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    University of Helsinki

    University of Helsinki

    Check whether University of Helsinki is right for you as an international student.

    Speak to a personal advisor (free service)

    Uni facts

    Helsinki, Finland
    • Type Public
    • Rank 87
    • International students 1872
    • Nationalities 127
    • Total programs 33
    • Acceptance rate 45%

    Study abroad at the University of Helsinki

    The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest academic institution in Finland. It has a student and staff population of 40,000, and is made up of twelve faculties including arts, education, law, medicine and science. It also has several research-oriented institutes and research networks.

    The University has four main campus sites all in and around the city of Helsinki. Their main campus is located in the city center, with further campuses in Kumpula, Meilahti and Viikki. The campuses include a number of state of the art facilities, including the National Library of Finland, which is the foremost research library in Finland.

    The Student Organization (StudOrg) offers a program of events including regular parties, excursions and sports. The students' union also arranges events for students, and it comprises of more than 250 organizations including academic and recreational clubs.

    University of Helsinki logo

    Why study at the University of Helsinki?

    • Highly ranked

      The University is the most highly ranked university in Finland (QS World University Rankings 2019)

    • Leading research

      Only Finnish university to be a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU)

    Life as an international student

    The University of Helsinki is a diverse institution that encourages applications from international students. All new students from overseas take part in an orientation week, which is a great opportunity to get to know the campus and the city of Helsinki. You’ll also be assigned a tutor student who’ll help you settle in and get started with your studies.

    Students studying at the University of Helsinki can take advantage of more than 250 student organizations. International students at the University are encouraged to get involved in clubs and societies outside of the classroom to help you settle into life in Helsinki.

    Accommodation is available to international students, and the University can help you find safe student housing in the city.

    Student reviews for University of Helsinki

    Overall rating
    4.4 stars
    Overall experience
    4.4 stars
    Accommodation
    5 stars
    Academic
    4.2 stars
    University facilities
    5 stars
    University social
    3.8 stars
    • Matilda Dok
      Kenya
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      5 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University of Helsinki
      Tell us about University of Helsinki
      The transport network is very efficient, but it is important to know how to ride a bicycle since it is not only very convenient as you can practically access every place with it, but also fun to it ride in Helsinki. One has to book for housing way in advance and know that accommodation close to the city center is more expensive and also very competitive. The housing queue can be quite long and one might miss a place to stay. You also share a flat with strangers so it is great to have a positive attitude and be tolerant. Facilities are excellent and the library is well equipped. The university network is very strong and therefore communication via the internet and doing research is made easy. There are several societies that one can join and this makes life exciting and lessens chances of depression during winter. There are also many events one can sign up for free or at a small fee. Peers and staff are very friendly and helpful and so students are free to ask for assistance at all times. There are also study psychologists as school life can sometimes be overwhelming.
    • Abdurrahman Akyazan
      Turkey
      Overall experience 4 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      3 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University of Helsinki
      Tell us about University of Helsinki
      The university is amazing with all its facitilies, accommodation etc. I have studied in 4 different countries and I have had the best experience here.
    • Caelum Davies
      United Kingdom
      Overall experience 5 stars
      Academic
      5 stars
      University social
      5 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University of Helsinki
      Tell us about University of Helsinki
      The Student Union and it's partnerships control many facilities such as accommodation, healthcare etc. and they do a wonderful job. Student organisations active at the university are increasingly operating trilingually to include those that don't speak Finnish or Swedish. The University invests in facilities such as the new Think Corner building. The flat hierarchy is amazing.
    • Sangita Seshadri
      India
      Overall experience 4 stars
      Academic
      4 stars
      University social
      3 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University of Helsinki
      Tell us about University of Helsinki
      The university is well connected with the city, and has good facilities like unisport, affordable lunch, tutors to welcome new students, social events etc.
    • Jing Li
      China
      Overall experience 4 stars
      Academic
      3 stars
      University social
      4 stars
      Accommodation
      5 stars
      University facilities
      5 stars
      University of Helsinki
      Tell us about University of Helsinki
      UH is a university with a high level of study flexibility and friendly staff. The campus is located in city center or near city center with good transportation. Thus you can live wherever you want: near nature or close to a bus station etc. As for the study itself, we are not bound with many obligatory courses, which means you have a wide range of courses to choose from - to the needs of your preference. The study instructions are comprehensive and systematic, meanwhile, all the staff of the university are willing to help whenever you have a problem. You can either knock on the door of their office or send an email.
      Students here also enjoy the social events: organizers from faculty to student union. We have so many to choose from. Although many of them are Finnish-oriented, you are welcome to join any event, and local students here speak fluent English. They are mostly kind and warmhearted.

    Student life & facilities

    Group of students planning a presentation in a living room
    • Library
      • Computer labs
      • Museum
    • Fitness Centre
      • Climbing Walls
    • Transport
      • Bike Rental
    • Food & Restaurants
      • Restaurants
    • No. of All Weather Sports Pitches
      • No. of Tennis Courts 2
      • No. of Ice Rink 1
    • IT Support
      • Campus Wireless Connectivity
    • Sports Facilities
      • Sport facilities 1
    • Praying Rooms
      • Language Center

    How Studee can help you

    1. Universities & programs

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application assistance

      Be guided through your application process

    3. Visa & embassy guidance

      Maximise your chances of being granted a visa

    4. Enrollment & travel advice

      Get support all the way to your first day at university

    Speak to a personal advisor (free service)

    University of Helsinki programs

    Funding and fees

    The fees for the University of Helsinki master’s programs in English are €13,000, €15,000 and €18,000 per academic year, depending on the program. The fee for Bachelor's program in Science is €13,000 per academic year. In joint programs, the fees may differ from these.

    Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in Finland, are liable to pay these fees.

    Scholarships are intended for excellent students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who want to complete a master's program at the University of Helsinki.

    • Fully funded grant (tuition fee + 10 000 EUR)
    • Full tuition fee grant
    • Study grant (€10,000)

    Tuition fees range from €13,000 to €18,000.

    The scholarship will be granted for two years. For all scholarships, students are required to study full time (earn at least 55 ECTS per year) to fulfill the requirements of the scholarship. After the first study year, your studies will be evaluated and, depending on your progress, the scholarship will be continued.

    The University of Helsinki offers other scholarships for its degree students. You may apply for them during the first and second study year. For example the study grant is a reward for successful first year studies and encourages you to aim even higher in your second year of studies.

    The Fulbright Center has a Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award intended for a US student admitted to one of the master’s programs at the University of Helsinki.

    Location

    University of Helsinki

    Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100

    Helsinki, the capital of Finland and one of the most liveable cities in the world, is a safe, modern and compact. Everything is right at your doorstep; The cool urban culture and events, the beautiful green areas and wild nature.

    • From the centre of Helsinki

      4 km

    Visa requirements for University of Helsinki

    Many international students will require a visa to study in Finland, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

    Finland student visa requirements