Studying abroad was always a dream for me, but finding a fully funded opportunity felt nearly impossible… until I discovered the Finland Government Scholarships 2026.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my journey: how I applied, what I learned, and why choosing Finland was one of the best decisions of my life. If you’re an international student like I was, this might just be your gateway to Europe, too.
What Are Finland Government Scholarships 2026?
The Finland Government Scholarships 2026 are part of a generous initiative by the Finnish Ministry of Education. They provide full tuition fee coverage and sometimes even a relocation or living allowance for non-EU/EEA students applying to English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
What made these scholarships special for me was that I didn’t need to apply separately — it was all done through the university’s application portal.
Why I Chose Finland
I’ll be honest — Finland wasn’t my first choice at the start. But once I began researching, I fell in love with:
- Its world-renowned education system
- The focus on innovation and student well-being
- The peaceful, clean, and safe environment
- The vibrant international student community
My Experience with the Application Process
The process was much more straightforward than I expected. I applied through the Studyinfo.fi portal. There, I found all available English-taught programs. I applied for two Master’s degrees and indicated that I wanted to be considered for the scholarship.
Just three months later, I received the acceptance email — and yes, with a full scholarship!
Eligibility Criteria (My Checklist)
Here’s what I needed to apply:
- I was a non-EU citizen
- I had a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- I met the English language requirements (I submitted an IELTS score)
- I uploaded all required documents on time
Tip: Different universities have slightly different rules — make sure to check your chosen program’s specific requirements!
Step-by-Step: How I Applied
Step 1: Choose Your Program
I explored over 400 programs on studyinfo.fi and shortlisted the ones that matched my background.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
This took time. I gathered transcripts, my Bachelor’s certificate, passport, and took the IELTS in advance.
Step 3: Apply via Studyinfo.fi
I submitted my application during the January 2026 joint application period.
Step 4: Indicate Scholarship Interest
Very important: during the application, there’s a box to check if you want to be considered for the Finland Government Scholarship — make sure you tick it.
Required Documents (And Tips)
Here’s what I submitted:
- 🪪 Passport copy
- 🎓 Bachelor’s degree & transcripts
- ✍️ Motivation letter (tailored to each university)
- 🧾 Proof of English (IELTS)
- 📁 Portfolio (for creative fields, not applicable to me)
My tip: Spend serious time on your motivation letter — that’s where you show your passion.
Life in Finland as a Scholarship Student
I now live in Helsinki, and let me say — it’s amazing. The professors are approachable, the classes are interactive, and the libraries are like knowledge heavens. Plus, I’ve made friends from all over the world. And yes, I see snow for the first time in my life!
The scholarship doesn’t cover everything (e.g., rent), but some universities gave me a relocation grant, which helped during my first month.
FAQs from My Inbox
Q1: Can I work while studying?
Yes! You can work part-time up to 30 hours/week.
Q2: Is the scholarship renewable every year?
Yes, as long as you make sufficient academic progress.
Q3: Can I bring my family?
Yes, but you’ll need to show proof of funds to support them.
Q4: Can I stay after graduation?
Yes. You can apply for a post-study work residence permit.
Final Thoughts & Tips
If I can get the Finland Government Scholarship, so can you.
Here’s my advice:
- Start early. Prepare your documents and test scores.
- Choose programs that match your academic strengths.
- Write a killer motivation letter — make it personal and passionate.
- Believe in yourself. Finland might just change your life like it changed mine.
Ready to leap? Visit studyinfo.fi and start your application. Your Finnish adventure awaits
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