The University of Helsinki scholarship programme for 2027 gives high-achieving international applicants the opportunity to compete for tuition fee waivers when applying to eligible English-language master’s programmes in Finland.
For master’s studies beginning in autumn 2027, the University of Helsinki has announced an application period of 5 January to 19 January 2027.
What scholarships are available?
For applicants who are required to pay tuition fees, the University of Helsinki offers a limited number of tuition fee waivers. Depending on the programme and scholarship decision, an award may cover:
- 50% of the tuition fee, or
- 100% of the tuition fee.
The university notes that most awards are partial rather than full. Applicants should therefore plan carefully for living costs and any remaining tuition.
Important: this is not automatically a fully funded scholarship
Unlike scholarships that include a monthly stipend, travel allowance and accommodation support, the University of Helsinki’s standard scholarship programme is primarily focused on tuition fees.
Applicants are generally responsible for their own living expenses, housing, insurance, travel and other personal costs unless they receive another source of funding.
Who needs to pay tuition fees?
Tuition fees generally apply to students from outside the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland who enrol in English-language bachelor’s or master’s programmes and do not hold an exempting residence status.
International master’s tuition fees at the university vary by programme. Applicants should check the exact annual fee on the chosen programme page before applying.
How to apply for the scholarship
The scholarship application is integrated into the master’s admission application. There is no separate scholarship application form for the standard tuition-waiver programme.
Applicants who are liable for tuition fees can indicate their scholarship application within the same application used for the master’s programme.
2027 application dates
The published application period for international master’s programmes beginning in autumn 2027 is:
5–19 January 2027
The University of Helsinki has one main annual intake for its international master’s programmes, so missing the application period can mean waiting for the following academic year.
Available programmes
The University of Helsinki offers nearly 40 international master’s programmes taught in English across areas such as:
- Agricultural sciences.
- Environmental and sustainability studies.
- Computer science and data-related fields.
- Life sciences.
- Social sciences.
- Humanities.
- Education.
- Law and governance.
Each programme has its own academic prerequisites. Applicants should not assume that holding any bachelor’s degree is sufficient for admission to any master’s programme.
How scholarship selection works
The university describes its scholarships as competitive and targeted at strong applicants who are liable to pay tuition fees. Selection is connected with the academic admission process, so the quality of the master’s application matters significantly.
A strong applicant should demonstrate excellent previous academic performance and a clear match between previous studies and the chosen programme.
How to strengthen the application
Start by reading the programme-specific admission criteria before writing any motivation materials. Identify the required prior subjects, credit expectations and language requirements.
If a motivation statement is required, focus on academic fit. Explain how previous coursework, research, internships or professional experience prepare you for the programme. Avoid generic claims such as “Finland has the best education system” unless they are directly connected to your academic goals.
Financial planning
Even a 100% tuition waiver does not remove normal living costs in Finland. Applicants should prepare a realistic budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and residence-permit requirements.
Students applying from outside the EU/EEA should also note that Finland introduced a national higher-education application fee for many non-EU/EEA applicants. The University states that the fee is separate from tuition and should be considered when planning the application.
Scholarship continuation
Where a tuition waiver covers more than one academic year, students may need to meet study-progress requirements to retain the scholarship. Applicants should read the scholarship agreement carefully after receiving an offer.
Application checklist
- Choose an eligible international master’s programme.
- Confirm academic prerequisites.
- Check whether you are liable for tuition fees.
- Prepare academic transcripts and degree documents.
- Confirm English-language requirements.
- Apply for admission during the 5–19 January 2027 window.
- Select the scholarship option within the same application where eligible.
- Prepare a separate plan for living costs.
Official source
Applicants should verify the 2027 scholarship rules through the University of Helsinki tuition fees and scholarship programme page and check the relevant master’s programme before applying.
JobScholarship.com guidance: Apply only after confirming that your previous degree meets the programme’s academic prerequisites. Scholarship consideration cannot compensate for an application that does not meet the admission criteria.