €8,000 to €20,000 per year, which is about INR 7.2 lakhs to INR 18 lakhs per year. PhD programs are tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality.

In addition to tuition while studying in Finland, students must also manage monthly living costs, which are around €938 or INR 93,000 per month, excluding rent. This includes food, transport, and basic utilities. Rent for student housing ranges from €300 to €700 per month, depending on the city, type of accommodation, and distance from the campus.

Indian students should also consider paying the student union fee of €50–€70 per year (approx. INR 4,500–INR 6,300), which gives access to student discounts and healthcare services.

Want to compare tuition across countries? Here’s a detailed guide on the cost of studying abroad for Indian students.

Cost of Studying in Finland for Indian Students: Highlights

Particulars	Description
Tuition Fees in Finland	INR 7,20,000- INR 18,00,000 per year
Cost of Living in Finland	INR 93,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month

Tuition Fees for Indian Students in Finland

The tuition fees for Indian students in Finland range between EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 per year for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. The exact fee depends on the university and the course you choose. 

Most Finnish universities charge tuition only to non-EU/EEA students, which includes Indian students. However, many universities also offer scholarships for international students, including those from India, to help reduce the cost. These scholarships are usually based on academic performance and application merit. You can find detailed tuition fees and scholarship options on the Studyinfo.fi portal or on the official website of the university you apply to.

Unlike bachelor’s and master’s programmes, doctoral (PhD) programmes in Finland are tuition-free, no matter your nationality. This makes Finland a good option for Indian students looking for affordable PhD study abroad.

In addition to tuition, Indian students in Finland must also pay an annual student union fee, which is around EUR 50 to EUR 70. This fee gives access to benefits like discounted meals, cheaper public transport, and student health services. Student union membership is mandatory in universities but optional at universities of applied sciences (UAS).

Finland University Fees for Indian Students 2025

Tuition Fees (English-Taught Programs)

• Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees: €8,000 – €20,000 per year (INR 7,20,000-INR 18,00,000)
  • Varies by university and field (e.g., engineering/business at the higher end)
  • Scholarships are often available—check Studyinfo.fi or the university’s website

Doctoral (PhD) Programmes

• Tuition-free for all students, including those from India

Student Union Fee

• Annual fee: ~€50–€70 (INR 4,500-INR 6,300)

Tuition Fees at Top Finnish Universities (2025)

University/UAS	Tuition Range	Degree Level
University of Helsinki	€13,000–€18,000 (INR 11.5L–INR 15.8L)	Master’s
Aalto University	€12,000–€15,000 (INR 10.6L–INR 13.1L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
Tampere University	€8,000–€12,000 (INR 7L–INR 10.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
LUT University	€10,000–€11,000 (INR 8.8L–INR 9.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s
Metropolia UAS	€10,000–€12,000 (INR 8.8L–INR 10.5L)	Bachelor’s, Master’s

Also Read: Study in Helsinki: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships

Most Affordable Universities in Finland

Finland is home to several public universities that offer quality education at relatively lower tuition fees for international students. Here are some of the most affordable universities in Finland for Indian students:

Cheapest Universities in Finland for Indian Students

• Aalto University
• Tampere University
• University of Turku
• University of Oulu
• University of Jyväskylä
• LUT University
• University of Eastern Finland
• Laurea University of Applied Sciences
• Häme University of Applied Sciences

Looking to explore more budget-friendly study destinations? Check out these guides on studying in Europe for free and how to study abroad for free.

Cost of Living in Finland for Indian Students  

The average cost of living in Finland for Indian students is around INR 93,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month, excluding tuition fees and rent. Students can calculate their total monthly expense by adding tuition fees, living costs, rent, food, and travel.

The cost of living in Finland is about 237.5% higher than in India, according to recent data. Compared to Indian cities, daily expenses like food, travel, and mobile data are costlier in Finland. However, students in Finland benefit from student discounts on food, public transport, and healthcare, which helps cut costs.

The average rent in Finland is 349.4% higher than in India, which is why many Indian students choose shared apartments or student housing to save money.

The cost of living also changes depending on the city. Cities like Helsinki and Espoo are more expensive, while Tampere, Turku, and Oulu are more affordable. 

Let’s check the recent cost of living in Finland for Indian students in 2025:

Expense	Typical Cost
Accommodation (for dorm/shared apartment)	€240–€600 (INR 21,600–INR 54,000)
Groceries	€180–€400 (INR 16,200–INR 36,000) per month
Eating Out	€11–€35 (INR 990–INR 3,150) per meal
Utilities	€84–€200 (INR 7,560–INR 18,000) per month
Internet & Mobile	€20–€40 (INR 1,800–INR 3,600) + €20–€35 (INR 1,800–INR 3,150)
Public Transport	€60–€78 (INR 5,400–INR 7,020) monthly

Source: Numbeo

What Are the Visa Costs for Studying in Finland?

Applying for a Finland student visa comes with a few upfront costs that you should factor into your budget early. The main one is the residence permit for studies, which you need before entering Finland. Indian students must also show proof of finances and meet health insurance requirements.

Finland Student Visa (Residence Permit) Costs – 2025

Visa Type	Cost	Notes
Online application (preferred)	€450 (INR 39,600)	Faster processing, apply via Enter Finland
Paper application	€550 (INR 48,400)	Slower, less preferred
Health insurance (1 year)	The insurance deductible shouldn't exceed €300.	Required for visa approval
Proof of funds required	€800/month = €9,600/year (INR 8.4 lakh)	Must show you can support living expenses

Additional Costs of Studying in Finland

Apart from tuition, you’ll need to budget for academic-related expenses:

Expense Type	Average Annual Cost	Notes
Student Union Fee	€100–€150 (INR 8,800–INR 13,200)	Mandatory in most universities
Books & Study Materials	€200–€300 (INR 17,600–INR 26,400)	Varies by program
Laptop/Software	€500–€1,000 (INR 44,000–INR 88,000) (one-time)	Needed for design, tech, and business
Printing & Misc. Costs	€50–€100 (INR 4,400–INR 8,800)	Optional, but helpful to include

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities to Study in Finland

Indian students can apply for multiple scholarships and financial aid in Finland to manage their study costs. Check the eligibility requirements of Finland scholarships to apply early.  

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Finland

Scholarship Name	Eligible For	What It Covers	Deadline
Finland Government Scholarship	Master’s and PhD students (Non-EU)	Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend of €1,500 (about INR 1.35 lakhs), travel grant, health insurance	December – January
EDUFI Fellowship	Doctoral and research students	Monthly grant of up to €1,900 (about INR 1.7 lakhs) for 3–12 months, no tuition fees	Open all year
Erasmus+ Scholarship	Master’s degree applicants	Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend of €1,000 (about INR 90,000), travel support	October – January
University of Helsinki Scholarship	Master’s degree students (Non-EU)	Full tuition fee + €10,000 (about INR 9 lakhs) living cost stipend	December – January
Aalto University Scholarship	Bachelor’s and Master’s students	50% to 100% tuition fee waiver	December – January
Tampere University Global Scholarship	Bachelor’s and Master’s students	Full or partial tuition fee waiver	December – January
University of Oulu Scholarship	Bachelor’s and Master’s students	50% to 100% tuition fee waiver	December – January
LUT University Tuition Waiver	Bachelor’s and Master’s students	50% to 100% tuition fee waiver	December – January
Åbo Akademi University Scholarship	Master’s students	Full tuition fee waiver	December – January
Finnish National Agency for Education Grants (EDUFI)	International PhD and research students	Monthly living grant of €1,500–€1,800 (INR 1.35–INR 1.6 lakhs), research travel grants	Open all year

Documents Required for Finland Scholarship

Check the list of documents required to apply for a scholarship in Finland for Indian students:

• Valid Passport 
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Updated CV / Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Research Proposal (only for PhD or research-based programs)
• Work Experience Certificate
• Passport-size Photograph 
• Application Form

How to Apply for Scholarships in Finland?

• Apply through studyinfo.fi along with your university application
• Check the scholarship box or upload a separate motivation letter if required
• No separate fee for applying to scholarships
•  Submit early—most deadlines fall between December and January for autumn intakes

Scholarships can reduce your cost of studying in Finland by 50% or more. A few even cover full tuition and living support in your first year, so apply early and carefully.

Explore more funding options with this complete list of international scholarships available for Indian students.

Cost Comparison: Studying in Finland vs. Other Countries

Studying in Finland is often cheaper than in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia, especially because PhD programs are free and many scholarships are offered. However, the cost of living in Finland can be a bit higher compared to countries like Germany or India. Also, don’t miss this list of the cheapest countries to study for Indian students.

Studying in Finland vs. Other Countries

Destination	Cost of Studying per year
Finland
Canada	CAD 13,000 to 25,000
New Zealand	NZD 19,000 to 29,000
Australia	AUD 15,000 to 42,000
UK	GBP 10,000 to 20,000
US	USD 20,000 to 45,000
Ireland	€9,850 to 34,500

Conclusion

The cost of studying in Finland in 2025 for international students includes tuition fees and living expenses. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students are usually between €8,000 and €20,000 per year, but depending on the university and course, some programs can be as low as €5,000 or as high as €24,000.

Monthly living expenses in Finland are about €700 to €1,200, covering rent, food, transport, insurance, and other needs. Costs are higher in cities like Helsinki (up to €1,580/month) and lower in cities like Oulu, Tampere, Turku, and Pori (as low as €660/month). The biggest cost is usually accommodation, with student housing being the cheapest option.

For help with budgeting, scholarships, and choosing the right university, talk to upGrad experts. Experts here will guide you step by step for a smooth and affordable study experience.