📲 Join our WhatsApp for Daily Fully Funded Scholarship Alerts
The University of Helsinki, ranked among the top 1% of research universities worldwide, offers the University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme for high-achieving international students. Designed for non-EU/EEA citizens applying to English-taught Master’s degree programs, this grant scheme provides substantial financial support ranging from tuition fee waivers to annual living stipends.
If you are planning to study in Finland for the 2027 academic year, this guide details the scholarship tiers, financial perks, eligibility rules, and step-by-step application instructions.
MUST READ:
- Kuwait Government Scholarships for International Students: Complete Application Guide
- KAIST Graduate International Scholarships South Korea: Complete Application Guide
- Bocconi University International Merit Awards Italy : Complete Application Guide
Scholarship Tiers & Financial Benefits
The University of Helsinki awards scholarships based on academic merit during the degree admission process. Applicants can apply for one or more scholarship categories directly on their study application form.
Funding Breakdown
| Scholarship Category | Financial Award | Additional Benefits |
| Fully Funded Grant | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver + €10,000/year living grant | Full Student Union (HYY) benefits & free orientation perks |
| Full Tuition Grant | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver | Full Student Union (HYY) benefits |
| Partial Tuition Grant | 50% Tuition Fee Waiver | Full Student Union (HYY) benefits |
Additional Student Benefits Included
All scholarship recipients, regardless of category, receive built-in student benefits via the Student Union (HYY) membership:
- Healthcare Access: Free or subsidized medical services through the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
- Subsidized Meals: Discounted daily meals at Unicafe student cafeterias across Helsinki campuses.
- Transportation Discounts: Reduced fares on HSL public transport throughout the Greater Helsinki region.
- Free Language Course: Early acceptors receive a complimentary intensive Finnish language and culture course prior to semester start.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the grant scheme, candidates must satisfy both general admission requirements and scholarship-specific criteria.
Requirements Checklist
| Parameter | Criteria |
| Citizenship | Non-EU/EEA nationals who are liable for tuition fees in Finland. |
| Degree Level | Applicants applying to an international 2-year Master’s Degree Programme. |
| Academic Standing | Strong academic performance (Bachelor’s degree GPA equivalent to top tier). |
| Language Skills | Documented English proficiency (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or C1 Advanced). |
| Renewal Rule | Must complete at least 55 ECTS credits per academic year to retain the grant for Year 2. |
Eligible Faculties & Academic Fields
Scholarships are available across virtually all international Master’s degree programs taught in English at Helsinki’s four main campuses (City Centre, Kumpula, Meilahti, Viikki):
- Science & Technology: Computer Science, Atmospheric Sciences, Data Science, Chemistry and Molecular Sciences.
- Life Sciences & Medicine: Genetics and Molecular Biosciences, Neuroscience, Integrative Life Science, Translational Medicine.
- Social Sciences & Humanities: Global Governance Law, Contemporary Societies, European and Nordic Studies, Economics.
- Agriculture & Environment: Environmental Change and Global Sustainability, Forest Sciences, Agricultural Sciences.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the University of Helsinki Scholarship Scheme is integrated into the central Finnish university application system. There is no separate portal.
- Select Your Master’s Program: Browse the University of Helsinki Degree Finder and choose your target English-taught Master’s program.
- Access Studyinfo.fi: Complete your application via the official Finnish national portal (Studyinfo.fi) during the open application window.
- Select Scholarship Option: Within the main application form, check the option indicating that you wish to apply for the University of Helsinki Scholarship and choose your preferred funding category.
- Upload Required Attachments: Submit your degree certificate, official transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, CV, and motivation statement.
- Pay Application Fee: Non-EU/EEA applicants must pay the Finnish higher education application fee if applicable under national rules.
Essential Application Timeline for 2027 Intake
| Phase / Milestone | Target Dates |
| Application Period Opens | January 5, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | January 19, 2027 |
| Document Verification | February – March 2027 |
| Results & Scholarship Announcement | April 2027 |
| Acceptance & Visa Application | April – May 2027 |
| Academic Term Commences | Late August / September 2027 |
Essential Documents Needed
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Officially attested copy or provisional degree certificate.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete transcript of records translated into English, Finnish, or Swedish.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Valid test score (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English).
- Passport Copy: Color scan of your valid international passport data page.
- Motivation Statement & CV: Detailing academic aspirations and leadership potential.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships Switzerland: Complete Application Guide
- DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy) Germany: Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Marshall Scholarship USA for Study in the UK : Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide
Official Links
- University of Helsinki Official Portal: helsinki.fi
- Finnish National Application Portal: studyinfo.fi
FAQs
Is there a separate application form for the University of Helsinki Scholarship?
No. You apply for the scholarship using the exact same online application form used to apply for your Master’s degree on Studyinfo.fi during the January application period.
What happens if I do not reach 55 ECTS in my first year?
The scholarship is awarded for two years, but progress is reviewed at the end of Year 1. If you fail to complete the required 55 ECTS credits, your scholarship may be revoked or modified for the second academic year.
Which language tests are accepted for English proficiency?
The University of Helsinki accepts standardized scores including IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency tests.
Key Tips From ScholarshipsHive
Because the University of Helsinki awards scholarships strictly on academic merit, your academic transcript and statement of purpose carry significant weight in the selection committee’s review. Ensure all secondary and university documents are authenticated and translated accurately before the January deadline.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant scholarship updates, application guides, and deadlines: WhatsApp Channel
