Study in Finland

Study at Aalto

Excellent reputation in education, combined with a wide range of programmes offered in English, makes Finland and Aalto University a great study destination for international students. Known for its safe and welcoming environment, Finland offers unique cultural experiences and student life filled with quirky traditions that foster creativity and innovation.

Two people lying on yellow flowers, one wearing a purple shirt, the other in a white top with a grey jacket. — Photo: Aalto University / Aleksi Poutanen

Finland cheat sheet
Population of 5.5. million
Two official languages: Finnish and Swedish
Member of the EU
Nearly 200 000 lakes
Roughly 78% of the area is covered by forest
3.3 million saunas

Come as you are

Some think Finns are a little strange, in a good way. Yes, it's true. We host the world championships in swamp football, take a dip in icy water in the winter, are fanatics about saunas and have the most heavy metal bands per capita in the world. Finland is the home of the Moomins, Clash of Clans, and Angry Birds. And Santa Claus, of course.

While Finns might seem a bit reserved at first, once you get to know them, you’ll find warmth and caring. Sometimes quirkiness, too. Apart from talking about the weather, small talk isn’t our strongest suit. A simple question of ‘how are you’ might lead to a long explanation of one’s personal life or work situation. We love our personal space and can handle long moments of silence without feeling too awkward about it.

In Finland, you have the freedom to express yourself and break away from traditional moulds, joining and creating vibrant subcultures that drive social progress. The country's strong commitment to gender equality and social inclusivity makes it a forerunner in progressive ideas, offering a welcoming environment for everyone to thrive.

Two people sitting at a bus stop with a sign for Aalto University. Autumn trees are visible in the background.

Finns treasure their personal space. Waiting for a bus at a 5-metre distance from others or not sitting next to a stranger is the norm here. Don’t take it personally, it’s not you, it’s us!

Photo: Aalto University / Mikael Niemi

A woman with short black hair wearing a white top, black trousers, and purple Aalto-socks, sitting on indoor stairs.

Finns always take their shoes off inside, except in public places. When the weather gets cold, we love to hang out in a pair of wool socks.

Photo: Aalto University / Kitty Norros

A woman takes a dip in an ice hole on a frozen lake at sunset, with light reflecting on the icy surface.

We love things icy! Swimming in icy lakes, avanto, and rolling in snow after a sauna are things you must experience while in Finland. Despite the cold climate, we also have one of the world’s highest ice cream consumption per capita.

Photo: Aku Pöllänen / Visit Finland

A woman sits in a wooden sauna wearing a checked two-piece swimsuit and a beanie, with a stove and a misty window in the background.

...But we also like things hot! Sauna is a cornerstone of the Finnish culture, where you can relax, socialise, and celebrate. In fact, there are so many saunas in the country that the whole of Finland could hit the steam at the same time.

Photo: Aalto University / Roope Kiviranta

Two people picnicking outdoors, holding coffee mugs. On the cloth are pastries, an apple, and a camera.

Finland has the highest consumption of coffee per capita. Is this the secret for our happiness or a pure necessity for the long, dark winters?

Photo: Jussi Hellstén / Helsinki Partners

Three people working on laptops at a round table in a library, seen through glass walls.

The early bird catches the worm, right? While much of the world works nine-to-five, we Finns typically have office hours from 8 to 4. Night owls, no need to worry: Today, the hours are often flexible for office workers. Your Finnish friends might ask you for lunch suspiciously early, though.

Photo: Aalto University / Henri Vogt

A lively heavy metal concert scene with a band performing under bright lights and a crowd enjoying the music.

Winters might be dark and heavy, but so is our music. We have the most heavy metal bands per capita in the world. We even have metal bands for kids!

Photo: Jesse Kämäräinen / Tuska Festival

Two people are sitting on wooden benches outside, reading books. There is a grassy area and a bike park in the background.

Finns have on average 30 days of paid holiday per year. The most common period for summer holidays is June-July.

Photo: Aalto University

How nature holds the secret of Finnish bliss

Nature plays an essential role in the daily lives and identity of Finns – it’s never too far from your doorstep even in cities. Finns and visitors alike love the Baltic Sea, the archipelago, lakes and forests that offer the chance to hike, cross-country cycle, ski or run – and freely pick berries and mushrooms.

Finland is a nature lover’s paradise, with everything from the mystical Northern Lights and midnight sun to the serene lakes and sprawling forests. Characteristic for the Finnish nature are the four distinctive seasons, and we are especially known for our winters abundant with snow and cold weather. The cold can seem intimidating, but fortunately the Finns know how to build houses that stay warm and toasty during the winter. You, too, will quickly embrace the attitude that surviving the outdoors is merely a question of dressing up in the appropriate clothing. Still, in the depth of winter, even the simple task of leaving the warm comfort of your home can take sisu. Sisu is a Finnish word that refers to a special quality of resilience, courage and grit, that enables Finns to push through even the greatest challenges.

And luckily, our summers of midnight sun and autumns filled with colour counterbalance the cold, dark winters. Spring arrives in the south of Finland usually sometime in April and the days quickly grow longer and warmer. The amount of daylight peaks during midsummer, with the sun staying above horizon for 19 hours. During the summer months, Finns like to retreat to their beloved summer cottages, known as ��ö��쾱, which are often nestled by peaceful lakesides or in the tranquil countryside. They enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle by engaging in activities like gardening, playing ��ö��, and fishing. The evenings start getting cooler towards the end of September, and the days become noticeably shorter.

Cottage in snowy forest in Finland. Photo: Natura Viva / Helsinki Marketing.jpg

Finland’s countryside is blessed with vast expanses of forest and nearly 200 000 picturesque lakes. Hidden amongst this beautiful natural setting you’ll find over half a million cottages.

Photo: Natura Viva / Helsinki Partners

A large group of students celebrating outdoors on rocky terrain near a yellow observatory tower, many wearing white caps.

At the turn of April and May, it becomes hard to miss the white caps and the colourful overalls and jackets. This is a clear sign that Wappu (May Day, Labour Day) is fast approaching, which for many students, is the most cherished celebration of the year.

Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland

People enjoying a summer night in Helsinki.

Long nights let you enjoy every bit of the Finnish summer. The days are at their longest in the second half of June, when the sun stays above the horizon for 19 hours. Light summer nights are a perfect setting for late-night gateways.

Photo: Mariia Kauppi / Helsinki Partners

People kneeling in a forest collecting mushrooms into baskets.

As autumn approaches, it’s common for a Finn to go wild with berry and mushroom-picking. Everyman’s rights allow you to pick the bounties of nature almost anywhere in Finland’s forests. A cherry on top of the cake; you get to enjoy the spectacular colours of foliage, ruska.

Photo: Jussi Hellstén / Helsinki Partners

A hand holds a wooden cup, pouring water out into a lake, surrounded by misty forest and reeds.

The water in Finland is some of the purest in the world, and drinking the tap water is not only safe but a pleasure! In some northern areas the water is so clean that you can drink directly from streams.

Photo: Julia Kivelä / Visit Finland

See our programmes

Living in the happiest country in the world

Finland is renowned for its sensibleness and practicality. We love it when things are running smoothly – and on schedule – and appreciate well-designed digitised services. Particularly when they offer the opportunity to avoid social situations (yikes)! Finland tops international comparisons in equality and safety with low crime rates and a strong sense of trust. Everyone is taken care of.

While Finns are hard workers, we value our free time and high quality of life. Finland has been consistently ranked among the top countries in the world when it comes to quality of life. Furthermore, Helsinki has been listed as the best city for work-life balance, the third best in gender equality globally, and as the second most innovative region in Europe.

Boasting the largest technology hub of the Nordic countries, Finland is a world leader in information technology, business, design and many other academically centred fields. At Aalto, you will definitely see how important technology, creativity and startup culture are for the Finnish people. We are known for our world-class engineers, tech gurus, architects, designers and artists. 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 courses, most of which are offered in English, Aalto is an excellent study choice for international talents. So, if you’re passionate about innovation, technology, and startups, Finland is the place to be.

5 reasons why Finnish winter is crazy cool

Finland’s winter weather can be extreme, but it doesn’t have to stop students from having fun

The photo shows a man and a reindeer greeting each other in a wintry environment.

Why summers in Finland are magical

Midsummer, midnight sun and a fresh mindset. Finland provides students with the perfect setting for summer relaxation

People sitting in front of a cottage after a sauna

A group of university students dressed in colourful student overalls decorated with patches and accessories, clapping outdoors.

Student culture: why Finland is a great country to study

In search of something truly unique? Look no further! Aalto University is high in academic excellence but it’s also brimming with spectacular experiences. Despite the ambitious community, when it comes 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.

Our student unions are there only to 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 University’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 students wearing overalls? Check it out on Instagram!

Student benefits and finances

Many believe that these comforts come with an expensive price tag, but it is only true to some extent. Contrary to popular belief, 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, different student benefits bring down the cost of living for both Finnish and international students. Student benefits range from virtually free healthcare to affordable student housing and discounted public transport, student lunches and sports facilities.

Student benefits and services

Your quick guide to student perks, student union, and services for students.

Curly-haired person in a green shirt holding a colourful lanyard in front of a modern building.

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

Students riding a carousel during the opening day of the semester

Pictures from Finland and Aalto

Two people outside, one with dark hair wearing an Aalto University jacket, the other with blonde hair hugging from behind. — Photo: Aalto University / Mikael Niemi

Two Aalto University students sitting outdoors in a field of yellow flowers, one wearing a purple hat and the other in a white jacket. — Photo: Aalto University / Aleksi Poutanen

Two people sit on a bench in a snowy urban area with a tram and brick building in the background. — Photo: Aalto University / Henri Vogt

A modern university building with red brick walls, large windows, green roof and a garden with pink flowers in the foreground. — Photo: Aalto University

A man wearing a dark shirt sits on a concrete wall in front of a building with large windows and trees nearby. — Photo: Aalto University / Filmbutik

Two people hugging outdoors at night wearing patterned student jackets with various badges and accessories. — Photo: Aalto University / Yuzu Nakamura

Two people enjoying an outdoor picnic with food and drinks on a table. A laptop and bottles are visible. — Photo: Aalto University

Two people sitting on rocks near the shore on a sunny day, with pine trees and the sea in the background. — Photo: Aalto University / Qiong Wu

People wearing white hats and black clothes sitting on the ground and eating food outdoors. — Photo: Aalto University / Yuzu Nakamura

Helsinki city centre aerial picture. Photo: Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki Marketing — Photo: Jussi Hellstén / Helsinki Partners

A scenic view of a snowy town with sunlight breaking through cloudy sky, reflecting on icy waters. — Photo: Yiping Feng and Ling Ouyang / Helsinki Partners

A view of Helsinki Cathedral from a narrow street with people walking. The Cathedral is illuminated by the setting sun. — Photo: Aalto University / Didier van Overveld

A group of people in colourful outfits standing on steps in front of an audience, with a curved, modern building in the background. — Photo: Aalto University / Didier van Overveld

Three people sitting on a wooden jetty by a calm lake, having a picnic with a lantern and drinks. — Photo: Harri Tarvainen / Visit Finland

A wooden cabin nestled among trees on a rocky lakeside with a long pier extending into the water. — Photo: Julia Kivelä, Lahti region / Visit Finland

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