Can UK citizens go to the happiest country in the world and Study In Finland for free, without incurring any debt or educational expenses? Why don’t we find out?

Although highly unpopular, unlike its Scandinavian neighbours of Denmark and Sweden, it is a more reserved country with a population of fewer than 6 million people, it is an excellent destination that breeds generally satisfied people.

Now, on to answering your questions about Finland and studying there as a citizen of the UK.

How Safe Is It To Study In Finland?:

Safety is often the first, and a major concern when deciding to study outside your home country.

Due to Finland being one of the most sparsely-populated countries in the world, it has an extremely low crime rate and government agencies concerning safety and security actually work.

The internal security in Finland is high and the country itself has a crime rate of just 2.8% compared to the UK’s 77.6%!

There are helplines available, working 24/7 for emergencies and whatnot, so yes, Finland is a large country both for its natives and foreigners.

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Do I Need Visa To Study In Finland As A Uk Citizen?

You must have a passport as a British citizen, however, UK citizens are not required to have a visa for stays in the EU of up to 90 days over any 180 days.

EU/EEA citizens don’t need to apply for visas to complete their studies in Finland. 

Can Uk Citizens Study For Free In Finland?

This seems to be the most asked question. Can a UK citizen study in Finland without paying for tuition? I promised at the beginning to help you find out and now, I will make good on my promise!

Yes! You can study without paying a dime!

How is that possible, you ask? Well, read on!

Due to the UK/Finland relationship, Finland does not demand tuition fees from EU/EEA students.

Generally, studying in Finland is relatively cheap. The Finnish government take education very seriously and has taken measures to ensure that students have the best chance to learn by also covering things that are considered peripheral in most other countries. 

There is a Finnish law that guarantees that students will receive at least one hot meal per day, and all their books and other school supplies are free. 

And this liberty of education does not just limit its citizens, or just to universities, but it international students for both primary and secondary.

If there is any country that truly believes in the right to education, it is Finland.

The Finnish government have been able to manage educational costs in such a way that it does not demand a huge deposit of tuition fee, but rather managed to keep university education entirely state-funded – even for international students. 

Principally, you are not required to pay tuition fees at a Finnish university if;

• You are a citizen of the member states of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.  

• You have a permanent residence permit card in Finland. (Either a type P permit,  of a continuous residence permit card in Finland, type A permit, based on other grounds than studying.)

• You are an EU residence permit for third-country citizens with a long-term residence permit card in Finland (type P-EU permit)

• You have an EU family member’s residence card in Finland.

• You have an EU blue card in Finland

• You have a Brexit residence permit card. (type SEU- Right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, or P SEU-Right of permanent residence under the withdrawal agreement.)

• You have proof from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) of registering, or application to register, EU right to residence in Finland per the EU-UK withdrawal agreement. 

• Your residence permit is valid at the start of the academic year and you have enclosed copies of both sides of your valid residence permit card to your application. 

• A copy of your valid passport, or national ID card where your citizenship is indicated to prove your citizenship.

• The degree programmes conducted in Finnish will remain free of charge regardless of the student’s citizenship.

• A fellow Nordic nation like Norway also has no tuition fees.

However, fees will be collected from citizens outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, starting their studies in Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes conducted in English at the start of the academic year.

Some Finland Universities That Are Tuition-free For EU/EEA Students:

• University of Jyväskylä
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
• University of the Arts Helsinki
• Hanken School of Economics

So I believe I delivered on my promise? Now you know, if you are a bonafide UK citizen, Finland should definitely be on your list as one of the places to study (or even visit) because it is both visa-free and tuition-free for you.

And despite education being free, it is of high quality.

And we like good free stuff here, no?

Onwards!

Can I Drive In Finland As A Uk Student?

Yes! You can drive in Finland with a valid UK license.

About Finland:

You are probably excited about this marvellous opportunity to study for free, but you want to know more about Finland and what it is like to live in Finland 

You should know that the Finnish natives are well equipped in English as well as Swedish and Finnish. So you would have little problems with the language barrier.

Finland has quite a lot to offer on its own. Especially for adventurous people due to the abundance of nature and thriving outdoor activities for the outdoor enthusiast. 

A whopping two-thirds of Finland is forested, and there are 40 national parks there that cover lakes, the coastline of the longest archipelago in the world, forests, and meadows. The possibilities for enjoying hiking, biking, boating and camping in the great northern outdoors are nearly endless. 

From wild beauty to world-class cities, Finland has wild and mysterious beauty on display. 

Plus in the winter, you get to view the legendary Northern Lights! (This is one place I hope to visit!)

Is Finland Truly A Happy Country?

It is generally said that a country with a thriving economy and low crime rate is a happy one and I don’t doubt that!

According to the reports and queries from the Finnish, and ranking comparisons with Luther countries on categories like income, healthy life expectancy, safety, trust, freedom, social support, and generosity, Finland emerged high and thriving.

With a strong cultural focus on family that extends even to strangers, living in Finland is a place where generosity is the norm, and small kindnesses abound as a matter of course. 

An intolerance for corruption from people in power and a business culture of a level playing field also help to ensure that people living in Finland feel satisfied with life plus great healthcare, safety net and a generous education system, it is fair to say that the inhabitants of Finland are indeed very happy.

Can I Get A Scholarship As A Uk Citizen To Study In Finland;

No. Scholarships only apply to students who are paying tuition fees and EU/EEU students are not, so as a UK student, you are not qualified for a scholarship in any Finland university.

Conclusion :

Despite Brexit, Finland and Britain have maintained a cordial and even friendly relationship so citizens of the UK should know that they would not be treated badly in Finland.

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