Applying to universities abroad can seem daunting, but with some preparation and planning, it’s very manageable. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for applying to universities in Finland, Ireland and Slovenia.
Choosing Your Universities
The first step is researching universities and deciding where you want to apply. Here are some tips:
Consider your field of study
Look for universities with top-ranked programs in your desired field. Finland is especially strong in technology and engineering, Ireland in humanities and social sciences, and Slovenia in natural sciences.
Factor in location
The location and setting of the university can greatly impact your experience. Finland has an untamed natural landscape, Ireland has vibrant cities like Dublin, and Slovenia has charming hillside villages.
Review admission requirements
Make sure your grades, test scores, and other qualifications meet the admission standards. Slovenia and Finland have the most competitive admission.
Research funding options
Look into scholarships and financial aid, which vary greatly by country. Tuition tends to be lowest in Finland.
Make a list
Once you’ve researched, narrow your choices down to 3-6 universities per country to apply to. Include reaches, matches and safety options.
Preparing Your Application Materials
Give yourself plenty of time to put together all the pieces of your application:
Personal statement
The personal statement, or statement of purpose, is a critical part of applications abroad. Be sure to craft a unique essay for each university.
Academic transcripts
Have official high school and any university transcripts sent directly to each admission office. Slovenia and Finland require certified copies.
Standardized test scores
Take required standardized tests well in advance so your scores arrive by the deadline. The SAT or ACT is required in Ireland and Slovenia, while Finland uses the Finnish Matriculation Exam.
Letters of recommendation
Ask teachers and mentors who know you well to write recommendation letters highlighting your strengths as a student. Give them at least one month notice.
English proficiency scores
Non-native speakers will need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or other English test results. The minimum scores vary by country and program.
Supplemental materials
Provide any required supplemental items like writing samples, portfolios or audition tapes. Make sure to follow the precise guidelines.
Submitting Your Applications
Don’t wait until the last minute! Submit your applications as early as possible:
Stick to deadlines
Deadlines are very strict for international applicants. It’s imperative to submit all components of your application by the published due dates.
Send electronically and via post
Most universities now offer online applications. After submitting electronically, mail complete paper copies as back-up.
Watch for confirmation
Make sure you receive confirmation that each university received your application. Follow up if you don’t.
Update if needed
If you want to update part of your application like test scores, immediately send any changes in writing.
Request fee waivers
If the application fees pose a financial hardship, ask about fee waivers well in advance of applying.
After Submitting Your Applications
Now comes the hard part – waiting for decisions! Here are tips for this stage:
Be patient
It can take several months to receive decisions from universities abroad. Avoid obsessively checking your email or postal mailbox.
Confirm financial aid
If admitted, verify the financial aid package and scholarhips offered. Make sure it will be sufficient to cover costs.
Reserve housing
Some universities offer on-campus dorms or assistance finding off-campus housing. Take action early to secure good housing.
Apply for student visa
Allow 4-6 months to obtain your student residence permit or visa. Requirements differ by country so check details.
Make travel plans
Start researching travel logistics like flights and airport transfers. Book travel once fully admitted and funded.
Manage expectations
Remember, admission abroad is very competitive. Have back-up options in case you aren’t admitted to your first choices.
With early planning, strong applications, and persistence, your hard work will pay off with admission to your dream university abroad! The application process takes time and effort, but will be incredibly worthwhile. Before you know it, you’ll be embarked on an amazing adventure learning and living overseas.
Details on Applying in Finland
Now let’s go over the specifics of applying to universities in Finland. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of universities
There are research universities, which award doctorates, and universities of applied sciences which are more career-focused. Both offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Language of instruction
Over 150 degree programs at Finnish universities are offered in English. However, some are in Finnish or Swedish.
Popular fields
The best programs in Finland are technology, engineering, natural sciences, business, and design.
Requirements
You will need the Finnish Matriculation Exam or an accepted substitute like the SAT or IB diploma. English proficiency is required.
Key dates
Applications open in December or January and close between late January and early April, depending on the program. Most decisions arrive by June.
Fees
Finnish citizens attend tuition-free. For international students, annual tuition ranges from 8,000 to 18,000 EUR.
Aid options
Non-EU students rarely receive need-based aid, but Finland has many university-funded scholarships that cover partial tuition.
Visas
Once accepted, apply immediately for your residence permit for studies from the Finnish Immigration Service.
Housing
On-campus dorms are guaranteed for new full-degree students. Start looking as early as April for off-campus housing.
Details on Applying in Ireland
Next we’ll go through what you’ll need to know to apply to universities in Ireland:
Types of universities
Ireland has traditional universities, institutes of technology focused on technical fields, colleges of education for teachers, and private colleges.
Language of instruction
Nearly all programs at Irish universities are conducted in English. Gaelige (Irish) programs are rare outside of linguistics.
Popular fields
Ireland’s strengths include arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, engineering, and business.
Requirements
Irish universities require the SAT or ACT. Minimum scores range from 400-450 per section on the SAT and 16-19 on the ACT.
Key dates
Applications open in September or October and have deadlines between January and February. Decisions are mailed by mid-April.
Fees
For EU students, tuition is free at public universities besides a student contribution fee of 3,000 EUR. For international students, tuition starts around 10,000 EUR.
Aid options
Irish universities provide excellent merit scholarship opportunities covering 25%-100% of tuition for high-achieving applicants.
Visas
Once accepted, immediately apply for the student immigration permission needed to study in Ireland.
Housing
On-campus housing is limited. Start looking for private housing in May or June for leases beginning in September. Popular areas for students are Galway City centre and Dublin’s southern suburbs.
Details on Applying in Slovenia
Finally, here are the key things to know about applying to universities in Slovenia:
Types of universities
Slovenia has three public universities, two private universities, and several independent faculties. There are also several private colleges.
Language of instruction
At Slovenian public universities, 40% of programs are in Slovene and 60% are in English. Private colleges use exclusively English.
Popular fields
Leading programs in Slovenia include natural sciences, engineering, economics, medicine, computer science, and environmental sciences.
Requirements
You’ll need the SAT or ACT, with minimum scores from 400-550 per section on the SAT and 14-25 on the ACT depending on the university.
Key dates
Applications open in February and close between March and September depending on the program. Decisions usually arrive in July.
Fees
For EU students, tuition is free at public universities except for an administrative fee under 100 EUR. International students pay between 2,000 and 5,000 EUR per year.
Aid options
Slovenian universities provide a small number of merit-based scholarships for international students that cover 50%-100% tuition.
Visas
Citizens beyond the EU must obtain a temporary residence permit for study purposes after being admitted.
Housing
On-campus housing is extremely limited. Start looking for private apartments early. Popular areas are Ljubljana city center and Maribor city center.
Conclusion
Studying at an international university is an amazing opportunity. By starting your applications early, thoroughly researching your options, and submitting complete, high-quality applications, you can make your dream of attending university abroad a reality. The effort is well worth it for the life-changing experience.
