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Finland is widely known for having one of the highest education systems in the world. In fact, Finnish students consistently rank among the top in international education assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). So what makes the Finnish education system so successful? And why is Finland a great choice for international students?
One reason is that education is highly valued in Finnish culture. In Finland, education is free for all and available to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. This equal access to education is reflected in the high enrollment rates in Finland, with over 90% of Finns completing upper secondary education.
Another factor contributing to Finland’s high education standards is the emphasis on equity in the education system. There is a strong focus on providing equal opportunities for all students to succeed, rather than just catering to the highest achieving students. This approach is reflected in the lack of standardized testing and homework in Finnish schools, as well as the low number of private schools in the country.
In addition to these cultural and policy factors, the Finnish education system also benefits from a highly trained teaching workforce. In Finland, teacher education is highly competitive and prestigious, with only the top 10% of applicants being accepted into teacher training programs. As a result, Finnish teachers are well-trained and highly qualified, which helps to ensure high-quality instruction for students.
Overall, the combination of equal access, equity-focused policies, and a highly trained teaching workforce contribute to Finland’s high education standards. If you’re considering pursuing higher education, Finland is definitely worth considering as a destination.
In this post, we will cover some of the best Universities in Finland for international students. You can take this guide and use it during your application process to Finland Universities.
How the Finnish Higher Education System Works
The Finnish higher education system is made up of two main sectors: universities and polytechnics (also known as universities of applied sciences).
Universities in Finland offer academic degrees in a wide range of fields, including the arts, natural sciences, and social sciences. These institutions are research-based, meaning that they focus on both teaching and conducting research. There are a total of 15 universities in Finland, and they are all publicly funded.
Polytechnics, on the other hand, offer applied higher education in fields such as technology, business, and health care. These institutions are more practice-oriented, meaning that they focus on preparing students for professional careers. There are a total of 25 polytechnics in Finland, and they are also publicly funded.
Both universities and polytechnics offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. However, the structure of these degrees can vary slightly between the two sectors. For example, bachelor’s degrees at universities are typically more research-based and require more independent study, while bachelor’s degrees at polytechnics are more practical and involve more hands-on learning.
In addition to universities and polytechnics, Finland also has a number of private universities and colleges. These institutions are not publicly funded and typically offer more specialized programs.
The Finnish higher education system offers a wide range of options for students, whether they are interested in academic or applied fields. With its high education standards and strong focus on equity, Finland is an excellent destination for higher education.
According to data from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, the percentage of college graduates in Finland is relatively high, with over 60% of Finns aged 25-34 having completed a tertiary level qualification. This includes both academic degrees from universities and applied degrees from polytechnics.
It’s worth noting that the definition of “college graduate” in Finland may differ slightly from other countries, as the Finnish higher education system includes both universities and polytechnics. In general, however, a college graduate in Finland is someone who has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The high percentage of college graduates in Finland is a reflection of the country’s strong emphasis on education.
Top 10 Best Universities In Finland for International Students
Finland is home to some of the top universities in the world, and international students are drawn to the country for its high-quality education and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re considering studying in Finland as an international student, here are the top 10 universities to consider:
- University of Helsinki: Located in the capital city, the University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest university in Finland. It offers a wide range of programs in the arts, natural sciences, and social sciences, as well as numerous research opportunities. The university has state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library and several research centers.
University of Helsinki Website - Aalto University: Aalto University is a multidisciplinary university located in the Helsinki metropolitan area. It offers programs in technology, economics, art and design, and more. The university is known for its innovative approach to education, and has state-of-the-art facilities, including a media lab and a design factory.
Aalto University Website - University of Turku: Located on the southwest coast of Finland, the University of Turku is a research-based university with a strong focus on internationalization. It offers programs in a wide range of fields, including the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library and several research centers.
Visit University Website - Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology: This university, located in the southeast of Finland, focuses on technology and business. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, economics, and business administration. The university has excellent facilities, including a modern library and a business incubator.
Visit University Website - Tampere University: Located in the city of Tampere, this multidisciplinary university offers a wide range of programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university is known for its strong focus on research, and has several research centers and institutes.
Tampere University Website - University of Eastern Finland: This university, located in the eastern part of Finland, offers programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It is known for its strong focus on research and has several research centers and institutes.
Visit University Website - University of Oulu: Located in the northern part of Finland, the University of Oulu is a research-based university with a strong focus on technology and natural sciences. It offers a wide range of programs and has state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library and several research centers.
Visit University Website - University of Jyväskylä: This university, located in the city of Jyväskylä, offers a wide range of programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It is known for its strong focus on research and has several research centers and institutes.
Visit University Website - Åbo Akademi University: Located in the city of Turku, Åbo Akademi University is a multidisciplinary university that offers programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It is known for its strong focus on research and has several research centers and institutes.
Visit University Website - University of Vaasa: Located in the city of Vaasa, this university offers programs in economics, business, and technology. It is known for its strong focus on practical, applied learning and has excellent facilities, including a modern library and a business incubator.
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Overall, these universities offer a wide range of programs and facilities for international students. Whether you’re interested in the arts, natural sciences, or applied fields, you’ll find a program to suit your interests in Finland.
