Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | University of Helsinki Scholarship / Global Scholarship Fund for International Master’s Students |
| Host Institution | University of Helsinki (Finland) |
| Host Country | Finland |
| Amount / Coverage | Tuition-fee waiver (50% or 100%) for non-EU/EEA students liable to pay fees. study2abroad.com+3University of Helsinki+3en.bngoh.com+3 Some sources mention additional support (e.g., relocation grant) but the official site emphasises tuition waiver. study2abroad.com+1 |
| Deadline | Varies by Master’s programme; generally application rounds for autumn intake may close around mid-January. BFFS Scholar Quest+1 |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA international students liable to tuition fees, admitted to an English-taught Master’s programme at the University of Helsinki. University of Helsinki+1 |
| Degree Level | Master’s (International Master’s Programmes) |
| Application Method | Apply for the Master’s programme via the university’s portal and indicate the scholarship section when required. |
| Important Notes | Scholarships are limited; not all programmes may offer 100% waiver; must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory progress. University of Helsinki+1 |
Introduction
Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity, and for many international students the cost of tuition and living in another country remains a significant barrier. In this context, the University of Helsinki’s scholarship programme stands out as a gateway to top-tier education in Finland. This scholarship helps talented students from non-EU/EEA countries gain access to English-taught Master’s degrees in one of Europe’s most research-intensive universities. By offering substantial tuition fee waivers, the programme not only recognises academic excellence but also promotes global diversity and cross-cultural academic exchange.
This article gives you a full overview of the University of Helsinki Scholarships 2025: what the scholarship aims to achieve, the eligibility criteria, benefits, how to apply, tips for documents such as the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and recommendation letters, and a set of frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Helsinki scholarship, you must meet the following criteria (based on available public information). Always check the specific Master’s programme page for any additional criteria.
General eligibility
- You must be admitted (or applying) to a full-time Master’s degree programme at the University of Helsinki taught in English. study2abroad.com+1
- You must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and therefore liable to pay tuition fees. University of Helsinki+1
- You must meet the Master’s programme’s academic admission requirements (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, required transcript, English-language proficiency, etc.).
Academic background & performance
- You typically should hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. en.bngoh.com
- You should demonstrate excellent academic performance—often measured by GPA, class ranking or other honours; while the university does not publish a strict cut-off for all programmes, the indication is that excellence is required. University of Helsinki+1
- For continuing to benefit from the scholarship, you will usually need to maintain full-time status (earning a specified number of ECTS per year) and make acceptable progress. University of Helsinki
Other criteria
- Age: There is no strict public age limit stated for this scholarship. en.bngoh.com
- Nationality: All non-EU/EEA nationalities are generally eligible (however check for any regional or special quotas for certain programmes).
- English-language proficiency: You will need to satisfy the English requirement of your chosen Master’s programme (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
- Residency/tuition fee liability: You must indeed be liable to pay tuition fees (i.e., you are not exempt by virtue of being an EU/EEA citizen or holding a certain residence status). If your liability changes (for example by gaining EU residence), your scholarship status may be affected. University of Helsinki
Important conditions
- The scholarship typically applies for the standard duration of the Master’s programme (usually two years). University of Helsinki+1
- Some programmes may require you to earn a minimum ECTS credits per academic year (for example 55 ECTS) to maintain the scholarship. University of Helsinki
- As with any financial award, providing false information or failing to meet the progress requirements may lead to termination of the scholarship. University of Helsinki
Benefits
Here is a breakdown of the main benefits of the scholarship:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: The primary benefit is a waiver of either 50% or 100% of the international tuition fee for eligible Master’s students. University of Helsinki+1
- Duration: The waiver generally covers the standard two-year duration of the full-time Master’s programme. University of Helsinki
- Student Union Membership Fee: In some cases, if you receive 100 % waiver the Student Union membership fee is included. University of Helsinki
- Additional Support (programme-specific): Some sources mention that in addition to tuition waivers, there may be relocation grants or living-cost support for international students, though not all programmes guarantee this. For example, one reference mentions “annual stipend of €5,000 for living costs” in some cases. DAAD Scholarships 2026+1
- Access to University Services: As a registered student you gain access to the university’s services (libraries, student networks, career services, country-wide student health and transport discounts in Finland). While not part of the scholarship per se, these are indirect benefits.
- Campus Experience in Finland: Studying in Finland means you get to live in a high-ranking research environment, in a country known for quality of life, safety and innovation.
Note: Unlike many fully-funded programmes covering full living expenses, the University of Helsinki scholarship emphasises tuition waiver. It may not cover full living costs by default; you should plan how you will support living/boarding/travel beyond the waiver. The official web page states “Please note that university of Helsinki does not offer scholarships to cover living expenses.” University of Helsinki
Step-by-Step Application Process & Important Dates
Below is a typical sequence for applying to the University of Helsinki scholarship in 2025. You must check the exact Master’s programme page for your chosen field for exact dates.
Application Steps
- Choose your Master’s programme
- Browse UH’s list of international Master’s programmes taught in English.
- Check tuition-fee liability & scholarship availability
- Ensure your country makes you liable for tuition at UH and that the scholarship is offered for your programme.
- Prepare admission materials
- Bachelor’s diploma and transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- CV/resumé
- Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter
- Recommendation letters (if required)
- Copy of passport or ID
- Possibly programme-specific additional materials
- Submit application via UH’s online portal
- Application forms for the Master’s programmes open according to intake. For Autumn 2025 intake many deadlines fall in Jan 2026 or mid-January. BFFS Scholar Quest+1
- Ensure you tick/indicate scholarship interest (if separate) or check that fee-waiver scholarship is automatically considered.
- Admission decision & scholarship decision
- UH’s Master’s programme reviews your admission application and scholarship eligibility simultaneously. University of Helsinki+1
- You will receive your admission letter and scholarship result together (depending on programme).
- Accept the offer & sign scholarship agreement
- Follow instructions in the admission email to accept the study place, pay any required fee (if applicable), and sign the scholarship agreement. University of Helsinki
- Begin studies & maintain full-time status
- Study full-time, achieve minimum credits, maintain required performance. The scholarship may be conditional on your performance in the first year. University of Helsinki
Important Dates (Indicative for Autumn 2025 Intake)
- Application opens: Typically late 2024 or early 2025 (varies by programme)
- Application deadline: Many sources indicate January 2026 for Autumn 2025 intake. BFFS Scholar Quest+1
- Admission & scholarship decision: Often between March–April after deadline. Opportunities Abroad+1
- Study period begins: Typically August/September 2025
Checklist
- Confirm your chosen programme’s exact scholarship deadline
- Register for English language test(s) if needed well in advance
- Prepare all transcripts, certificates, CV, SOP and recommendation letters
- Ensure all documents comply with UH’s format instructions (naming, scanning)
- Submit complete application before the deadline — late/incomplete applications are usually disqualified
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the scholarship fully funded (tuition + living expenses)?
A1: The scholarship at the University of Helsinki primarily offers a tuition fee waiver (50% or 100%) for eligible non-EU/EEA Master’s students. Living costs (housing, food, travel) are generally not covered by the scholarship. 💡Students should budget separately for living expenses. University of Helsinki+1
Q2: Can EU/EEA citizens apply for this scholarship?
A2: Typically no, because the scholarship is aimed at students who are liable to pay tuition fees, which generally applies to non-EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA citizens often have a different tuition fee regime and may not be eligible for the same waiver. University of Helsinki+1
Q3: What is the deadline for the 2025 intake?
A3: The exact deadline varies by Master’s programme. Many Finnish universities for non-EU/EEA applicants close around mid-January for autumn intake. For example, some sources estimate application deadlines in January 2026 for 2025-26 programmes. BFFS Scholar Quest+1 Applicants should check their specific programme’s admissions page.
Q4: Can I apply if I am still in the final year of my Bachelor’s degree?
A4: Yes, many programmes allow applications from students in their final year of Bachelor’s, as long as you can provide proof of final year enrolment and anticipated graduation date. Official documentation of Bachelor’s degree completion may be required before enrollment. en.bngoh.com
Q5: What happens if I change my residence status to a status that exempts tuition fees after admission?
A5: If you become no longer liable for tuition fees (e.g., by gaining EU residence status), you may lose the right to the tuition-fee waiver scholarship. The University of Helsinki’s policy notes that changes in liability to pay tuition fees can affect your scholarship eligibility. University of Helsinki
Related Scholarships and Links
- Visit the University of Helsinki Tuition & Scholarship Programme page for official details. University of Helsinki
- Explore the Global Scholarship Fund for International Master’s Students at the University of Helsinki. University of Helsinki
- For broader Finland-based scholarship opportunities: “Finland Scholarships 2025” information page. ijih.com+1
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The University of Helsinki Scholarships 2025 represent a valuable opportunity for international students from non-EU/EEA countries to study in a world-class university in Finland. While the primary benefit is a tuition-fee waiver, the academic environment, international exposure and quality of education make it a compelling choice.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are motivated to join the University of Helsinki, now is the time to start preparing your application: choose your Master’s programme, gather your documents, begin drafting your statement of purpose, ask your referees for letters, and map out your living-cost plan. Don’t delay—deadlines approach fast and competition is strong.
