If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Finland, surrounded by world-class research, innovative teaching, and one of the highest qualities of life in the world, then this opportunity deserves your full attention. The $14,000 University of Helsinki International Scholarship is designed to make that dream more achievable for talented international students who want a top-tier European education without overwhelming financial stress.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—what the scholarship is, who it’s for, what it covers, how to apply, and most importantly, how to position yourself as a strong candidate. Think of this as a friendly conversation rather than a stiff brochure. Let’s dive in.
Why Study at the University of Helsinki?
Before we talk money, let’s talk value.
The University of Helsinki is consistently ranked among the top universities in Europe and the world. Founded in 1640, it combines centuries of academic tradition with modern, forward-thinking education. But what really sets it apart for international students?
A few standout reasons:
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Research-driven teaching – You’re learning from professors who actively shape their fields
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English-taught master’s programs – No Finnish required to get started
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Strong global reputation – Degrees recognized worldwide
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Student-centered learning – Less memorization, more critical thinking
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Safe, inclusive society – Finland regularly ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world
Now imagine accessing all of this with a $14,000 scholarship helping to cover your costs.
What Is the $14,000 University of Helsinki International Scholarship?
The University of Helsinki International Scholarship is a tuition-based scholarship awarded to non-EU/EEA students applying for eligible master’s degree programs.
The scholarship is valued at approximately $14,000 per academic year, depending on the tuition fee of the program. In many cases, this amount represents a significant tuition reduction or even full tuition coverage.
Key purpose of the scholarship:
The university understands that talented students exist all over the world—not just in Europe. This scholarship is their way of attracting academically strong, motivated international students who might otherwise be unable to afford tuition fees.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is an important question—and one many students misunderstand.
The scholarship typically covers:
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✔️ Partial or full tuition fees (up to ~$14,000 per year)
What it does NOT usually cover:
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❌ Living expenses
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❌ Accommodation
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❌ Travel costs
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❌ Health insurance
That said, Finland allows international students to:
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Work part-time during studies
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Work full-time during holidays
Many students combine the scholarship with part-time work and personal savings to comfortably manage living costs.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is competitive, but don’t let that intimidate you. If you meet the criteria and prepare well, you absolutely have a chance.
You are eligible if:
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You are a non-EU/EEA citizen
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You are applying for a master’s degree program taught in English
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You are required to pay tuition fees
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You have strong academic performance
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You submit your application before the deadline
You do NOT need:
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Work experience (unless your program requires it)
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Finnish language skills
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A separate scholarship application (more on this below)
Eligible Programs at the University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programs, including:
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Computer Science & Data Science
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Environmental Change & Sustainability
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Life Sciences & Biotechnology
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International Law & Global Governance
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Economics & Social Sciences
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Education & Learning Sciences
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Agriculture, Forestry & Food Sciences
Each program has its own academic requirements, but the scholarship consideration process is centralized.
How the Scholarship Application Works (Very Important)
One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is its simplicity.
👉 You do NOT apply separately for the scholarship.
When you apply for admission to a master’s program at the University of Helsinki:
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You tick a box indicating that you want to be considered for a tuition fee scholarship
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Your scholarship application is automatically reviewed alongside your admission application
That’s it.
No extra essays. No additional portals. No separate deadlines.
Selection Criteria: How Winners Are Chosen
This is where strategy matters.
The University of Helsinki focuses heavily on academic merit, but that doesn’t mean grades are the only thing that matters.
They typically assess:
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Academic performance (GPA, class ranking, transcripts)
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Relevance of your background to the chosen program
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Motivation letter quality
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Overall strength of your application
💡 Tip: A strong motivation letter can sometimes make up for an average GPA if it clearly shows purpose, clarity, and alignment with the program.
How Competitive Is the Scholarship?
Let’s be honest—it’s competitive. But it’s not impossible.
Every year:
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Thousands of students apply
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A limited number of scholarships are awarded
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Strong, focused applications stand out quickly
Students who succeed usually:
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Apply early
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Choose programs aligned with their academic history
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Write clear, personal motivation letters
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Avoid generic, copy-paste statements
Deadlines You Should Know
Deadlines can vary slightly by year, but generally:
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Application period: December – January
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Scholarship consideration: Automatic with program application
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Admission results: Spring (March–April)
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Studies begin: August–September
⚠️ Late applications are not considered for scholarships. Timing matters.
Living in Helsinki as an International Student
Let’s talk real life—not just academics.
Cost of Living (Approximate Monthly):
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Accommodation: $400–700
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Food: $250–350
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Transport: $40–60
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Miscellaneous: $100–150
Total: $800–1,200 per month
Yes, Finland can be expensive—but students benefit from:
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Subsidized meals
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Student housing
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Transport discounts
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Free healthcare services (in many cases)
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes, and many students do.
International students in Finland can:
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Work up to 30 hours per week during the academic term
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Work full-time during holidays
Common student jobs include:
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Research assistant roles
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Campus support jobs
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Hospitality and service roles
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IT and tutoring (for qualified students)
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Chances
Here’s where you can really gain an edge.
1. Choose the Right Program
Don’t apply randomly. Pick a program that clearly matches your academic background.
2. Write a Human Motivation Letter
Avoid robotic phrases like:
“I have always dreamed of studying abroad…”
Instead, talk about:
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What sparked your interest in the field
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Why Finland specifically
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Why the University of Helsinki fits your goals
3. Be Clear About Your Goals
They want students who:
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Know what they want
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Will complete the program successfully
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Will contribute academically and socially
4. Apply Early
Early applications often receive more careful consideration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Missing the scholarship checkbox
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❌ Submitting generic motivation letters
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❌ Applying to unrelated programs
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❌ Ignoring program-specific requirements
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❌ Waiting until the last day to apply
Is the Scholarship Renewable?
In many cases, yes.
Scholarships may be:
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Awarded for one academic year
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Renewed based on satisfactory academic progress
Always check the specific terms attached to your offer letter.
Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Worth Applying For?
Absolutely.
The $14,000 University of Helsinki International Scholarship is one of the most accessible, transparent, and prestigious funding opportunities in Europe for international students.