Updated 16 Sep 2025

5 min read
study in finland from bangladesh

HELP & ADVICE

How to study in Finland from Bangladesh

Generally, Students from Bangladesh going to study in Finland will have a good degree for them and moreover be able to learn new things in other countries. For students from Bangladesh, studying abroad is about more than good grades.  In fact, It is about more than that. Therefore, my focus is going to be about getting established in a new city, and consequently giving myself an international career and setting myself up for longevity.

So with its quality education system, safe environment to live in and plenty of scholarships, Finland is one dream destination for students who are looking for more.

If you want to study in Finland from Bangladesh, this guide will show you what to do. It covers admission, visas, costs, and scholarships.

Why Choose Finland for Higher Education?

When students think about studying in Europe, they often choose the UK or Germany first. But now, Finland is also becoming popular for Bangladeshi students.

Top four reasons to study in Finland

  1. Firstly, World-class EducationUniversities in Finland are ranked high and they use modern technology and research.
  2. Secondly, Low Cost – Tuition fees in Finland are not very high and in addition many scholarships are available.
  3. Thirdly, Safe for Students – Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. Therefore, parents from Bangladesh do not need to worry about safety.
  4. Finally, Work and Stay – Students can do part-time jobs while studying and can also stay after graduation to find work.

Can You Study in Finland from Bangladesh Without IELTS?

This is a frequently asked question, if not always possible to answer. It may be true in some cases but not in others.

Some universities are willing to accept applicants without IELTS disclosure if:

  • They studied fully in English before.
  • They must pass an internal language test organized by the university.

     

Most universities will still ask you for your IELTS scores. In general the criteria is that you need 6.5 or higher. It is certainly safer to do IELTS these days, and gives more options.

An overview of the educational system in Finland

In a UWIREI survey published this week, Finland’s education system was one of the highest-rated by international student

  • Bachelor’s degree: 180-240 ECTS credits; 3-4year
  • Master’s Degree: 1-2 years (60–120 ECTS credits)
  • Doctoral Studies: Usually around 4 year


The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is used in Finland and credits earned by students can be passed to other European countries. On this basis a good many Finnish students each year can come to student-credit programs abroad without much effort or

Key Facts About Studying in Finland

  • Main admission times: January and September
  • Tuition fees: €6,000–€18,000 per year

     
  • Part-time work allowed: up to 30 hours per week

     
  • Living cost: about €700–€1,200 per month
  • Post-study option: Up to two years residence permit after graduation for job search

     

Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Applying to Finnish schools is not as difficult as people think. I made the process simple and easy to follow.

General Admission Conditions

  • For bachelor degree: HSC or A-level or similar academic level (the same below).
  • For master degree: A bachelor degree from a university recognized by the Education Ministry.
  • English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
  • High academic records

Step by Step Application Process

  1. Look up schools and courses that interest you. You will also need to figure out if the schools have funding for applicants from abroad.
  2. Apply online through the university's website or you can contact us (Finland's national portal ); Please make sure that the information in your online application matches every word exactly with official documents you send via PDF as attachment.
  3. Upload all documents asked by the university.
  4. Pay the application fee if there is any.
  5. If some universities require a test or interview, do the relevant preparation for it as well.
  6. Wait for the admission result.
  7. If you are accepted, apply for a student residence permit.

     

Essential Documents for Application

  • Valid passport
  • Educational certificates and transcripts
  • Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • CV/Resume
  • References from teachers or employers
  • Bank statement showing financial stability

Financial Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Only need to show that you have enough cash to get a residence permit. Finland's Immigration Service reports that you need at least €6,720 per year (approximately €560 per month) for living expenses.

Top Universities in Finland for International Students

  • University of Helsinki
     
  • Aalto University
     
  • Tampere University
     
  • University of Turku
     
  • University of Oulu
     

Finland Student Visa Fees for Bangladeshi Students

You need a student residence permit, not a regular visa.

  • Online registration fee: 350 Euros
  • Rates for Paper Applications: €450
  • Normal duration: 1-3 months

Tip: Applying online makes the process faster and more affordable. If you prefer, you can also contact our team for personalized assistance.

Cost of Studying in Finland from Bangladesh

When planning your studies, you need to think about tuition fees and living costs.

  • Tuition fees: €6,000 to €18,000 per year (depends on your course and university)
     
  • Accommodation: €300–€600 per month (student dorms are cheaper)
     
  • Food and transport: €300–€500 per month
     
  • Health insurance: €200–€400 per year
     

Total: Plan for around €10,000–€12,000 per year for tuition and living costs.

Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in Finland

Many universities give scholarships to international students, including Bangladeshi students.

  • Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
     
  • Erasmus+ Program
     
  • University scholarships (like Aalto University or University of Helsinki)
     

Scholarships can cover 25% to 100% of tuition. Some scholarships also help with living costs.

Top 10 Universities in Finland

  1. University of Helsinki
     
  2. Aalto University
     
  3. University of Turku
     
  4. Tampere University
     
  5. University of Oulu
     
  6. LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology)
     
  7. University of Eastern Finland
     
  8. Åbo Akademi University
     
  9. Hanken School of Economics
     
  10. University of Jyväskylä
     

Conclusion

Overall, Finland is a great place for Bangladeshi students. Moreover, it has good education, low costs, and a safe environment.


In addition, Finland also has top universities, scholarships, and part-time job options. Students can grow both in studies and career.


Therefore, if you plan well and at the same time prepare the right documents, and have enough money, ultimately, studying in Finland can help you start an international career.

FAQs About Studying in Finland from Bangladesh

1. Is IELTS required for Bangladeshi students?
Actually, not always. However, some universities may not askif your earlier degrees were in English. But they usually recommend IELTS 6.0 -- 6.5.

2. How much does it cost to study in Finland?
On average, it costs around €10,000–€12,000 per year that is to say, including tuition and living costs.

3. Can I work while studying in Finland?
Yes. You can work up to 30 hours per week during school and full-time during holidays.

4. How much money do I need in the bank for a student visa?
In fact, you need at least €6,720 in your bank for one year.

5. Which Finnish universities are popular among Bangladeshi students?

For example, popular ones are University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Tampere University, and University of Oulu.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abir Chowdhury

Author