12.07.19 23 871 43
And don't spend a fortune on it
At the age of 18 I moved to Finland.
Maria Bobrova
went to university in Finland
Without outside help, she prepared for exams and entered the university for a free department, and also saved almost 50,000 R on all this.
That's how it was.
Passed the session and left the university
Now I am 21 years old, I am from Ivanovo and in the summer of 2019 I will receive a diploma from the University of Applied Sciences of Finland. In 2015, I graduated from the lyceum in Ivanovo with a gold medal and entered the budget program of the State Energy University of my city with a degree in Nuclear Power Plants. Even then, I seriously thought about moving abroad: I wanted to study abroad at English language.
In my school, English was taught poorly, so from the seventh grade I went to courses. I started from the Elementary level, reached the Upper-Intermediate level - this level is enough to enroll in a bachelor's program in almost any university in Europe.
In January 2016, I passed my first exam, and then, unexpectedly for everyone, I decided to leave the Ivanovo university and go to Finland. By that time, I had accumulated a lot of reasons for this: I had been planning for a long time, but lacked determination, I did not like my training program, and I also believed that in Europe I could better apply my abilities.
I submitted my documents to the Finland Visa Application Centre, received my first Schengen visa for 90 days and left.
Why Finland
The Finnish state is one of the few in Europe that helps Russian students with work after graduation. It is possible to legally stay in the country for two years after graduation, having a residence permit with the status of "Job Search".
There is no discrimination based on nationality, as, for example, in Switzerland, where it is almost impossible for a foreigner to find a job. Moreover, Finnish is not required everywhere, although it will be a big plus for employment.
record in Finland low level crime, equality, advanced medicine and the average life expectancy for women - 84.1 years, and for men - 78.5 years.
But the decisive factor was free higher education for foreign students in English.
How do I choose a university?
There are 44 universities in Finland. Most have programs in both Finnish and English. There are two types of higher education institutions in the country: "uliopisto" (Yliopisto) and "ammattikorkeakoulu" (Ammattikorkeakoulu).
Uliopisto is an academic university, like Moscow State University, for example. In such universities, they emphasize theory and prepare specialists for a scientific career. Practice in commercial organizations is not provided - and this is the most important difference from the second type of universities.
Ammaticorkeakoulu is the university of applied sciences, or higher professional school. Such universities train future employees of companies, they encourage a practical approach. Lectures are combined with big amount seminars and field trips in the company. Each student is required to do an internship in some company - this is part of the training, without which a diploma cannot be seen.
The conditions for admission to these universities are also different: in order to enter an academic university, you need to confirm your knowledge of the English language with an international IELTS certificate. The minimum level is 6.5 points. An applicant of the University of Applied Sciences does not need to confirm knowledge of the language: its level will be determined at the entrance exam in the specialty. That's why I applied only to ammatikorkeakoulu.
When choosing a university, I had two main criteria: free education and an English program. Two specialties fit these parameters: business and engineering. I chose the direction "International Business" at the Häme University of Applied Sciences in the city of Valkeakoski, which is located 150 km north of Helsinki.
How much does tuition cost now
Since 2017, studying at Finnish universities for English program became paid.
Those who enroll in 2019 will spend on average 8,000 € (573,102 R) per year for a bachelor's degree, and 10,000 € (716,377 R) for a master's degree. Here are some tips on how you can save money.
The cost depends on the type and location of the university. Studying at academic universities is more expensive. For example, a bachelor's program at the University of Applied Sciences Lahti University of Applied Sciences, 105 km from Helsinki, costs 5,400 € (386,844 R), and at the metropolitan academic Helsinki University of Technology - 13,000 € (931,290 R).
Students from any country can study in Finnish for free. If you decide in advance on the goal and start learning Finnish as early as the 10th grade, you can enroll in a budget program at any university.
For those who still decide to study in English, each university offers grant programs. They work like this: if academic year the student has earned 55 credits, at the end of the year he will receive back 50% of the tuition fee.
Credits are points for successful delivery exam. From 2 to 5 credits will be awarded for one subject, while the "weight" of the subject is known in advance and does not depend on what grade you received in the exam, the main thing is to pass. To do this, you need to get a score on a scale from 1 to 5. Getting a one is not difficult - this score is approximately equal to a three in Russia.
For a bachelor's degree, it is necessary to collect 210 credits in three years, 30 of which are for practice in a company. The base score for the year is 60 credits, meaning a student can fail one or two subjects, lose 5 credits and still get half their money back.
If the exam is failed, the student will retake it the next year. It will not work to get a diploma if the amount of credits is less than 210. Points earned on retakes in the new year count towards new amount loans.
How I applied and collected documents
In Finland, you can apply for admission to 6 universities, placing them in priority order. From January 9 to 23, applicants fill out a general application to all selected universities on the studyinfo.fi portal, attach scans of documents, and send paper copies by regular mail to each selected university.
At this stage, the specialty is not important, and the basic set of documents is the same for all applicants. The main thing is to send an application and provide the requested information: full name, passport data, information about the school, about grades, about the level of English proficiency. If the application is approved, the applicant will take the exam at the university that indicated first in the list of priorities.
per package required documents copies included:
- Passports.
- Certificate of school education.
- Certificates confirming the level of English proficiency for academic universities.
The documents, as well as the application, must be submitted to universities by January 23. For each university, the applicant collects a separate package of documents. photocopy school certificate must be translated into English and certified by a notary - this document must have an apostille. The transfer usually takes several days.
My certificate contained an insert with a list of additional subjects that I took at school. The translation agency said that the document is invalid without it. Together with the insert, I got 3 pages. For their translation and notarization, I paid 3500 R.
3500 R
I spent on translation and notarization of the certificate
I collected all the documents in three days, but I was very lucky - I advise you to lay at least a week for this stage.
How I sent documents to Finland
All I had to do was send the documents by mail, but I did not know how to do it inexpensively and so that they arrived on time and nothing was lost. I was afraid to carry the papers to the Russian Post: I was afraid of the long delivery times and the risk of losing the letter.
I checked the cost of sending documents through the CDEK courier service.
Delivery of one package of documents from Moscow to Helsinki will take from 4 to 6 days and will cost 1630 R. Shipping from Novosibirsk to Tampere costs 1730 R per package. I had six packages of documents, as I applied to six universities. Six parcels from Moscow would have cost me 9780 R. It was very expensive, and I began to look for other options.
Later I found out that my friend sent documents by DHL. They lost one of the packages and the university canceled her application. I advise you not to risk using courier services and find a way to hand over the documents in person.
1630 R
it is worth delivering a package of documents from Moscow to Helsinki
Then I remembered a friend who was studying in Finland at that time and asked him to send my documents: I sent him the scans, and he printed them out and took them to the Finnish post office. Sending documents within Finland turned out to be fast, inexpensive and reliable. Delivery of a parcel from one city to another takes a maximum of three business days. And I have never heard of the Finnish post office losing documents.
In the end, I paid 2 € for each package. For the transfer of all documents at the then exchange rate, 1200 R had to be spent - instead of 9780 R. The cost of sending parcels within Finland can be calculated on the posti.fi website.
I advise you to find Russian students in Finland and ask them to send your documents. Many of our compatriots study at every Finnish university, and to find them through social media won't be difficult. Of course, it is worth making sure the guys are reliable. You can ask for a photo of the check from the mail to confirm the sending of documents, and after a few days, write to the e-mail of the university and ask if they received the package of documents on your behalf. I did so.
What exams did I pass and how did I prepare
On March 17, I received an invitation from the university to take the entrance exams. The letter was accompanied by materials for preparation, information about the exact time and place of delivery. My exam was scheduled for April 20 at Häme University of Applied Sciences. All this time I was in contact only with this university, because it was at the top of my list of priorities. And I passed the exams only in it. Their results were extended to the other five universities, if I did not get into the first according to the points.
From the materials sent, I learned that during the exam you will need to write an essay, take a test and solve several problems. math problems, and in the second part of the exam there will be a group interview, where you need to communicate with other applicants, answering questions - this is how they check the knowledge of the English language.
To pass the exam, level B2 is enough: you need to understand the speech of a native speaker in a conversation on everyday topics that do not require knowledge of specialized vocabulary, but you need to fluently answer questions and use complex grammatical constructions. I had this level of language.
Here are some free resources I used to prepare for the exam:
- Khan Academy - watched presentations in their field: economics, macroeconomics, finance.
- BBC Radio - I chose BBC Radio 4 because it has a lot of news and programs about economics and politics. I listened to it for about an hour a day, it helped me pass oral part exam.
- Conferences "Ted" - watched videos of talks on business, leadership and motivation topics.
- Macmillan Dictionary - I searched it for all the incomprehensible terms from the articles that I read to prepare for the entrance exam.
This set was enough for me to prepare for the exam in international business in English and pass it successfully.
The exam usually takes place either at the university itself in Finland, or at special schools in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. The university sends this information to e-mail along with an invitation to the exam. From the list of cities and countries, the applicant chooses where he wants to take the exam.
I recommend that you take it in the city where you live, or in the nearest place where such an exam is held. This will save you money and nerves. I took the exam at Häme University of Applied Sciences, because at that moment I was already in Finland. I lived in the city of Tampere, 30 km from my future university.
Most Russian students come to study in Finland from St. Petersburg. For them, it is close, comfortable and inexpensive. In St. Petersburg there is a "Scandinavian school", which prepares students for admission to Finnish universities. I studied their program and found that all the topics that are taught in this school can be learned on your own.
How I received an invitation for a residence permit in Finland
Having passed the exam in April, the applicant is waiting for a letter from the university. If he entered the university, which he chose as a priority, then an official letter (Acceptance Letter) will come on June 1. If he is admitted to one of the five remaining universities, he will receive the letter on July 1st. I received the letter on June 1 as I entered Häme University of Applied Sciences - the first one on my list of universities.
An official invitation is enough to submit an application for a residence permit to the Finnish embassy. The university will send Additional information for application: list of required documents and recommended dates.
Applications for a residence permit - often referred to as a "student visa" - are submitted to the Finnish embassy in Russia. It is located in Moscow, and the Finnish consulate operates in St. Petersburg. I contacted the consular department of the embassy in Moscow.
I was asked for the following documents.
Official invitation from the university. A printed document from an e-mail or a scan of the invitation that will arrive later by regular mail. It's best not to confuse these documents: choose one of them and always show only that one.
Insurance. It must cover the entire academic year and be valid from the moment of application - this is a requirement of the Finnish Embassy. Now the mandatory amount of coverage is 35,000 € (2,507,320 R) per year, but it is better to check the information on the embassy website or by phone before buying.
I was lucky: in 2016 I bought insurance from Sberbank for 5000 R. Subsequently, I applied to Liberty insurance company - one of the few that offers coverage for the whole year for 6000-7000 R. If you have not found a policy for a year, take out four insurance policies for 90 days each. This decision may raise questions from the embassy, and it will be necessary to explain that there were no other options.
Bank statement in the name of the student. The account statement must be in the name of the student only - general accounts will not work. The amount on the account should be 6720 € (481 405 R) for the year - that is, 560 € per month. Since the residence permit is given only for a year, it will need to be renewed. Therefore, it is necessary that this amount be in the account every year before obtaining a new residence permit. It is better to put money with a margin: by the time your documents are considered, the rate may change. The account statement must be in English - I paid 200 R for it in my bank.
6720 €
this amount must be in the student's account when applying for a residence permit in Finland
Statement of expenses for the last 3 months. This document is often not on the list of those required by the embassy, but it is better to provide it. Finns like to ask for a statement after all the documents have been submitted - to make sure that the money continues to lie in your account. An extract can be made independently from the mobile application or in personal account jar. The language is unimportant - the main thing is that transactions are visible.
Passport and photos. Photos must be prepared in advance: there is no opportunity to take pictures at the embassy.
Completed application form in triplicate. The first time I forgot to print out the questionnaires, they refused to accept documents from me, and they did not allow me to use the embassy printer. I skipped my turn and went to look for a print shop. So now I always print questionnaires in advance.
Confirmation of visa payment. The visa can be paid for before arriving at the embassy or on the spot, at the Nordea bank office. Cheaper in advance: the euro exchange rate at Nordea is much higher than average.
Usually, the approval of a residence permit takes from 2 weeks to 2 months. You will have to go to the embassy again for the document.
The study starts on the twentieth of August, but I arrived early to get comfortable, settle in a hostel, buy furniture in Ikea and look around.
It is important to bring your original high school diploma with you. I was asked for it on the very first day of school to register me in the system. After starting their studies at the university, they held a meeting for foreign students and told everyone to visit the local office for registration. There I was entered into the database of residents and registered at the address of residence.
Buying insurance on the Liberty Insurance website. In the column "Add a country" it is better to write not "Finland", but "Schengen". In the next column, instead of "Standard" you should choose "Economy" Living and studying in Finland
During my first year in Finland, I lived in the Valkeakoski campus with a population of 24,000. For several months, I alone rented a student two-room apartment for 440 € (31,521 R) per month. Then a classmate moved in and we split the rent in half. Housing in small towns at universities is inexpensive: a studio or a bedroom in a two-room apartment with a shared bathroom and kitchen for two people costs 200-260 € (14 328 -18626.4 R).
In the second year, we got bored in Valkeakoski, and we moved to Tampere - one of the most major cities Finland, besides, it is located 30 km from my university. At first, I got to school by bus, and then with a friend by car. The journey takes half an hour.
For an apartment in Tampere with an area of 70 m², consisting of two large rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a dressing room, we pay 350 € (25,073 R) per person per month. Once again, every three months, each of us contributes about 20 € (1433 R) for electricity.
In Finland, an unusual but interesting organization educational process. We worked a lot in groups, made joint trips to Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Holidays at Finnish universities in autumn, twice in winter and at Easter.
Almost every resident of Finland speaks English - I have never met a person who would not understand me. In addition, there are a lot of Russian students here - you never feel alone.
The quality of higher education in Finland and the uniqueness of the Finnish approach to learning are well known throughout the world. Self-control in the process of obtaining knowledge not only excludes cheating in exams, but also the study of uninteresting disciplines, without causing disapproval of teachers. Studying in Finland for foreigners is distinguished by its affordable cost, interesting internships, as well as a democratic attitude towards students with any level of training.
Features of the Finnish education system
First of all, it should be noted that in Finland there is no differentiation of the education system into the state and non-state sectors. The state is making every effort to level the gap between the quality of education in various educational institutions, and even finances private schools, which are completely controlled by the Ministry of Education.
At the same time, there is a noticeable difference between universities and institutes in the country. This is due to the fact that the institutes lack the basis for conducting scientific research, therefore, they do not have the right to award students a master's degree.
The location of educational institutions in the country is determined by the density of the population living in a particular region. However, there is a relatively large university in every city with a population of over 40,000.
Getting an education in Finland attracts foreign students due to the absence of tuition fees. However, only those who know the Finnish language at a sufficient level to receive an education can study at the expense of the state.
At the same time, the cost of English-language programs is considered quite affordable compared to other European universities.
The specifics of preschool education
Unlike higher and secondary educational institutions preschool institutions are paid. Kindergartens can be family, private, municipal, but the cost of education in them is the same and depends solely on the income of the family. The minimum payment is 26 euros per month - this tariff is designed for low-income families. Those who live in prosperity pay tuition at the maximum rate of 283 euros per month. The funds received are used to maintain the work of the garden and the salary of educators.
Places in kindergartens in major cities not enough for everyone, so the state pays 500 additional euros to those families who agree to raise a child at home.
Children from nine months to seven years of age are admitted to the kindergarten. Most kindergartens are designed for a full school day - from 6.30 to 17.00.
By law, there should be no more than four kids per caregiver, the same rule applies to family kindergartens. They go for a walk with the kids in any weather, accustoming them to the harsh climate of the country, while only the clothes and the purpose of the walk differ. For example, in bad weather, children can be taken to city library and on a sunny day organize a walk in the forest.
Obtaining secondary and secondary vocational education
Getting the child the main general education begins at the age of seven and lasts for the next nine years. Finland has a nationwide educational plan, which is supplemented by local programs developed by each educational institution individually.
School learning programs are financed from the city budget, so the communes control the child's secondary education, which in Finland is free for all citizens.
teachers high school must have a master's degree, elementary school - a diploma of general teacher education, and teachers high school– specialization in the disciplines they teach. More information on this subject can be obtained from the article “Schools in Finland”.
After graduation, graduates enter colleges or specialized vocational schools. Textbooks and various educational materials students must purchase on their own, however tuition is still free.
For those who do not know Finnish well enough, there are training courses for admission to secondary specialized educational institutions. This kind of training lasts from 2 to 4 years.
You can enter a higher educational institution after completing the first level education (college, gymnasium).
All universities in Finland are divided into universities and vocational schools, which are more like Russian institutions. In the first case, the emphasis is on research work, in the second case, students spend more time in production, where they study the features of the acquired profession in practice.
In most cases, education is conducted in Finnish or Swedish, but in large cities, universities also offer English and French-language programs.
The first stage of higher education is a bachelor's degree, graduates of which can enter the master's program, and then to graduate school, in order to subsequently receive a doctoral degree.
Only those applicants who have received secondary education and passed the unified State exam(both in Finland and in the home country).
Equally important is the willingness to pay for education that is not in Finnish.
Education in the magistracy and postgraduate studies
Studying for a master's degree in Finland is free even for Russians, but only on the condition that it will be held in Finnish. There is no need to take entrance exams, since the selection of applicants is carried out on the basis of the submitted package of documents, including a bachelor's degree, psychological picture applicant and recommendations from the previous place of study or work.
After choosing a university, it is necessary to clarify the deadlines for submitting documents for admission, as they differ in different educational institutions, although usually documents are accepted from November to January inclusive.
If the training will be held in English, a TOEFL or IELTS certificate must be attached to the documents.
Postgraduate study lasts four years, during which the student takes training courses, practice in the specialty, writes and defends a dissertation.
It is possible to enroll in a Finnish graduate school if you have a master's degree, and not necessarily in the specialty chosen for postgraduate study.
Upon admission, it is necessary to provide a developed research plan and confirm the availability of sources of funding for training (scholarships, grants, sponsors).
How much does it cost and how long does the training last?
The undergraduate program is usually designed for 3-4 years, and the duration of study depends on the type of university chosen. The university offers three-year programs theoretical training, institute - a four-year practice of a predominantly polytechnic direction with training programs, after which the student is ready to enter the labor market.
The minimum cost of a bachelor's program in English is 4,000 euros, the average is 8,000 euros per year. Those students who choose to teach in Finnish do not pay tuition fees.
Almost all students continue their studies at the magistracy after completing their bachelor's degree, since having a master's degree increases the chances of getting a well-paid job and rapid career growth.
The duration of training in this case is 1-2 years, the average cost depends on the specialty, educational institution and ranges from 6 to 10 thousand euros.
Since the master's program provides for the improvement of knowledge gained in the bachelor's degree, admission is possible to a similar specialty or related to it. Such areas as jurisprudence, medicine, psychology, provide for the passage of professional practice.
Doctoral studies last four years, while the number of places for admission is not limited - everyone is accepted with good grades according to the selected profile.
Only in some universities there are quotas for free admission, and for those who do not pass the average score of a diploma, they arrange an additional exam. Education is free for all categories of students, fees are charged only for the use of educational materials.
There is also an alternative program called the licentiate. Getting this degree takes only two years. And although the prestige of a licentiate is lower than doctoral studies, people who work in parallel with their studies often enter there.
Thanks to the allowance that the Finnish state pays to students, they have the opportunity to fully concentrate on their studies. There is even a special student provision department known as Kela - all students over the age of 17 who need financial assistance.
Only full-time students who have completed at least two months of study are eligible to apply for benefits. Students enrolled in a part-time program cannot expect to receive benefits.
Benefits are based on personal needs and may include discounts on food, travel, accommodation, financial aid or government-sponsored student loans.
If the student studied well and completed the course without extending it, then after receiving the diploma, Kela, on its own initiative, can cover up to a third of the loan issued by the bank.
The allowance and compensation for living expenses allow students to live independently, study and at the same time not waste time on a side job.
If a student lives in a wealthy family, then material assistance is not issued to him until the age of 20, since the state entrusts the care of the student to his parents. In exceptional cases, you can apply for travel compensation if you have to get to study at the university by train or train.
On average, the amount of the allowance is 500-600 euros, about half of these funds go to pay for living in a university dormitory. If you wish, you can rent an apartment: in this case, only part of the costs is compensated, which is equal to the cost of living in a hostel.
As for part-time jobs, the state limits their duration to twenty hours a day. school week During the holidays, these restrictions are lifted. Most often, students work in the service sector, where payment is made by the hour and is approximately 10 euros per hour. It is also allowed to search for a job in the specialty and undergo industrial practice with payment at the same minimum rate.
To complete the course, a student must complete a minimum of 20 practice credits, with one credit equaling 40 hours.
A work permit is not required for either Finnish or foreign students: to get a part-time job, it is enough to present a student visa and a certificate from the university.
Holidays in Finland have a flexible schedule, so students have an average of two and a half months of rest in the summer and one week in the fall, new year holidays and Easter. During the holidays, the student can go home or look for work in Finland.
If a Finnish company is ready to invite a foreign student to work after they have received their diploma, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support him and help resolve all visa issues related to employment.
How to choose a Finnish university
When choosing an educational institution for higher education, one should focus not only on the specialty, but also on such factors as:
- low cost of studying in English;
- a fairly high scholarship;
- availability of distance learning;
- no need to present test results for TOEFL or IELTS;
- the possibility of passing entrance exams in the country of residence.
This greatly simplifies the admission process, and with the equal value of diplomas from Finnish educational institutions, it increases the chances of obtaining a prestigious higher education.
At the same time, you can apply to no more than six universities - universities will consider documents in the order of priority established by the student himself.
The most popular among Russian-speaking applicants are universities in cities such as Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Vaasa, the Southeast University of Applied Sciences, the ABO Academy, and the JAMK University of Applied Sciences. The list of popular higher education institutions also includes Savonia and Kajaani Universities, Henley School of Business.
Finally
A diploma of higher education obtained in Finland is highly rated in the world and opens up prospects for obtaining a prestigious job, career growth and high wages for its owner. The availability of grants, financial assistance and scholarships makes studying in Finland accessible to gifted students who are of value to the Finnish state. Those who know Finnish can study for free, and the payment for English-language programs is largely offset by social benefits, so everyone is encouraged to apply for admission to a university.
Education for foreigners in Finland: Video
The Finnish education system is rightly recognized as one of the best in the world. Six Finnish universities are in the top 400 by recognized rankings QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) And THE (Times Higher Education). And the University of Helsinki occupies a worthy place in the first hundred rankings.
Operating today in Finland education system was formed in the 60s of the last century. It includes 4 steps:
- preschool education;
- comprehensive school;
- secondary educational institutions;
- higher educational institutions.
At each level, training is carried out in two state languages: Finnish and Swedish. In the northern regions of the country, the language of the indigenous peoples, Suomi, is added to them.
preschool education
The child must attend a kindergarten or an early training class at the school. This also applies to families living in remote regions of the country. Thus, the state purposefully makes a contribution to every little citizen, investing in their future well-being and prosperity. It is at this stage that the fundamental principle of success is cultivated in a person - the craving for knowledge is stimulated.
Interestingly, the entire education system in Finland, including kindergartens, is built on the principle of equality.
There is no ranking of institutions according to the degree of prestige, equipment, demand and significance. Yes, visit fees. kindergarten child depends only on the level of income of parents. The maximum payment is 254 euros, the minimum is 23 euros.
Comprehensive school
A distinctive feature of the Finnish school is an integrated approach to learning: a very low percentage of private schools, there is no division according to the level of knowledge provided. All institutions are general education, without in-depth study certain items, there are no lyceums and gymnasiums.
There are only a small number of educational centers that adhere to a single pedagogical system: Montessori, Morton, Frenet, Steiner.
First level
At 7 years old, children go to primary school(alakoulu), which lasts 6 years. Junior classes spend all the time in the same office with a permanent teacher. The first two years, students study four main subjects:
- mathematics;
- reading;
- native language;
- natural history.
Additionally, they are engaged in physical education. Much attention is paid to creative development children: they are taught to play various musical instruments, choral singing, drawing and modeling. In one lesson, kids can study several disciplines at the same time.
Particular attention is paid to inclusive education, all Finns are explained from an early age that children with speech defects, disabled people are full-fledged people who should be treated as equals.
Upper step
From the 7th grade, students move on to high school. Usually it is located in a separate building. At this stage, each teacher teaches separate subject. In the classroom, he is with an assistant, which greatly simplifies the learning process.
High school students have the right to independently choose additional disciplines. The training at this level lasts 3 years. If desired, children can improve their knowledge by attending an additional tenth grade. After graduating from high school, its graduates can continue their education or go to work. Their acquaintance with professions is given quite a lot of attention in the ninth grade. Students independently choose their desired place for employment and get acquainted with its features.
Secondary education
The middle link here starts from the seventh grade. Then it is entered into the program and compulsory study Swedish. All students study until the ninth grade. For those who are not ready to go to colleges and universities right away, there is the tenth grade, which is the knowledge-supporting stage. Students who are going to study at a university tend to move to lyceum classes, which in Russia is equivalent to the tenth and eleventh year of study.
Higher education
Like schools, universities provide educational services free for EU citizens. For Russians, the cost will be only for food and accommodation, if you choose to study in Finnish - a great incentive to learn the language.
In total, there are 19 universities of the classical type in Finland, 3 polytechnic universities, higher military school, there are also art and economic universities.
The following degrees are awarded at Finnish universities:
- Bachelor;
- Master;
- Licensee;
- Ph.D.
To gain access to the exams, you must first pass the competition of documents. Only then are prospective students allowed to take tests and interviews.
Types of educational programs
In Finland there are different types educational programs.
Kandidaatin tutkinto - bachelor. The duration of the program depends on the type of educational institution:
- An ordinary university provides a theoretical knowledge base. The training program lasts 3 years. In such universities, the bachelor's degree is just the initial level. After receiving a bachelor's degree, most students continue their studies in the master's program;
- Applied University prepares bachelors for 4 years. After graduation, a graduate can start working, because he has a sufficient base of applied knowledge.
- Masterin tutkinto - master. Master's degree as higher educational level, guarantees a greater choice of work for graduates, therefore it is very popular. Depending on the direction of study this program can last from 1 to 2 years. For some specializations, professional practice is mandatory.
- ohtorin tutkinto - doctor. Doctoral programs are designed for 4 years. A doctoral student receives a Ph.D. and the right to teach. Lisensiaatin tutkinto - licentiate. An alternative to doctoral studies. The duration of the programs is 2 years. Mostly popular with working students. This program is interesting for those who want to improve their educational level and participate in scientific research.
Universities in Finland can award bachelor's and master's degrees, here you can also take doctoral studies and licentiates if desired. Polytechnics have only recently begun to award master's degrees.
Popular universities in Finland
It's no secret that in Finland the best education in the world. Below are the popular universities in this country.
tops the list best universities. Built in 1640. Includes 4 buildings and several research centers. 2000 foreign students study here, most of them are Masters and PhD students. Bachelor's languages of instruction: Finnish and Swedish. The University of Helsinki is the best in the country Faculties offer agricultural, medical, legal specialties, as well as in the fields of sociology, art.
Until 2010, these were three different institutes, which were later merged into one university. It is positioned as a universal university that trains specialists in IT technologies, design, art and economics. There are engineering, chemical-technological electrotechnical areas. There are 20,000 students here, 2,000 are foreign students. English-language programs are available at the Master's and Bachelor's School of Business. The rest of the undergraduate specialties are in the official languages of Finland.
Located in Turku, built in 1920. In terms of size, the university is in 2nd place. Consists of 7 institutes and several research centers. English-speaking specialties are open only for masters. The University of Turku is the second largest in Finland
Walu
In recent years, this institution has risen in the rankings, which indicates an increase in the quality of teaching and research. The most popular areas for study here are medicine, ecology and IT technologies.
Jyväskyl University
The second most popular among graduate and doctoral students. The university has strong ties with prestigious universities in other countries of the world, it provides exchange students with them. The main popular specialties are pedagogy, psychology.
How to enter the university
Russian students can enter both free of charge and on a commercial basis. There are various free education programs supported by our state and Russian universities.
Important points for applicants:
- The selected university must recognize the certificate or diploma (translated into English and certified by a notary) submitted by the applicant.
- Documents are required confirming the knowledge of the language in which the training will be conducted.
- Applications are sent to the university by e-mail (all information is available on the websites of universities) strictly within a certain period: usually this is the period January-February.
- In the application, you can specify up to 4-6 specialties (each university sets its own rules) in priority order.
- An invitation to take the entrance exams will be sent to your email address in February-March.
- If entrance tests are provided, they are held in March-April.
- Some universities allow you to take exams at home. For example, if a university receives a lot of applications from Russia, then entrance exams are conducted remotely in the Russian Federation. Most of the time, however, you must attend the exams in person.
- Written exams are taken: essays in English in given topic, a test for knowledge of grammar, mathematics, specialized subjects of the chosen specialty.
- In most cases, applicants are also interviewed. Each university has its own admission rules: some do not conduct exams at all, but require a letter in which it is necessary to write why the applicant chose this particular university and this specialty, and why he should be accepted.
Requirements for candidates
Conditions for admission in Finland:
| For admission to the Polytechnic University | For entering university |
|---|---|
| Graduation from high school in Finland; Passing the Finnish analogue of the Unified State Examination, which gives the right to enter a university; Possession of a professional qualification diploma; Passing the Unified State Examination or other relevant equivalent in another country. | Passing the Finnish analogue of the Unified State Examination, which gives the right to enter a university; Availability of a document on obtaining a basic professional qualification (three or more years of study); Passing the international final exam, which ensures the right to admission; The presence of a foreign certificate, which gives the right to enter the university in the country where it was received. |
| Each educational institution determines its own procedure and recruitment criteria. Factors such as: Points in the certificate; Experience; Completed courses or other educational institutions. The decisive role is played by the results of the entrance exam. | For admission to a Finnish university selection committee will consider the results of the unified state and entrance examinations. But the decisive role is played by the results of entrance tests. Each university has its own approach. Some tasks require preliminary preparation, for example, studying annual report company, which will then be asked questions. |
Special mention should be made of entrance exams in Finnish higher education institutions. The approaches differ in many respects from the usual ones in Russia and the CIS countries.
The tasks at the entrance exams are intended for the most part not to test the knowledge of the applicant, but to determine such categories as:
- Ability to study and analyze information;
- Teamwork skills;
- Creativity;
- Creativity.
Exams often use real reports from Finnish companies. For a certain period before the start of testing, applicants must familiarize themselves with the material, and at the entrance test itself, questions and practical tasks will be offered, both individual and for group work.
Often, as tasks, it is proposed to conduct SWOT- analysis of any object.
Features of applying for a student visa
Initially, a student visa is issued for a period of one year. Further, it will need to be extended. You can extend the visa directly at the Finnish Immigration Service on the basis of a letter of attitude from the university administration, in which it confirms the student's transfer to the next course. The cost of an annual student visa will be about 120 euros, the renewal will cost half as much.
What documents are needed
The list of required documents for obtaining a student visa to Finland in 2019:
- Two photographs taken no more than 6 months ago.
- Valid foreign passport.
- Any document confirming enrollment.
- Medical insurance policy.
- A document confirming the presence of 6720 € in a bank account or any confirmation that the student will have 560 € monthly.
- If the student is under 18 years of age, parental consent is required to travel to Finland. Then the questionnaire must be signed by one of the parents.
Scholarships and grants
Most Finnish universities give scholarships to foreign students for good academic performance. The basis is the total number of points of the student and the recommendations of teachers. The amount of payments partially covers the cost of training, sometimes completely.
Foreign students have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance, become the owner of a national scholarship and grant, receive payments from various organizations and foundations. There are also sports and research funding.
When studying at a Finnish university under the student exchange program, financial support is provided for their applicants from Russia. The organization of the Finnish-Russian Student Exchange Program (FIRST) or the program for students who are engaged in the study of the problems of the northern territories and the Arctic (“North2North”) is actively working.
The cost of studying in Finland for foreigners
Until 2019, both local and foreign students could receive free education in Finland. However, the country's government decided to take the path of monetizing education for visitors. This innovation affected the bachelor's and master's programs in English.
Doctoral programs and studies in Swedish or Finnish are still free of charge.
Approximate tuition fees at some universities in Finland are shown in the table.
It should be noted that applied, polytechnic universities on average will cost less than classical ones. And located in small towns, respectively, cheaper than in the capital and large cities.
Further employment in the country
Studying in Finland opens the door to employment in Europe. So, training is becoming more and more popular. Even the need to learn Finnish does not stop.
In Finland itself, you can also get a job or open your own business.
Rovaniemen Kehitys, an organization that provides advice on future life and work, can help students.
They will guide you on how to look for a job, what prospects await those who have just graduated from the faculty.
For the last couple of years, paid education for foreign students has been introduced in Finland. Nevertheless, universities give out many scholarships that help applicants study and live in this country. We invite you to learn more about the conditions for issuing grants and their sizes in this article.
Education system
There are three levels of higher education in Finland: undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate (doctorate). Higher education institutions are divided into two types: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Their main difference is that the latter do not offer doctoral degrees, but both regular universities and UAS offer bachelor's and master's degrees. At the same time, there are more English-language bachelor's programs in UAS.
Finnish universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which helps measure student workload. One academic year equals approximately 60 ECTS. The system makes it possible to describe and compare study programs and to award qualifications. For example, in 3 years of undergraduate studies in Finland, you must receive at least 180 ECTS.
Pros and cons of living and studying in Finland
Finland is a country with high level life. Here you can count on good medical care, safety and favorable environment. What is important for a student, here you will get quality education. The country strives to improve the education system and regularly monitor its quality. For example, in Finland there is independent center FINEEC education assessment, whose reports can be found in the public domain. In the Universities 21 ranking, the education system in the country ranks 9th in 2017, in the Pearson ranking - 6th in 2016. Also here good level knowledge of English among the population (according to the EF English Proficiency Index for 2017, Finland ranks 6th).
Finland is a northern country with a special climate for this region, which is not suitable for everyone. There are also high prices here, which can be an obstacle for the applicant, since not everyone can afford both tuition fees and living in the country. Despite paid education, many universities offer a solution to this problem and are ready to provide scholarships on a competitive basis.
Scholarships
Most often, applications for scholarships are submitted simultaneously with the application for training. But remember that the deadlines for applicants from countries that are not part of the European Union expire earlier than for applicants from the EU. Most scholarships are for graduate students, but suitable options for bachelors can also be found. More often than not, despite applying at the time of admission, for the next year of study you also need to apply and confirm that you have accumulated enough credits (ECTS) in the first academic year.
Below you can check out a few scholarships and complete list universities that offer them. The procedure and conditions for obtaining it are similar in different educational institutions, but the amount of the discount and the living grant, if paid, differs.
Aalto University
The university tuition fee ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 euros, depending on the programs. There are no postgraduate fees. An applicant can receive a 100% discount on the fee payment (category A scholarship) or 50% (category B scholarship). Aalto University does not offer scholarships for living expenses, so the student must be prepared to pay these expenses on their own. The scholarship is paid for 3 years of study at the bachelor's degree or 2 at the master's degree. Scholarship applications are submitted at the same time as the study application
Hanken School of Economics
The average tuition fee at the Hanken School of Economics is 12,500 euros. The university offers full and partial scholarships for future masters:
- Hanken Premium Scholarship. Covers the contribution and the cost of living in the amount of 8000 euros per year.
- Hanken Honors Scholarship. Covers tuition fees.
- Hanken Support Scholarship. A 50% discount on tuition is offered.
Those students who receive a scholarship only to pay the fee, when applying for a residence permit, must provide documents that confirm their ability to pay: the student must have at his disposal 6720 euros per year or 560 euros per month.
Lappeenranta University of Technology
The university offers scholarships that cover part or all of the tuition fees for a master's degree. 30% of applicants who apply will receive a 50% tuition discount. Also, 35-40% of accepted applicants will receive a scholarship that will cover the cost of education in full. The university pays for accommodation (5600 euros per year) and tuition for no more than 5% of students. In order to receive a scholarship for all 2 years of the master's program, in the first year it is necessary to collect at least 55 ECTS. Additional documents are not needed to apply for a scholarship, as it must be submitted together with the application for training.
Tampere University of Technology
The payment of the fee at the university for undergraduate programs is 10,000 euros per year, for a master's program - 12,000 euros per year. The university offers 50% or full tuition fees, as well as a TUT academic excellence scholarship, under which it is possible to receive a living allowance of 7,000 euros per year. Scholarship and study applications are submitted simultaneously. Students who did not initially receive a scholarship can apply for their second or third (in the case of an undergraduate) year of study. At the same time, you need to show good academic performance and gain the required number of ECTS (65 ECTS to get 50% and 75 ECTS to get 100%).
University of Helsinki
Tuition fees at the university range from 13,000 to 18,000 euros. The University of Helsinki offers scholarships for masters: full tuition and a grant of 10,000 euros for living expenses, tuition only or only a living grant. To receive a scholarship throughout your studies, you need to receive at least 55 ECTS in the first year. Also, scholarship holders automatically become members of the student association of the university, thanks to which they receive benefits for medical care, travel to public transport and other services.
Scholarships are also offered:
- Åbo Akademi University: full tuition and living allowance (6720 euros) or tuition (full or partial) for masters, as well as separate scholarships for masters and bachelors, which can be found
- University of the Arts Helsinki: full or 50% tuition fees
- University of Eastern Finland: full or 80% tuition fee
- University of Jyväskylä: full tuition fees for masters
- University of Lapland: full or 50% tuition fee, living grant 2000 euros
- University of Oulu: 85% or 100% tuition fee for masters
- University of Tampere : full tuition fee and grant (7000 euros) or tuition fee (100% or 50%)
- University of Turku: full or partial tuition fees for masters
- University of Vaasa: full or 50% tuition fee for masters
For graduate students, there are scholarships from The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). EDUFI Fellowships covers from 3 to 12 months of stay in the country, the student is paid 1500 euros per month. Priority is given to students from Russia, Brazil, China, India, North Africa, Chile, but applications from all countries are considered. The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool also pays 1,500 euros per month for research, which can last from 3 to 9 months. Only certain countries can apply, among which is Ukraine. There is also a Scholarship for Kindred Peoples, which can be applied for by students from Russia who meet the following requirements:
- completed a master's degree or conducted research at Finno-Ugric universities regions of Russia,
- live in Russia and know any Finno-Ugric language spoken in Russia,
- study Finno-Ugric languages.
The scholarship is paid up to 12 months and ranges from 900 to 1200 euros.
UAS also offer scholarships, but those that offer full tuition fees are extremely rare among them. Below you will see examples of scholarships that UAS is offering:
- Metropolia University of Applied Sciences , Saimaa University of Applied Sciences , VAMK - Vaasa University of Applied Sciences : partial or full tuition fees
- Lapland University of Applied Sciences: 80% discount on first year tuition fees, 60% discount on subsequent years
Since 2017, the Finnish government has introduced tuition fees for students from non-EEA countries. Finnish universities obeyed, but it is already clear today that they need students no less than money. With one hand they charge tuition fees, with the other they offer scholarships.
We stopped by the educational fair Study in Finland at the Consulate General of Finland to find out exactly how much you have to pay for a Finnish diploma. The organizer of the fair is the state company CIMO, which oversees all issues related to the study of foreigners in Finland. What has changed in the last two years in the admission rules? With this question, we turned to CIMO Senior Advisor Outi Jappinen.
Breaking news: from the beginning of 2017, for students from countries outside the EU, studies at Finnish universities in programs not in Finnish or Swedish will be paid. There is an advantage for those who know Finnish: non-EEA residents can study in Finland for free in Finnish-language programs.
Have the entry rules changed?
Nothing has changed in the entry rules. On the website Studyinfinland.fi you can get general information about studying in Finland and choose a program in English. Application for admission (online application) for all programs - in English, Finnish, Swedish - is submitted at studyinfo.fi.
The government has established that a year of study at a Finnish university cannot cost less than one and a half thousand euros. What is the top bar?
Universities set the size on their own, but, as you know, on this moment it ranges from 3500 to 15 - 20 thousand euros. Expensive universities include, firstly, universities in central region and universities that use a lot of high-tech equipment for teaching. For example, at the University of Helsinki, some programs cost up to 20 thousand euros per year, and at the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) from 10 thousand euros per year. Business programs are much cheaper. Universities publish information about prices on their websites.
Will students who participate in the exchange program have to pay tuition fees?
No, they shouldn't. We have such a program FIRST - FinnishRussianStudent. This is a student exchange program similar to the Russian Erasmus. Students who will come to us to study under this program do not have to pay tuition fees. But I must say that exchange studies can last no more than 9 months.
IMPORTANT!
1 The deadline for applying for undergraduate programs is from 9:00 on January 10 to 16:00 on January 25, 2017. Please note that it will not be possible to apply later than the set time.
2. Applicants who are not educated in EEC countries will be charged a fee of 100 euros for applying. This amount pays for the possibility of simultaneously submitting 6 applications for different programs at different universities.
3. It is necessary to have a certain amount on the account (about 8 thousand euros) to confirm creditworthiness.
4. Along with the application for admission, you must submit an application for a scholarship. The decision to issue a scholarship is announced along with the results of admission.
DON'T LOSE TALENTS
To what extent will scholarship programs reduce the financial burden for non-EEA students? To get an answer to this question, we turned to representatives of universities who came to the fair. There were twenty of them in total, and about 450 people came to the fair. And this means that not all applicants in St. Petersburg gave up their desire to study in Finland after the introduction of payment.
According to Outi Jappinen, the group Russian-speaking students- the largest foreign group in Finnish universities. After Russians come Chinese and Vietnamese students. What resources will finance the scholarship programs is not yet clear. Many universities will use their funds. cimo like state structure, does not have a fund, but is now awaiting permission to create its own scholarship program, with which it will be possible to support talented students.
It will be very sad if we lose talented students due to the need to take fees, says Outi Appinen.
The same idea was expressed by representatives of almost all universities with whom we managed to communicate at the fair. This is confirmed by the scholarships that universities are ready to offer to students from Russia. Let's see some examples. A year of study at Aalto University will cost 12,000 euros. The university offers two types of scholarships: 100 percent discounted and 50 percent discounted for the entire duration of study. The most popular faculties among Russian students are IT, business and economics, electrical engineering, and design.
How are things in other regions? The University of Applied Sciences in Kayani trains specialists in international business, sports and leisure and tourism. In the first year, the tuition fee will be 6,000 euros, with a good study in senior courses, a 50 percent discount will follow. A student of this university assured that it is possible to find a job as a specialist in the field of sports or tourism in a country where there are 38 national parks, and citizens love sports and travel, without any problems.
Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The basic price for a year of study is 5 thousand euros, but the university provides a discount. The first year will have to pay 1500 euros, if the next 3 years the student shows positive progress in learning, the price will be - 2500 euros.
Let's see what's going on with the nearest neighbors. The Karelian University of Applied Sciences has perhaps the largest Russian representation. But not only at the expense of students from Petrozavodsk, Sortavala, Kostomuksha, St. Petersburg and Moscow. The children of those Russian-speaking migrants who moved to Karelia in previous years also study here. Many students come here to study on an exchange basis from the St. Petersburg Forest Engineering Academy. Here, when passing exams, they do not even require official certificates of language proficiency. The applicant himself determines whether he knows the language well enough to enter and study. The level of language proficiency is assessed during an interview and a written exam.
The usual tuition fee for Russian students at Karelian University is 5,500 euros per year. The student will have to pay this amount in the first year of study. If the results of studies are positive, in the second and subsequent years the tuition fee will be 2750 euros. Moreover, after graduation from the university, the amount of 2750 euros is returned.
Attractive financial conditions for studying are provided by the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. There are bachelor's programs in mechanical engineering and technology, business administration, tourism and hospitality management, as well as a master's program in international business management. The cost of studying for a bachelor's degree is 4300 euros, a master's degree - 5100. The student can receive a scholarship that covers the cost of education in full or in part. Tuition fees for first-year students are covered 100%, the amount of scholarships for students of 2-4 courses is 50-100 percent.
Finally, University of Technology Lappeenranta - LUT. There are only master's programs in English, and education is expensive - 10 thousand euros. But on the other hand, three types of scholarships are provided: the first covers tuition and accommodation, the second - all tuition, the third - half, 5 thousand euros. The decision on the scholarship for the second year is made in accordance with the grades at the university.
The picture as a whole is as follows: many universities have not yet decided on the level of scholarships, but their representatives confidently said that they would be. All of the above indicates that Finnish universities are interested in foreign students. Scholarships, of course, will not alleviate the situation of applicants, or rather their parents completely, they will have to get nervous and empty the nest egg, but, nevertheless, they will give a chance to alleviate the financial burden.
Obviously, in the next month, universities will decide on scholarship programs, and it will be possible to choose a university not only in accordance with the desired program, but also with the monetary discounts that the university gives to foreign students. You just have to remember that for these concessions you need to study well, otherwise you can lose them. From this point of view, there is common sense in paid education.
