If you want to study dentistry in Finland, start by checking which path fits you: a full degree, a transfer route, or later specialist study. Dentistry is a regulated field, so you should always check the university's admissions page and the Finnish national immigration authority for the latest rules.
In Finland, admission is competitive. You usually need strong grades, proof of language ability, and sometimes an entrance exam or other selection steps. Costs also vary a lot between EU and non-EU students, so it helps to plan early.
What dentistry study looks like in Finland
Dentistry is usually offered as a long professional degree that leads to work as a dentist after graduation and any required licensing steps. In Finland, the main route is through a university programme in dentistry, often described as a medical field programme rather than a simple bachelor degree.
In many European systems, dentistry is taught as an integrated degree, not as a separate bachelor and master split. That means:
- you may apply to a longer single programme
- the programme can include both basic science and clinical training
- you should check whether the degree gives access to dentist licensure in Finland and in other countries you care about
If you already studied a related subject, ask the university whether any credits can be recognised. Do not assume transfer is possible. Dentistry programmes are often strict about which courses can be accepted.
English-taught options and language
English-taught dentistry options in Finland are limited. Many dental programmes are taught mainly in Finnish and sometimes Swedish, because students need to work with patients during training. Some parts of study or research may be available in English, but that does not always mean the full clinical degree is in English.
Always check the programme page for the teaching language. If the programme is not fully in English, you may need:
- Finnish or Swedish language skills
- an approved language test in English if the programme is taught in English
- proof that you can communicate safely in a clinical setting
For patient-facing study, language matters a lot. Universities often want to know that you can understand lectures, write academic work, and speak clearly with patients and staff.
Typical admission requirements
Admission to dentistry in Finland is selective. Requirements vary by university, but the usual pattern is:
- secondary school qualification for first-degree entry, or a prior degree for some postgraduate study
- strong grades in science subjects, often biology, chemistry, physics or maths
- proof of language ability
- an entrance exam, interview, or other selection method
Some universities may also look at motivation, prior studies, or earlier university results. For international students, you should check whether your school leaving certificate is accepted and whether you need certified translations.
Use the university's own admissions page as the final source. That page will tell you:
- which qualifications are accepted
- which documents you need
- the exact selection method
- how the university ranks applicants
Do not rely on old forum posts or social media. Entry rules can change from year to year.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition depends on your nationality and the university. In Finland, EU and EEA students often pay no tuition in many public degree programmes, while non-EU and non-EEA students usually pay tuition for English-taught degrees. The exact fee is set by the university, so check the programme page.
A realistic way to think about tuition is this:
- EU and EEA students - often no tuition in public degree study, but confirm the current rule
- non-EU and non-EEA students - typically tuition is charged for English-taught programmes
- scholarships - sometimes available, but not guaranteed and often competitive
Living costs are separate from tuition. Finland is not a low-cost country, especially in larger student cities. Budget for housing, food, local transport, books, phone costs, and health insurance if needed. A practical monthly budget can vary by city and lifestyle, so check current student cost estimates from the university, the city, or the student union.
Also remember that the immigration authority may ask you to show that you have enough money to support yourself if you apply for a residence permit. Check the official Finnish immigration authority website for the current financial requirement.
How to apply and when to start
Start early. A good plan is to begin 12 to 18 months before the intake you want. This gives you time to improve grades, prepare documents, and learn the language if needed.
A simple timeline:
- 12 to 18 months before - check programmes and language needs
- 9 to 12 months before - prepare transcripts, diplomas, translations, and test results
- when applications open - submit the university application
- after admission - apply for housing and, if needed, a residence permit
When you prepare your application, keep these documents ready:
- passport or ID
- school certificates or previous degree certificates
- official transcripts
- language test results, if required
- translations and legalization or apostille, if the university asks for them
If you are admitted, read the next steps carefully. You may need to confirm your place, pay a tuition instalment if charged, and apply for a residence permit before travel.
How universities usually find candidates
Universities do not usually search random social media profiles. They work from applications, official databases, fairs, and sometimes student registers or recruitment platforms.
That means your best chance is to make your profile easy to find and easy to assess. Admissions teams often look for very clear information:
- your field of interest, such as dentistry
- your highest completed education
- your grades and science background
- your English level or other language skills
- your documents, if already available
If a university or admissions office reaches out first, that is usually an invitation to learn more. It is not an admission offer. You still need to meet the official requirements and go through the real application process.
Common questions
Is dentistry in Finland open to international students?
Yes, international students can apply if they meet the university's requirements. The exact route depends on the programme, the language of study, and your previous education.
Do I need Finnish to study dentistry?
Often yes, especially for clinical study and patient contact. Some parts may be in English, but you should check the programme page carefully because language rules can be strict.
Can I get a scholarship for dentistry?
Sometimes, but not always. Scholarships are limited and competitive. Always check the university's scholarship page or the scholarship's own site for the current rules.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so you can show what you are ready to study.
Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.