Moving to Finland and financial matters
This page gives you further information for planning your move to Finland.
Study in Finland
Finland is renowned for its safety, healthy work-life balance and excellent reputation in education. Combined with Aalto’s high academic standing, studying in Finland allows students to thrive academically while enjoying their personal lives. Finland delights with a student culture full of fun and quirky traditions, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking unique study experiences.
Why study in Finland at Aalto University?
- Well-organised and safe: Finland scores high in comparisons in education, safety and quality of life. Finns value equality and our society is based on a low-hierarchy structure.
- Renowned education system: From elementary school to university studies, the Finnish education system ranks among the top in the world in international rankings.
- Flexible and independent: You design your own study schedules. Programmes include a great number of electives, allowing a variety of study paths.
- Multidisciplinary: Aalto encourages you to combine courses across fields.
- Practical: Putting theory into practice through real-life cases, projects, and artwork is key.
- Top-notch university: Aalto is #1 in Finland (QS), #114 and #195 in the world according to QS and THE. We have high academic standing and several high-ranking fields.
Studying at a university in Finland is known to be flexible, independent and practical. Students are given freedom to plan their study paths and there is generally plenty of room for elective studies. No one will come after you, to remind you of assignments or exams, but whenever help is needed, the community is there to support. Studies focus on understanding rather than memorisation.
Finland is renowned for its sensibleness and practicality. We love it when things run smoothly, and on schedule, and appreciate well-designed services. Finland tops international comparisons in equality and safety with low crime rates and a strong sense of trust.
While Finns are hard workers, we value our free time and a healthy work-life balance. Finland has consistently been ranked among the top countries in the world for quality of life. Furthermore, Helsinki has been listed as one of the best cities for work-life balance, gender equality, and innovation.
Boasting the largest technology hub in the Nordics, Finland is a world leader in information technology, business, design, as well as many other academically centered fields. Given Finland’s high scores in international comparisons in education, Aalto University is no exception with its excellent rankings worldwide. With a unique combination of technology, design, and business programmes, most offered in English, Aalto is a great choice for international students looking to study abroad. At Aalto, it’s typical, and encouraged, to complement your major studies with courses from other fields. Some programmes are even built to include many disciplines, making them multidisciplinary by nature.
Programmes at Aalto
Finland for international students
What may come as a surprise to an international student in Finland, is hierarchy – or lack thereof. It is common to call people by their first names, no matter if you’re talking to a fellow student, professor, or even a dean. The academic staff is generally approachable and works closely with their students, supporting them in their learning goals.
Even though we Finns love our personal space, studying in Finland is collaborative and students encourage each other to achieve good results. At Aalto, you will be part of a multicultural and interdisciplinary student community. You’ll get to study alongside like-minded people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Studying is ambitious, but individual competition is not overly fierce.
Rumour has it the Finnish language can be tricky. It’s true to some extent but as an international student in Finland, you don’t need to be too stressed about learning Finnish. Though we tend to be modest about our language skills, most Finns speak fluent English. Knowing the local language can naturally help you understand the quirks of the culture and boost your job hunt but in day-to-day life, English is sufficient. And yes, learning Finnish may be challenging. But it is certainly possible – and it can be fun, too!
Pictures from international students
Student culture: why Finland is a great country for students
In search of something truly unique? Look no further! Aalto University is high in academic excellence but it’s also brimming with spectacular experiences.
For those seeking to develop their skills outside classrooms, it's common in Finland for students to participate in their student union activities. Aalto University Student Union provides you with more than 200 subject and hobby clubs, giving you the opportunity to learn, take responsibility, and go out of your comfort zone in a safe environment.
And when it comes down to relieving study pressure, Finnish students know best! The Finnish student culture with its quirky and fun traditions, from collecting patches for student overalls to Wappu celebrations, offers you something you cannot experience anywhere else.
The Finnish student unions promote students’ rights and ensure safe and memorable student experiences. They host events that make it easy to meet new friends: Within the Aalto community alone, you can find an event for almost every day of the year! Aalto's student union provides hobbies spanning popular themes, like football and dance to more niche topics like chess, aviation, or role playing. In a community this active, it is sometimes almost too easy to get carried away with all the extracurricular activities.
But wait, why are they wearing overalls? Check it out on Instagram!Watch the video on Instagram
How Finland creates the best student/life balance in the world
Student life is not all about studying and Finland has figured out how to tackle this challenge
High taxes, higher rewards: How Finland ensures a high quality of life
Finland has some of the highest tax rates in the world — what do citizens get in return?
Student benefits and cost of living in Finland
Many believe that these comforts come with an expensive price tag, but it is only true to some extent. Living in Finland, and especially being a student in Finland, comes with many benefits. Many services are funded by taxes, making them cheaper for residents compared to many other countries. Furthermore, various student benefits bring down the cost of living for both Finnish and international students. Student benefits range from healthcare services to affordable student housing, discounted public transport, student lunches and sports facilities.
Your expenses obviously depend on your lifestyle, and with smart budgeting, you can live relatively affordably. As a student in Finland, you need minimum of 800 euros to cover your monthly costs, but it is generally recommended to reserve a bit more. Here’s a breakdown of what a monthly student budget could look like in Finland. See more detailed examples in the page Moving to Finland and financial matters.
Accommodation: 450€
Food: 300€
Phone plan: 25€
Local travel: 45€
Other (e.g. hobbies, clothes): 200€
Housing for students
Learn more about accommodation for both short and long-term stay in Finland.
Student benefits and services
Your quick guide to student perks, student union, and services for students.
Get a student's perspective on studying in Finland
Chat with Aalto students
Curious about life at Aalto University? Our student ambassadors are here to share their firsthand experiences and insights on student life, academics, and campus culture. Join us for interactive sessions, casual chats over coffee, and engaging discussions with current students and alumni.
Aalto Squadcast on Spotify (external link)
Hear about our international students' experiences and get practical tips for your future Aalto journey. Squadcast is a podcast by Aalto Squad student ambassadors.
More than the degree | Aalto Blogs (external link)
Blog posts by Aalto Squad student ambassadors. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!
Learn more about living in and moving to Finland
Study in Finland (external link)
Study in Finland is targeted at international students interested in the opportunities Finland offers in higher education.
Migri (external link)
Finnish Immigration Service provides guidance for moving to Finland.
Visit Espoo (external link)
Visit Espoo is the official guide that helps residents and visitors to find information about the city of Espoo.
My Helsinki (external link)
Tons of tips and ideas from events and culture to shopping and eating – for exploring the capital of Finland based on your own interests.
