If you want to study law in Finland, start by checking which level fits you: a bachelor's, a master's, or a full law degree that leads toward legal practice. The path is clear, but the rules depend on the university and the programme language, so always check the university admissions page and the Finnish national study info site.
What law study looks like in Finland
In Finland, law is usually taught as a university degree, not as a short course. Many students begin with a bachelor's and continue to a master's. In some universities, especially in Finnish or Swedish, law is offered as one longer degree path.
- Bachelor's level: usually the first step if you want a full academic path.
- Master's level: common if you already have a relevant bachelor's degree.
- Doctoral level: for research, if you later want to continue in academia.
Some law programmes focus on Finnish or Nordic law, which is important if you want to work in Finland later. If you want to become a lawyer or use a law degree professionally, check the requirements of the Finnish legal profession and the official university pages, because the route can be different from country to country.
Language of study and English-taught options
Many law degrees in Finland are taught in Finnish or Swedish. English-taught options exist, but they are fewer, and they often focus on international law, human rights, business law, or comparative law.
- For Finnish-taught degrees, universities often ask for strong Finnish skills.
- For English-taught degrees, you usually need proof of English level, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.
- Some programmes may ask for a motivation letter, CV, and previous transcripts.
If you are not yet sure which language to choose, look at the teaching language first. Then check whether the programme is open to international applicants and whether the degree matches your plans after graduation.
Typical entry requirements
Entry rules vary, but most universities want solid previous studies and proof that you can follow university teaching. For bachelor's level study, you may need a secondary school diploma and results from an entrance exam or selection process. For master's level study, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree.
- Secondary school certificate for bachelor's entry.
- Relevant bachelor's degree for master's entry.
- Proof of English, if the programme is taught in English.
- Application documents such as transcripts, passport copy, and sometimes a motivation letter.
- Some programmes use an entrance exam, interview, or written assignment.
Law can be competitive. Strong grades help, but the exact selection method depends on the university. Read the programme page carefully, because some universities use national joint applications while others have their own process.
Tuition fees and living costs
In Finland, tuition depends on your nationality and the programme. EU, EEA, and Swiss students often study tuition-free in many cases, but you should always confirm this on the university's site. Non-EU students usually pay tuition for English-taught degree programmes.
Typical tuition ranges for non-EU students are often several thousand euros per year, and some programmes can be much higher. Do not guess the cost from old forums. Check the university's programme page or the official admissions page for the current fee.
Living costs also matter. Finland is not a cheap country, especially in larger cities. A realistic student budget usually includes:
- Housing
- Food
- Local transport
- Health insurance, if needed
- Books and study materials
- Phone and personal expenses
For visa or residence permit purposes, the Finnish immigration authority lists the minimum funds you may need to show. Check the official migration site before you apply, because this amount can change.
Application timeline and how to start
Most universities have fixed application windows, often once a year for autumn entry, but some have extra rounds. Plan early. You may need time for language tests, transcript copies, translations, and possible entrance exams.
- 6 to 12 months before study start: choose programmes and check entry rules.
- Several months before the deadline: take your language test if needed.
- Before the deadline: prepare diplomas, transcripts, passport, and motivation materials.
- After applying: watch your email and the university portal for next steps.
If you need a residence permit, start that process as soon as you get the right admission documents. The official immigration authority is the best source for current rules and processing steps.
How universities find candidates
Finnish universities usually do not search random social media profiles. They look through official applications, joint application systems, and their own recruitment channels. Some admissions teams also search student databases and international registers for people with the right background, language level, and field interest.
If you want to be easier to find, make sure your profile or application materials are complete and clear:
- Your field of interest: law, international law, business law, or another area.
- Your current education level and grades.
- Your English level and test results, if you have them.
- Your documents: transcripts, diploma, CV, and passport details.
That helps admissions teams see whether you fit a programme and whether they should contact you with next steps.
Common questions
Can I study law in Finland in English?
Yes, some programmes are taught in English, but they are fewer than Finnish or Swedish options. Check the university's programme page to see the teaching language and entry rules.
Do I need Finnish to study law there?
Not always for admission, if the programme is in English. But Finnish is often needed for many legal jobs in Finland, especially if you want to work with local law or clients.
Is law in Finland expensive for international students?
It can be, especially for non-EU students in English-taught programmes. Tuition and living costs both matter, so check the university's official fee page and the Finnish immigration site for current financial requirements.
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.
That can save time when you are comparing law programmes and want universities to come to you.
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.