5 Best Cities to Study in Finland

Nestled in the northern part of Europe is Finland, often referred to as the “Land of Thousand Lakes.” Helsinki serves as its capital, and as of 2022, the country is home to 5,591,854 individuals. Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but a significant portion of the population is proficient in English. Religion-wise, the majority adhere to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

Finland boasts a myriad of must-visit tourist spots, including the Suomenlinna Fortress, Kauppatori or Market Square, Åland Archipelago, Turku Historical Museum, and Kvarken National Park. For enthusiasts of natural wonders, visiting from September to March is ideal to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Adventure seekers may explore any of the country’s 187,888 lakes.

Currently, Finland hosts around 20,000 international students pursuing higher education. It stands as an attractive option for those studying abroad, as the government offers scholarships to all overseas students undertaking Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs. Notably, EU/EEA citizens and those from Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees. In this article, we will explore the best cities to study in Finland!

1. Helsinki

As the capital of Finland, Helsinki stands as a major business hub and a prominent tourist destination. With a population of around 1,328,000 in 2022, it is also the most populous city in the country. Helsinki’s appeal is enriched by iconic landmarks such as the Kiasma Museum, Uspenski Cathedral, Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Kamppi Chapel, and Temppeliaukio Kirkko, making it a vibrant and culturally rich city for international students.

2. Tampere

Situated in the southern region of Finland, Tampere is a charming city with approximately 346,000 residents as of 2022. It has become a favored destination for both residents and travelers due to its awe-inspiring sites, including Museum Vapriikki, Pyynikki Observation Tower, Tampere Cathedral, Särkänniemi, and Kaleva Church.

For aspiring international students, Tampere offers reputable educational institutions such as Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Notably, the Police University College (Poliisiammattikorkeakoulu) is an excellent choice for those looking to undergo police academy training. Established in 1918, it stands as Finland’s center of excellence in police education and research, offering classes in Finnish, Swedish, and English.

3. Espoo

Part of Finland’s Uusimaa region, Espoo is a bustling city with attractions like the Laajalahti Nature Reserve, Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Nuuksio National Park, The Finnish Nature Center Haltia, and Serena Water Park.

Espoo stands out as one of the best cities for international students in Finland. Aalto University, a prestigious institution established in 2010, is a prominent educational hub in the area. Aalto University comprises six schools, including the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business, School of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, and School of Science. The university is named after renowned architect Alvar Aalto, who studied at and designed the Helsinki University of Technology.

4. Turku

Renowned as Finland’s oldest city, Turku boasts a rich history showcased through its architectural wonders, including Turku Castle, Kuralan Kylämäki, Sibeliusmuseum, The Qwensel House, and Turku Cathedral. With a population of around 175,645 people, Turku is a city steeped in cultural heritage and historical significance.