Finland is a popular destination for international students looking to study medicine abroad, thanks to its high-quality medical programs taught in English and tuition-free policies at public universities.
Studying Medicine in Finland
There are 5 medical schools in Finland that offer programs fully taught in English:
- University of Helsinki
- University of Turku
- University of Tampere
- University of Eastern Finland
- University of Oulu
All of these universities have excellent reputations and are internationally accredited. As public universities in Finland, they offer free tuition to students from EU/EEA countries. For non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees are quite affordable compared to other countries, averaging between €10,000-€15,000 per year.
The duration of medical programs in Finland is 6 years. This consists of 3 years of pre-clinical studies followed by 3 years of clinical training. Upon graduation, students are awarded a Licentiate Degree in Medicine which is equivalent to an M.D. degree.
Finland’s medical schools place an emphasis on interactive, problem-based learning. Students gain extensive hands-on clinical experience and learn how to apply skills in realistic situations. The student-teacher ratio is low, allowing for close guidance and mentoring.
Clinical training takes place across university hospitals and health centers affiliated with the medical universities. Students interact directly with patients under supervision starting in the 3rd year.
In terms of specializations, Finland offers graduate medical education in all major fields. After the licentiate degree, students can pursue residencies to become trained specialists.
Benefits of Studying Medicine in Finland
There are many advantages to pursuing a medical degree in Finland:
High-Quality Education: Finnish universities are renowned globally for their educational excellence. Degrees earned in Finland are respected by employers worldwide.
Affordable Tuition: For EU/EEA students, medical school is completely free. For non-EU/EEA students, annual tuition fees are below €15,000 at public universities which is very affordable.
English-Taught Programs: All medical degrees are fully taught in English. There’s no need to learn Finnish to study and practice medicine in Finland.
Hands-On Training: The curriculum emphasizes real-world clinical practice starting early on. Students get to apply their skills in hospitals and health centers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The universities are equipped with modern amenities and technologies used in healthcare. Students train in top-class hospital environments.
Strong Employment Prospects: With an aging population, Finland’s healthcare system is always in need of trained doctors. Graduates enjoy excellent job opportunities.
High Standard of Living: Finland is safe, politically stable, and ranks among the happiest countries in the world with affordable costs of living.
Easy Visa Process: Foreign students find it straightforward to obtain residence permits for studying in Finland. Stay back options also exist for work or job search after graduation.
Medical Schools in Finland with Tuition-Free Programs
Here is an overview of the top medical universities in Finland offering English-medium MBBS programs with free tuition:
1. University of Helsinki
- Located in Finland’s capital Helsinki
- Ranked among the top 100 universities globally
- 6-year English-taught Licentiate Degree in Medicine
- Free tuition for EU/EEA students
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students: €15,000 per year
- World-class university hospital for clinical training
- Cutting-edge resources and research opportunities
- Highly international student body of over 300 nationalities
- Vibrant campus life and student organizations
2. University of Turku
- Located in the historic city of Turku, Finland’s former capital
- 6-year MD Program fully taught in English
- Free tuition for EU/EEA students
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students: €13,000 per year
- Ultra-modern campus and university hospital
- Strong focus on early patient contact and clinical skills
- Ranked among the top 3% of universities worldwide
- Graduates eligible for US medical licensing exams
3. University of Tampere
- Situated in the lake-side city of Tampere, 2 hours from Helsinki
- English-medium Licentiate Degree in Medicine
- Free tuition for EU/EEA citizens
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students: €10,000 per year
- Advanced simulation labs and clinical training facilities
- Tampere University Hospital provides diverse patient pool
- Curriculum aligns with the latest healthcare competencies
- Active international atmosphere and support services
4. University of Eastern Finland
- Located in Joensuu and Kuopio, Eastern Finland’s healthcare hubs
- Offers international 6-year MD program with free tuition
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students: €12,000 per year
- Small class sizes with close student-faculty interaction
- Rural medicine focused learning outcomes
- Teaching clinics across Eastern Finland for broad clinical exposure
- Excellent reputation for research and doctoral training
5. University of Oulu
- Situated north of the Arctic Circle in Oulu
- 6-year English-medium Licentiate Degree in Medicine
- Free for eligible EU/EEA students
- Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students: €13,000 per year
- Cutting-edge curriculum integrating latest technologies
- Oulu University Hospital provides diverse clinical experience
- Topic-focused curriculum to build specialized expertise
- Friendly student community in an international university
Requirements to Study Medicine in Finland
To be eligible for Finland’s medical programs, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completed secondary education comparable to the Finnish Matriculation Examination
- Minimum of high school chemistry, biology and physics
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL score)
- Pass entrance exam testing scientific thinking and reasoning skills
- Submit detailed application form with personal statement
- Undergo interview to assess motivation for medicine
- Fulfill specific requirements set by each university
- Gain admission through highly competitive selection process
In the entrance exam, students are tested on skills like critical analysis, applying logic, evaluating arguments, reasoning quantitatively, and interpreting scientific data relevant for medical studies.
The exam format varies between universities. It may be a written test, online test, or both. Preparing thoroughly using sample papers is strongly recommended.
How to Apply to Medical Universities in Finland
Applying to medical programs in Finland involves:
1. Researching universities – Compare programs on offer, curriculum, admission criteria, application dates, fees and scholarship options. Shortlist universities that best fit your goals and priorities.
2. Checking entry requirements – Ensure you meet the academic background, language skills, and entrance exam requirements.
3. Preparing application materials – This includes transcripts, standardized test scores, CV, and personal statement outlining your suitability and motivation for medical studies.
4. Taking university entrance exam – Register for the exam in advance. Use provided sample papers to prepare effectively. Each university conducts their own customized exam.
5. Submitting online application – Applications are submitted through Finland’s national application system. Double check to ensure all required documents are included.
6. Interview – Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to further assess academic capabilities and commitment to medicine.
7. Accepting offer – Successful applicants must accept their study place by the notified date and fulfill visa application procedures.
8. Applying for residence permit – Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a student residence permit to live and study in Finland. Proof of admission is required.
Allow ample time for each step. Application deadlines are typically between December to March for programs starting the next autumn semester in August.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Medicine in Finland?
For eligible EU/EEA students, medical programs in public universities are completely free of tuition fees.
For non-EU/EEA students, annual tuition fees range between €10,000 – €15,000 depending on the university. This is extremely affordable compared to many other countries.
In terms of living costs, students need approximately €700-900 per month in Finland to cover housing, food, health insurance, and other expenses. Books, supplies and study materials will be extra.
To get a residence permit, non-EU/EEA students must prove sufficient funds – around €700 per month – readily available to support themselves during studies in Finland.
Scholarships are also available to support international medical students, especially at graduate levels. University scholarships, government scholarships, and external grants can help cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Job Opportunities After Graduation in Finland
There are excellent job and career prospects for medical graduates in Finland due to a growing shortage of healthcare professionals.
As an EU country, Finland faces an aging population and rising healthcare needs. Trained doctors are required across urban and rural regions. Medical specialists are particularly in demand.
For non-EU/EEA graduates, obtaining a residence permit to continue working in Finland is straightforward. Graduates can stay for up to one year to look for employment suitable to their qualifications.
Once hired, doctors can readily transition from a residence permit for job search to a work permit. Learning basic Finnish is an asset for smooth integration into the healthcare system.
Besides clinical practice, medical graduates can undertake academic research or find jobs in public health management, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, and more.
Bottom Line: Finland Offers Affordable, World-Class Medical Education
Finland provides an outstanding opportunity to earn an accredited MD degree taught fully in English, with minimal tuition fees at public universities.
Its rigorous medical programs deliver extensive hands-on clinical experience using state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates are highly competent doctors prepared for global practice.
With Finland’s excellent quality of living, hospitality towards foreigners, and abundance of career prospects, international students are warmly welcomed into the country’s healthcare community.
