In 2024, Finland’s universities welcomed around 53800 students of non-Finnish nationalities, with approximately 80% from outside the EU/EEA area. The country offers high-quality education at all levels of study.
Did you know that most universities in Finland offer PhD programs for free?Not only this, the students also get stipends to cover their living costs. Not only this, the students also get stipends to cover their living costs.
In this article, we have formulated an ultimate guide to pursuing a PhD in Finland, including the scope of PhD, specializations offered, admission requirements, top universities, career prospects, and much more. for students wanting to study abroad.
Finland offers a unique and enriching experience for students wanting to study abroad for higher education, particularly a doctorate. The Finnish education system is known for its high-quality education, top universities in Finland for PhD, innovative teaching methods, and research-oriented approach.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their research projects, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the academic community. Doctoral studies in Finland usually take four years to complete, and students during the program are expected to deliver a doctoral thesis based on their research.
Studying for a PhD degree gives access to thefinest research facilities and equipment. Finnish universities inFinland for PhD are well-funded and equipped with modern technology, providing students with the resources to conduct their research effectively. The multicultural environment and welcoming community also make it an ideal place for international students.
Another interesting aspect of pursuing a PhD from Finland is that there is no tuition cost involved.
PhD in Finland Structure (The Bologna Process)
The Bologna Process started in 2005 in Finland. It brought structural changes to higher education in Finland. Through this process, changes are made in degree structure and curriculum.
Finnish universities changed to a new system of the number of teaching hours, which were equivalent to one ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credit. This transition was possible through special projects with special coordination across the universities.
Students aiming for higher education abroad can rely on research universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland. The reforms that came with the Bologna Process gave universities independent legal status and increased autonomy in finances and management. Finland's PhD programs are research-focused, with universities responsible for a significant portion of the country’s research output.
In Finland, there are two degrees available after a master's. Here is a brief discussion of both degrees.
The Licentiate Degree
In Finland, the licentiate degree is the initial research degree, offering a smaller thesis than a doctoral dissertation and compulsory classes. This final work of the licentiate degree proves the capacity of independent research, which can be monographic or based on articles.
After the examination, it should be submitted and published in the university’s database. Two doctoral-level examiners evaluate the thesis within two months, awarding the grades denoting their performance- distinction, pass or fail.
Since August 2020, licentiate studies require 40 ECTS credits, including discipline-specific and transferable skills studies. The thesis must be submitted for plagiarism analysis before viva vacation.
Doctorate
A doctorate in Finland comprises a dissertation and 40 ECTS credit hours of coursework. Generally, it takes four years to complete this degree. The emphasis is on a research component and engagement in the academic community. Discipline studies encompass compulsory ones, amounting to 30 ECTS credits, and optional transferable skills, totaling 10 ECTS credits.
Every course is different and has different ways of completion, such as lectures, exams, and seminars. It is important to note that the existing curricula are reviewed every three years. The students are also urged to participate in scholarly activities such as international conferences and research visits.
Types of Finnish Doctorate
A PhD in Finland typically takes 4 years and is offered by universities. Finnish doctoral programs emphasize research excellence and student involvement. Each university has its own specific admission criteria and application timelines that candidates should review.
The two types of Finnish doctorate are as follows:
National Doctoral Program
The National Doctoral Program in Finland includes fully-funded doctoral positions salaried by different entities. The Helsinki Doctoral Educational Pilot is one such initiative where the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland, funds the positions completely. It offers a 36-month employment to the selected candidate with three intake periods. The selected individuals in this PhD program in Finland require no additional Finland PhD Scholarships to finance their doctoral endeavors.
The Standard Research PhD
In Finland, paying for doctoral studies through grants or self-funding is possible. Self-funding students mostly work on the dissertation part-time while holding another job or doing other tasks.
Ideally, work related to the dissertation topic can be negotiated with the employer. If the work is unrelated, study leave or adult education allowances might be options.
Usually, it takes about four years to complete a PhD if the candidate works full-time, but if they work part-time, the time can extend beyond this. Despite the scholarships, the doctoral researchers are accorded several facilities funded by the universities, such as electronic services, library services, concessional diets, and UniSport services.
PhD in Finland Program Length
The regular process for obtaining a PhD in Finland lasts four academic years for a full-time candidate. The first part of the curriculum, often completed within the first one and a half to two years, comprises major subjects, general methods, and philosophy of the discipline. During the program, the students are exposed to teaching and key competencies required in a postdoctoral discipline. Annual registration requires filing several achievements and outlining future aims and objectives for research projects with one's supervisor.
Free PhD in Finland for International Students
Many PhD programs are fully funded in Finland, and the candidates are expected to cover only their living expenses. Adequate funding sources are universities' departments that also provide information on paid doctoral positions and scholarships.
In other words, they offer starting money for up to one year of doctoral study while the university's departments administer and apply for these fellowships on your behalf through EDUFI fellowships.
Specializations Offered in PhD in Finland
There is a wide range of specializations in various fields of study PhD in Finland. Some of the popular disciplines include:
Engineering
Pursuing a PhD in Engineering in Finland will let you learn with some of the leading engineers in the world. Universities in Finland for PhD offer specializations in fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Business
A PhD in Business in Finland will provide you with the opportunity to join forces with leading academics in the field. Finnish universities offer specializations in fields such as Marketing, Management, and Finance.
Computer Science
Finland is home to the leading computer science programs in the world. Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science in Finland allows you to collaborate with professionals in the field and contribute to groundbreaking research.
Education
Universities in Finland for PhDoffer specializations in fields such as Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. Pursuing a PhD in Education in Finland offers you the prospect of working with top academics in the field and contributing to the education system's development.
Social Sciences
Finland has the top Social Science programs in the world. Getting a PhD in Social Sciences in Finland allows you to partner with specialists in the field and conduct unexplored research.
Natural Sciences
PhD programs in Finland in Natural Sciences focus on chemistry, physics, and mathematics research. Students in these programs undertake independent research, attend seminars and workshops, and publish their research in academic journals.
Top 5 Universities for PhD in Finland
Finland has several top-ranked universities offering PhD programs. Here are the top 5 universities for PhD in Finland based on the QS World University Rankings, their specializations.
University
QS World University Rankings 2025
Specialization**
University of Helsinki
=106
PhD in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health and Medicine, Humanities
Aalto University
=116
PhD in Technology and Engineering, Business and Management, Arts and Design
University of Oulu
=392
PhD in Natural Sciences
Tampere University
415
PhD in Arts and Humanities
University of Turku
291
PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities, Health and Medicine, Natural Sciences
Source: QS World University Rankings 2025
PhD in Finland for International Students: Admission Requirements for 2024
The admission requirements for a PhD in Finland vary depending on the university and the field of study.
General Requirements for PhD in Finland:
A master's degree or equivalent in a related field of study
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT, 92 with minimum score of 22 in each section, and for IELTS, overall score 6.5 and minimum 6.0 in writing section), or equivalent)
Letters of recommendation from academic referees
A statement of purpose outlining your academic goals and research interests
Documents for PhD in Finland Application
Application form (hardcopy or softcopy as per the requirement of the university/ college)
Transcripts of records
Upper secondary-level educational documents
Degree certificates/ officially certified copies awarded by the main university
Score reports of IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
Score reports of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT
CV/Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Essay
Other documents such as portfolio/ sample work, etc.
Proof of finances
Medical tests
The application process for PhD programs in Finland involves the following steps:
Find the universities and PhD programs in Finlandyou are interested in.
Check the admission requirements and application deadlines for each program.
Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
Submit your application materials online or by mail.
Wait for the university to inform you of their decision.
The application deadline varies depending on the university and the field of study PhD in Finland.
Scholarships for PhD in Finland
There are various scholarships available for PhD in Finland for Indian studentsand international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. Scholarships offer financial assistance to students and can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Here are the top scholarships for PhD in Finland:
CIMO Fellowships
The CIMO Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue a doctoral degree in Finland. The scholarship covers the living expenses and provides a monthly allowance of €900 to €1200.
To be eligible for the CIMO Fellowships, students must submit a complete CV, a motivation letter, and a short research plan (between 2 and 5 pages). They will also have to send out two printed and signed copies of the application form with the required attachments.
University of Helsinki Doctoral Program Scholarships
The University of Helsinki offers several doctoral program scholarships to both domestic and PhD in Finland for Indian students and international students. As part of the national Finland Scholarship program, the University of Helsinki awards Finland Scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fee and also includes a €5000 relocation grant. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Helsinki to apply.
EDUFI Fellowships
The EDUFI Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue doctoral studies or research in Finland. The scholarship covers living expenses, travel costs, and insurance and provides a monthly allowance of €19,00 per month. To be eligible for the EDUFI Fellowships, students must have a Master’s degree, be proficient in English, and have a research proposal that aligns with the research interests of a Finnish university.
Aalto University School of Business Doctoral Scholarships
The Aalto University School of Business offers several doctoral scholarships to highly qualified international students. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver.
In the first two years, students will receive around €25,000 per year after taxes. This money comes from a mix of salary and grants from foundations. Starting from the third year, students are responsible for finding their funding.
They can do this by getting paid jobs as researchers or by applying for grants from foundations. The school may also provide fully paid positions to top applicants. Usually, students find funding for the third and fourth years of their studies.
Also, PhD in Finland for Indian students must have a research proposal and an acceptance letter from the Aalto University School of Business to apply.
Career Prospects After Completing PhD in Finland
Completing a PhD in Finland can open up various career opportunities, both in academia and industry. Here are the top career prospects for PhD graduates in Finland:
Career Prospect
Job Description
Annual
Average Salary
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research in their field of expertise, publish research papers, and teach students.
€49267
Postdoctoral researcher
Postdoctoral researchers conduct research under the supervision of a principal investigator, publish research papers, and mentor graduate students.
€39100
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze complex data, build predictive models, and develop algorithms.
€49888
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide expert advice to organizations in the technology field.
€48000
Source: Payscale(as of July 2024)
Conclusion
Pursuing a PhD in Finland can be a rewarding experience academically and professionally. The country’s high-quality education system, supportive academic environment, and ample research opportunities make it an ideal destination for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. If you are considering a PhD in Finland, explore the universities in Finland for PhD requirements, scholarships, and funding opportunities available. With the right preparation and research, you can unlatch the doors to a successful academic and professional future in the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes.’
FAQs
Can Indian students apply for PhD programs in Finland?
Yes, Indian students can apply for PhD programs in Finland. However, they must meet the same academic and language proficiency requirements as other international students.
Which universities in Finland offer PhD programs?
Many universities in Finland offer PhD programs across various fields, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and Tampere University, among others.
Is it difficult to secure funding for a PhD in Finland?
While funding opportunities for PhD students in Finland can be competitive, many scholarships and grants are available to help support international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. Researching and applying for funding opportunities early is important to increase your chances.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.
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