Finland has a wonderful higher education system. It is known around the world for its great quality and fresh ideas. For anyone hoping to study in Finland, one thing is more important than anything else at the start: understanding the intake process. People need to know when the universities open their doors for applications. This is called the academic intake.
Timing is everything. Knowing about the intake in Finland helps international students plan perfectly. It ensures that no important dates are missed. Finland has a main intake when most courses are available.
It also has a smaller, second intake. In this blog, we'll share details of both intakes in Finland, along with the top universities in Finland that open their gates during the intakes. But first, let's see what Intake is.
Overview of Finland Intakes 2025
Someone planning to study in Finland has two main windows during the year to apply for admission. These are known as intakes. The main and most popular one is the Autumn Intake, with classes starting in September. There is also a second, smaller opportunity called the Winter Intake for studies beginning in January.
Most universities use a single website for applications called Studyinfo.fi. This is very helpful because it allows a person to apply for up to six different courses with just one application form. It makes the whole process much simpler.
January (Winter) Intake in Finland
The January intake is a second chance for students to get into a Finnish university. It's a smaller intake, so it doesn't offer as many courses as the main one. But, it is still a great option for those who missed the first deadline or simply needed more time to prepare.
To start studying in January 2026, a student would need to send their application around September 2025.
There are some good reasons to apply for the January intake.
Another Opportunity: It gives students a second chance to apply if they were not ready for the main intake.
Fewer Applicants: Usually, fewer people apply for the January start. This might mean there is less competition for the available spots.
More Prep Time: The later deadline gives a person extra months to get all their documents, like exam results and language tests, in order.
Start Sooner: For students who finish their previous school mid-year, this intake lets them start their university life quickly without waiting for almost a whole year.
September (Autumn) Intake in Finland
The September intake is the main event in the Finnish academic world. This is when almost all universities offer all their courses, from Bachelor's to Master's degrees.
It’s the traditional start of the school year. Because it's the biggest intake, it attracts the most students from all over the world. The application period for a September 2026 start is usually in January 2026.
Choosing the September intake has many benefits.
Biggest Choice of Courses: A student will find the widest variety of subjects and programs to choose from. Almost every course is available.
Big Welcome Events: Universities host many orientation events to help the large number of new students feel welcome and adjust to life in Finland.
More Scholarship Money: There are generally more scholarships and financial aid options available for this intake.
Lots of New People: It’s an exciting time to be on campus. A student will start with a large, diverse group of people, making it easy to meet new friends.
Follows a Normal Schedule: The academic year follows a standard calendar. This makes planning for summer jobs or future studies much easier.
For prospective students, the best time to enroll is almost always the Autumn (September) intake. This is the main application cycle in Finland, offering the widest selection of Bachelor's and Master's programs across all universities. The Spring intake is less common and has very limited program availability.
The other option is the Spring (January) intake. However, this intake is less common and has a significantly more limited selection of available programs. It can be a good alternative for specific courses that offer it or for students who may have missed the main Autumn application window.
Below, we have enlisted the top universities of Finland with their rankings, so that you can apply to your preferred college in time.
University
QS World University Ranking 2026
THE World University Rankings 2025
U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Global Universities Rankings
Eligibility and Admission Process: Finland Campuses Intake
The journey tostudy in Finlandinvolves a clear, structured application process primarily managed through the national portal, Studyinfo.fi. This system allows you to apply for up to six different degree programs in a single joint application.
The core steps include researching programs on Studyinfo.fi, preparing your documents, and submitting your application online during the specified window (January for the main Autumn intake). Some programs may require an entrance exam.
After the results are released, you must accept one study offer, which then allows you to proceed with any necessary residence permit applications.
Method of Verification
Specific Requirements
Previous Education
A higher education degree (Bachelor's or Master's) completed in English in an EU/EEA country
Choosing when to start a university journey in a new country is a big decision. Finland offers different timelines, and each path presents its own unique set of opportunities and considerations. The best choice isn't the same for everyone; it depends entirely on personal goals, the specific course of interest, and individual readiness. Making the right decision requires careful thought and planning.
This entire process can sometimes feel complex, and it's easy to feel unsure about the best way forward. If you're looking for expert guidance to help you navigate your study abroad options, upGrad is here to help. Our counselors can support you through every step, from choosing the right intake to preparing a strong application.
Take the guesswork out of your future. Connect with an upGradadvisor today and take your first confident step toward studying in Finland!
FAQs
What are the main intakes in Finland for higher education?
Finland's higher education institutions have two primary intakes for international students. The main intake is the Autumn session, starting in September, which offers the widest selection of programs. The other is the Winter (or Spring) intake, beginning in January, with a more limited number of available courses.
Which intake is better: Winter or Autumn?
The Autumn intake is generally considered better because it is the primary admission cycle with a comprehensive range of Bachelor's and Master's programs across all universities. The Winter intake offers fewer choices and is often a secondary option for those who missed the Autumn application window.
When should I start applying for the September intake?
For the September (Autumn) intake, the main joint application period is in January. It is advisable to start researching universities and preparing your documents, such as transcripts and language proficiency test scores, several months in advance to ensure a well-prepared and timely application.
Are all programs available in both intakes?
No, not all programs are available in both the Autumn and Winter intakes. The Autumn intake is the principal admission cycle with the most extensive array of study programs. The Winter intake has a more restricted selection of courses, varying by university and field of study.
Can international students apply for both intakes?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply for both the Autumn and Winter intakes in Finland. The application process and eligibility criteria are generally the same for both. This provides flexibility for students from different academic calendars to apply for higher education in Finland.
What are the key deadlines I should be aware of?
For the Autumn (September) intake, the joint application is in January, with results by the end of May and offer acceptance by early July. For the Winter (January) intake, applications are from September to October, with admission results announced around November or December.
What happens if I miss the Winter intake deadline?
If you miss the Winter intake deadline, you will generally have to wait for the next application period for the Autumn intake. Some universities might have separate rolling admissions for specific programs, so it is worth checking individual university websites for any remaining opportunities.
How long does the student visa process take for Finland?
The processing time for a Finnish student residence permit can take approximately one to three months. It is highly recommended to start the visa application process as soon as you receive your official letter of acceptance from the university to ensure you have it in time for your studies.
Can I change my intake after admission?
Changing your intake after receiving admission is generally not possible, as the offer is specific to the academic term. If you cannot join the offered intake, you will likely need to reapply for a future intake. It is best to confirm directly with the university's admission services.
When do applicants receive their admission results?
For the main Autumn intake, applicants receive their admission results by the end of May. For the Winter intake, admission decisions are usually communicated to applicants around November or December. The exact dates can vary slightly between universities and programs.
Can I accept admission offers from multiple universities?
No, in Finland, you can only accept one study place per academic term (1 August – 31 December or 1 January – 31 July). This "one study place per term" provision means that once you accept an offer, any other offers for the same term are automatically canceled.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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