Guides · English-taught programmes · Study in Finland

English-taught bachelor's programmes in Finland

5 min read · 2026-10-21

English-taught bachelor's programmes do exist in Finland, but they are not as common as master's programmes. They are most often in fields where international study is common, such as business, engineering, information technology, and design. Tuition depends on your nationality, so always check the university's admissions page and the programme page.

How common are English-taught bachelor's programmes?

Finland offers some bachelor's degrees in English, but the total number is limited compared with master's level study. Many Finnish universities still teach most bachelor's programmes in Finnish or Swedish, especially in fields linked to local public services and regulated professions.

You are more likely to find English-taught options in:

  • business and international business
  • computer science and software
  • engineering and technology
  • information systems
  • design, media, and creative fields
  • some tourism and hospitality programmes

If you want a wider choice, look at universities of applied sciences as well as research universities. They often have more practice-focused bachelor's programmes in English.

Which fields have the most options?

The strongest areas for English-taught bachelor's study are usually the ones that attract international applicants and have a global job market.

  • Business: international business, management, marketing, supply chain
  • Technology: IT, software engineering, electronics, industrial engineering
  • Design and media: game design, digital media, visual communication
  • Health-related areas: only a few options, often with strict language or placement rules

Some fields are much harder to find in English at bachelor's level. Medicine, nursing, law, teacher education, and many social service programmes are usually taught in Finnish or Swedish because of professional language needs.

What do they cost?

In Finland, tuition rules depend on whether you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or a non-EU student. In general, students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland usually do not pay tuition for degree studies in Finland. Non-EU and non-EEA students usually do pay tuition for English-taught bachelor's programmes.

Typical tuition for non-EU students is often in the range of about 6,000 to 18,000 euros per academic year, but some programmes can be lower or higher. The exact fee is set by each university and each programme, so always check the official programme page.

Also remember to budget for:

  • student union fee, if required
  • living costs
  • books and study materials
  • possible application fee, if the university charges one

For the latest tuition rules, check the university admissions page and the Finnish National Agency for Education or Immigration Service if you need visa or residence permit details.

What language level do you need?

For English-taught programmes, universities usually ask for proof of English. Common proof includes IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or a previous degree taught fully in English, depending on the university's rules.

Typical minimums vary by programme, but many universities ask for something around:

  • IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT around 80 to 92
  • PTE Academic around 54 to 62

These are only common ranges, not guaranteed requirements. Some programmes ask for higher scores, and some accept other tests or alternative proof. Always check the exact accepted documents on the programme page.

You usually do not need Finnish at the start if the programme is fully in English. Still, basic Finnish can help with daily life, internships, and part-time work.

How to find the right programme

The safest way is to search only on official university sites and the national Study in Finland pages. Do not rely on old blog posts or agency pages for deadlines or fees.

When you compare programmes, check these points:

  • Is it a true bachelor's degree, not a pathway or pre-degree?
  • Is the teaching fully in English?
  • What are the tuition rules for your nationality?
  • What English test or previous study is accepted?
  • Are there entrance exams, interviews, or portfolio tasks?
  • Does the programme include traineeships, exchange, or practical projects?

It also helps to check whether the degree gives access to the next step you want, such as a master's degree or a specific job sector in Finland or abroad.

How universities usually contact applicants

Most Finnish universities use a formal application process. You submit your documents, then the university reviews them and may invite you to an entrance exam, interview, or portfolio check. Some programmes also use direct selection based on grades and test results.

Keep your documents ready in clear PDF form. Common documents include:

  • passport or ID
  • previous school certificates and transcripts
  • English test result, if needed
  • motivation letter, if the programme asks for one
  • portfolio, if you apply for design or media

Watch the official admissions page for exact application windows, because dates can change from year to year. If you are unsure, email the admissions office listed on the programme page. Short and direct questions work best.

Common questions

Can I study in Finland in English without knowing Finnish?

Yes, for some bachelor's programmes you can start in English without Finnish. But Finnish is still useful for everyday life, jobs, and some internships.

Are English-taught bachelor's degrees free in Finland?

They are usually free for EU, EEA, and Swiss students, but non-EU and non-EEA students usually pay tuition. Always check the university's official fee page.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Check the programme page for entry requirements, then compare them with your school background and English level. If anything is unclear, ask the admissions office before you apply.

How Eduuro helps

Create a free profile with your field, education, English level, and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.

This can help if you want universities to notice your profile while you keep checking each programme's official admissions page for the final rules.

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.

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