Finland higher education. Features of education in Finland. Admission to Finnish universities

The quality of higher education in Finland and the uniqueness of the Finnish approach to learning are well known throughout the world. Self-control in the process of obtaining knowledge not only excludes cheating in exams, but also the study of uninteresting disciplines, without causing disapproval of teachers. Studying in Finland for foreigners is distinguished by its affordable cost, interesting internships, as well as a democratic attitude towards students with any level of training.

Features of the Finnish education system

First of all, it should be noted that in Finland there is no differentiation of the education system into the state and non-state sectors. The state is making every effort to level the gap between the quality of education in various educational institutions, and even finances private schools, which are completely controlled by the Ministry of Education.

At the same time, there is a noticeable difference between universities and institutes in the country. This is due to the fact that the institutes lack the basis for conducting scientific research, therefore, they do not have the right to award students a master's degree.

The location of educational institutions in the country is determined by the density of the population living in a particular region. However, there is a relatively large university in every city with a population of over 40,000.

Getting an education in Finland attracts foreign students due to the absence of tuition fees. However, only those who know the Finnish language at a sufficient level to receive an education can study at the expense of the state.

At the same time, the cost of English-language programs is considered quite affordable compared to other European universities.

The specifics of preschool education

Unlike higher and secondary educational institutions, preschool institutions are paid. Kindergartens can be family, private, municipal, but the cost of education in them is the same and depends solely on the income of the family. The minimum payment is 26 euros per month - this tariff is designed for low-income families. Those who live in prosperity pay tuition at the maximum rate of 283 euros per month. The funds received are used to maintain the work of the garden and the salary of educators.

Places in kindergartens in major cities not enough for everyone, so the state pays 500 additional euros to those families who agree to raise a child at home.

Children from nine months to seven years of age are admitted to the kindergarten. Most kindergartens are designed for a full school day - from 6.30 to 17.00.

By law, there should be no more than four kids per caregiver, the same rule applies to family kindergartens. They go for a walk with the kids in any weather, accustoming them to the harsh climate of the country, while only the clothes and the purpose of the walk differ. For example, in bad weather, children can be taken to the city library, and on a sunny day they can organize a walk in the forest.

Obtaining secondary and secondary vocational education

Getting the child the main general education begins at the age of seven and lasts for the next nine years. Finland has a nationwide educational plan, which is supplemented by local programs developed by each educational institution individually.

School learning programs are financed from the city budget, so the communes control the child's secondary education, which in Finland is free for all citizens.

High school teachers are required to have a master's degree, elementary school- general diploma teacher education, and teachers high school– specialization in the disciplines they teach. More information on this subject can be obtained from the article “Schools in Finland”.

After graduation, graduates enter colleges or specialized vocational schools. Students must purchase textbooks and various learning materials on their own, but education is still free.

For those who do not know Finnish well enough, there are preparatory courses for admission to secondary specialized educational institutions. This kind of training lasts from 2 to 4 years.

You can enter a higher educational institution after completing the first level education (college, gymnasium).

All Finnish universities are divided into universities and vocational schools, which are more like Russian institutions. In the first case, the emphasis is on research work, in the second case, students spend more time in production, where they study the features of the acquired profession in practice.

In most cases, education is conducted in Finnish or Swedish, but in large cities, universities also offer English and French-language programs.

The first stage of higher education is a bachelor's degree, graduates of which can enter the master's program, and then to graduate school, in order to subsequently receive a doctoral degree.

Only those applicants who have received secondary education and passed the unified State exam(both in Finland and in the home country).

Equally important is the willingness to pay for education that is not in Finnish.

Education in the magistracy and postgraduate studies

Studying for a master's degree in Finland is free even for Russians, but only on the condition that it will be held in Finnish. There is no need to take entrance exams, since the selection of applicants is carried out on the basis of the submitted package of documents, including a bachelor's degree, psychological picture applicant and recommendations from the previous place of study or work.

After choosing a university, it is necessary to clarify the deadlines for submitting documents for admission, as they differ in different educational institutions, although usually documents are accepted from November to January inclusive.

If the training takes place on English language, documents must be accompanied by a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.

Postgraduate study lasts four years, during which the student takes training courses, practice in the specialty, writes and defends a dissertation.

It is possible to enroll in a Finnish graduate school if you have a master's degree, and not necessarily in the specialty chosen for postgraduate study.

Upon admission, it is necessary to provide a developed research plan and confirm the availability of sources of funding for training (scholarships, grants, sponsors).

How much does it cost and how long does the training last?

The undergraduate program is usually designed for 3-4 years, and the duration of study depends on the type of university chosen. The university offers three-year theoretical training programs, the institute offers a four-year practice, mainly in the polytechnic direction with training programs, after which the student is ready to enter the labor market.

The minimum cost of a bachelor's program in English is 4,000 euros, the average is 8,000 euros per year. Those students who choose to teach in Finnish do not pay tuition fees.

Almost all students continue their studies at the magistracy after completing their undergraduate studies, since having a master's degree increases the chances of getting a well-paid job and rapid career growth.

Duration of study in this case is 1-2 years, the average cost depends on the specialty, educational institution and ranges from 6 to 10 thousand euros.

Since the master's program provides for the improvement of knowledge gained in the bachelor's degree, admission is possible to a similar specialty or related to it. Such areas as jurisprudence, medicine, psychology, provide for the passage of professional practice.

Doctoral studies last four years, while the number of places for admission is not limited - everyone is accepted with good grades in the chosen profile.

Only in some universities there are quotas for free admission, and for those who do not pass the average score of a diploma, they arrange an additional exam. Education is free for all categories of students, fees are charged only for the use of educational materials.

There is also alternative program called "licentiate". This degree takes only two years to complete. And although the prestige of a licentiate is lower than doctoral studies, people who work in parallel with their studies often enter there.

Thanks to the allowance that the Finnish state pays to students, they have the opportunity to fully concentrate on their studies. There is even a special Student Welfare Office known as Kela, where all students over the age of 17 who need financial assistance can apply.

Only full-time students who have completed at least two months of study are eligible to apply for benefits. Students enrolled in a part-time program cannot expect to receive benefits.

The amount of the allowance is calculated on the basis of personal needs, so it may include discounts on food, travel, accommodation, financial aid or a student loan guaranteed by the government.

If the student studied well and completed the course without extending it, then after receiving the diploma, Kela, on its own initiative, can cover up to a third of the loan issued by the bank.

The allowance and compensation for living expenses allow students to live independently, study and at the same time not waste time on a side job.

If a student lives in a wealthy family, then material assistance is not issued to him until the age of 20, since the state entrusts the care of the student to his parents. In exceptional cases, you can apply for travel compensation if you have to get to study at the university by train or train.

On average, the amount of the allowance is 500-600 euros, about half of these funds go to pay for living in a university dormitory. If you wish, you can rent an apartment: in this case, only part of the costs is compensated, which is equal to the cost of living in a hostel.

As for part-time jobs, the state limits their duration to twenty hours per school week; for the vacation period, these restrictions are removed. Most often, students work in the service sector, where payment is made by the hour and is approximately 10 euros per hour. It is also allowed to search for a job in the specialty and pass industrial practice paying the same minimum rate.

To complete the course, a student must complete a minimum of 20 practice credits, with one credit equaling 40 hours.

A work permit is not required for either Finnish or foreign students: to get a part-time job, it is enough to present a student visa and a certificate from the university.

Holidays in Finland have a flexible schedule, so students have an average of two and a half months of rest in the summer and one week in the fall, new year holidays and Easter. During the holidays, the student can go home or look for work in Finland.

If a Finnish company is ready to invite a foreign student to work after they have received their diploma, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support him and help resolve all visa issues related to employment.

How to choose a Finnish university

When choosing an educational institution for higher education, one should focus not only on the specialty, but also on such factors as:

• low cost of studying in English;
• a fairly high scholarship;
• availability of distance learning;
• no need to present test results for TOEFL or IELTS;
• the possibility of passing entrance exams in the country of residence.

This greatly simplifies the admission process, and with the equal value of diplomas from Finnish educational institutions, it increases the chances of obtaining a prestigious higher education.

At the same time, you can apply to no more than six universities - universities will consider documents in the order of priority established by the student himself.

The most popular among Russian-speaking applicants are universities in cities such as Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Vaasa, the Southeast University of Applied Sciences, the ABO Academy, and the JAMK University of Applied Sciences. The list of popular higher education institutions also includes Savonia and Kajaani Universities, Henley School of Business.

Finally

A diploma of higher education obtained in Finland is highly rated in the world and opens up prospects for obtaining a prestigious job, career growth and high wages. The availability of grants, financial assistance and scholarships makes studying in Finland accessible to gifted students who are of value to the Finnish state. Those who know Finnish can study for free, and the payment for English-language programs is largely offset by social benefits, so everyone is encouraged to apply for admission to a university.

Education for foreigners in Finland: Video

Finnish education is in the top lines of the world ranking. The quality of teaching, research, cost attract students from all over the world here. Russian students are no exception. More and more Russian schoolchildren enter universities or come to study on an exchange. This is a good chance to get to know Finland from the inside and improve your English.

The most prestigious universities in Finland

Educational institutions in Finland have contracts with various companies and work closely together. Students do internships during class time.

University of Helsinki

Leads the list of the best universities. Built in 1640. Includes 4 buildings and several research centers.

2000 foreign students study here, most of them are Masters and PhD students. Bachelor's languages ​​of instruction: Finnish and Swedish.

Faculties offer agricultural, medical, legal specialties, as well as in the fields of sociology, art.

Aalto University

Until 2010, these were three different institutes, which were later merged into one university. It is positioned as a universal university that trains specialists in IT technologies, design, art and economics. There are engineering, chemical-technological electrotechnical areas.

There are 20,000 students here, 2,000 are foreign students.

English-language programs are available at the Master's and Bachelor's School of Business. The rest of the undergraduate specialties are in the official languages ​​of Finland.

University of Turku

Located in Turku, built in 1920. In terms of size, the university is in 2nd place. Consists of 7 institutes and several research centers. English-speaking specialties are open only for masters.

University of Oulu

AT last years this institution has risen in the rankings, which indicates an increase in the quality of teaching and research. Most popular destinations to study medicine, ecology and IT-technologies here.

One of the largest universities in Finland is the University of Oulu

Jyväskyl University

The second most popular among graduate and doctoral students. The university has strong ties with prestigious universities in other countries of the world, it provides exchange students with them. The main popular specialties are pedagogy, psychology.

One of the best universities in the country - University of Jyväskylä

Education system

On a note! International students can choose from over 500 English language programs to study. You can also study in the official languages ​​of Finland: Finnish, Swedish.

Higher education represents two types of educational institutions:

1. Universities where education takes place through the study of theory and scientific activity. There are 14 such universities. They also include specialized universities, the School of Economics and Business.
2. Universities of Applied Sciences, where they receive technical specialties.

Undergraduate

To get a bachelor's degree (Kandidaatin tutkinto), you need to unlearn 3 or 4 years.

1. At a traditional university, they study for 3 years, studying theory.
2. At the University of Applied Sciences - 4 years.

Master's degree

After bachelor's degree, most students enter the master's program (Maisterin tutkinto) in the same specialty or a similar one. Training lasts 1-2 years: depends on the disciplines studied. Psychological and pharmaceutical specialties require mandatory practice. A master's degree in employment is more valuable.

Doctorate

Licensee

The licentiate diploma is valued lower than doctoral studies. Study only 2 years. During this time, students write a dissertation, after which they also have the right to engage in teaching and research activities.

Benefits of a Finnish education

Statistics say that the majority of foreign students are Russians (second only to Swedes and Finns).

Benefits of a Finnish education:

1. Acquaintance with the mentality of the Finns and the culture of the country.
2. Improvement of foreign languages.
3. Quality education with extensive practical and research activities.
4. A diploma that is highly valued all over the world.
5. Employment prospects in Finland or any other country.

Even after returning home, with a European diploma, there will be more chances to find a good job.

Admission to universities in Finland

Since 2017, education in English in Finland has become paid. Now this applies only to doctoral studies. All educational programs Bachelors and Masters in English are paid. The cost depends on the university and faculty, the price starts from 1500 € per semester.

Russian students can enter both free of charge and on a commercial basis. There are various free education programs supported by our state and Russian universities.

Education in Finnish and Swedish is free.

Attention! A Russian applicant must provide a certificate or diploma to the university to confirm knowledge of the English language. For bachelors, the passing score of the IELTS language test is at least 6, for masters and graduate students - at least 6.5.

What is important to know

To enter a university, you need to go through several stages:

1. Decide: choose an educational institution, program and language in which the training will take place.
2. Study the requirements and the list of documents for admission.

Some important points for the applicant:

It is worth noting that in the case of gaining the same number of points by several applicants, the average score of the certificate can play a decisive role, so the grades in it are also important.

After enrolling and sending the original documents, applicants apply for a study visa. It is recommended that you apply for student housing at the same time, as places fill up quickly.

Video - How to enter a Finnish university

Applying for a student visa

A study visa is issued to a student enrolled in a university or vocational school. To obtain a document, you must fill out a form - permission to stay on the basis of study. You can submit an application online, print it out and take it to the Finnish representation or visa application center yourself.

You also need to provide other documents:

1. Two photographs taken no more than 6 months ago.
2. Valid foreign passport.
3. Any document confirming enrollment.
4. Medical insurance policy.
5. A document confirming the presence of 6720 € in a bank account or any confirmation that the student will have 560 € monthly.
6. If the student is under 18 years of age, parental consent is required to travel to Finland. Then the questionnaire must be signed by one of the parents.

The waiting time for the visa to be ready is 2-3 months. It is extended at the local MHI of Finland. A study visa cannot be issued to students of Open University and foreign language courses.

Attention! You can find out general information about education in Finland at.

Free education in English - myth or reality

It is possible for a Russian applicant to enroll in free education.

There are a number of possibilities:

1. Programs of universities for the exchange of students.
2. State programs of the Russian Federation. Presidential Excellence Scholarship, which gives you the opportunity to study abroad.
3. Finnish scholarships. It is given for success in studies quite rarely only for doctoral students for a period of 3-9 or 3-12 months and amounts to 1500 €. Also, Russian students (or graduates of Russian universities) can take part in the scholarship competition by writing a thesis about Finnish culture, language or ethnicity. The only condition is that the work must be in Finnish. The scholarship is given for a semester.

Grades and performance

Teachers evaluate knowledge at seminars, lectures and rarely at oral exams. In most cases, all tests are conducted in writing. Grading system 5 or 7-point.

Exams are very difficult and rarely get a high score. Most go to retake. The unit is a passing score.

In the last year of study, a diploma or dissertation is written. Universities of applied sciences allow teamwork. If it is of practical importance, it will be appreciated as highly as possible. More than half of the students pass their final papers with 3-5 points out of 7.

Attention! It is in the interests of the student to study well, because for poor grades he may not be extended his permission to stay in the country. This is very strict in Finland.

Accommodation

According to Finnish law, foreign students must have at least 560 euros in their account per month. The average amount required for living is 1000 euros per month. Thrifty students can live on 700-800.

Average student spending

Typically, student dormitories consist of "apartments" of 4 rooms, each of which is occupied by 2 students. If there are not enough places, the university can arrange temporary housing.

Health insurance is required to obtain a residence permit. Accommodation is not cheap.

Video - How much money does a student of the University of Turku spend on life

Work and study

On a note! Combining work and study is real. During school hours, according to the law, the total number of working hours should not exceed 25 hours, during holidays it is allowed to work full time.

There are no restrictions on the minimum wage, it is set by the employer at his discretion. It is quite difficult for a student to find a job with a flexible schedule, especially if a good knowledge of English or Finnish is required.

Employment after graduation

In Finland, it is difficult to find a job for a university graduate, and especially for a foreigner - they are treated with distrust. The labor market is highly competitive.

Some Russian graduates go on to study for a degree. If you plan to stay teaching, then in graduate school you should get connections. Job offers in educational institutions are practically nowhere to be found, because almost all the teaching staff are former graduates.

Attention! In Europe, Finnish education is highly valued. Therefore, it is even easier to find a job there than in Finland.

Affordable secondary education

In Finland, you can also get a secondary education, which will subsequently give an advantage when entering universities. During the training, foreign languages ​​will “catch up”, and the certificate or diploma will be of the Finnish type.

There are Russian-Finnish schools here, but not many. Some subjects are taught in our native language, but most are in Finnish. You also need to learn additional English.

The grading system is 10-point. Secondary education in Finland is free. Russian students need to have just over €6,000 in their account in order to be allowed to extend their visa. A Russian student can also enter a Finnish school after the 9th or 10th grade of a Russian school. Documents are submitted already in February, and in April they pass the entrance exam, but there is a condition: you must be fluent in English.

After school, students have a choice of where to study further:

1. In the gymnasium - 3 years.
2. In college - up to 6 years.

Gymnasiums are both public and private. At the end of the training, they take exams in Finnish, Swedish and other foreign languages, mathematics and physics. With a certificate, you can enter the university.

You can go to college after 9th grade. Education here is divided into 2 levels: secondary and higher.

Secondary education is 2 years, and higher education is 6 years. Specialists of a narrow profile are trained here, who later have no problems with employment.

After college, you can enter a university and even ask to count some final exams as entrance exams. This is a big plus for graduates of Finnish schools and colleges. For a Russian graduate of a Finnish school, this is also a bonus, since not all educational institutions in Finland accept a national certificate. As a rule, you need to study at a Russian university for 1-2 years or confirm your school certificate by passing entrance exams.

After the 11th grade, a Russian graduate of a secondary national school can enter a college in Finland if the knowledge of English or Finnish is not enough for admission to a university.

The college must provide a certificate (translated), pass a written test or pass an interview. A language course certificate would be a plus, although not required everywhere. The training lasts 1-2 years, upon completion a college certificate is issued.

Studying Russians in Finland gives great advantages for further employment anywhere in the world. Although higher education it cannot be called cheap, nevertheless it is one of the most affordable in comparison with England, France, America and other European countries. You can try to get into an exchange program at a Russian university, complete English courses and do it yourself. Parents of future students should assess the real possibilities of the child: is he ready for adult life in another country, because he will have to take care of himself. It is important to provide not only financial support, but also psychological support in time: the student's life is waiting for cardinal changes.

Surprisingly, very few people in Moscow know that higher education in Finland is free for foreigners. Moreover, anyone can enter, regardless of age, the presence of higher education in Russia and any other dark past. This year I entered Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences for the undergraduate program Hospitality, Tourism and Experience. And although I did not try to enter other universities, the system is approximately the same everywhere. In this post, I will tell you what you need to do to apply for a bachelor's degree. For a master's degree, the system is about the same.

1) Learn English
This is the most important thing and the main thing that stops most people from enrolling. You need to learn not just how, but very well, because you will have to study in English. Most universities require an IELTS certificate (minimum 6 points) or TOEFL (minimum 550 points in a regular exam and 79-80 online) before admission. ), O nor expensive enough, about 12,000 rubles per attempt. But some do not require, allowing you to pass an internal language exam, which is also not easy. Haaga-Helia is one of them. I am a translator by education, so I had no particular doubts and passed the internal exam.

2) Decide on the program
What do you want to be when you grow up? An engineer? Biologist? Or maybe a linguist? All available programs are available at the link. You can search by different criteria. In my case, I wanted to study tourism. Four universities provided this opportunity at once.

3) Submit an application online
Check in advance when the application process starts at your university. Usually for the autumn semester this takes place in January-February. Some programs start from the winter semester, then the exams are taken in the fall, and applications are submitted, respectively, in the summer. Once X day has arrived, go here, find your program and submit your application. Previously, you could apply for any 4 programs, now they have apparently expanded to 6. Keep in mind that the order in which you list universities is of great importance. When you pass exams at a university of first choice, you get an additional 5 points. If you entered both the first university and the second, then you cannot refuse the first and go to the second university. The same with the third, fourth and all other programs. So fill in according to your real priorities. I wanted to study at Haaga-Helia, because after reading a lot of information on the Internet, I decided that this the best place in Finland in my specialty, and I don’t need another.

4) Send documents
After some time, you will receive a letter that your application has been accepted, and you will be asked to send all the necessary documents to the selection committee. You need to send a copy of the school certificate and its translation, certified by any translation agency (300-600r). If you are only finishing school in the summer, keep in mind that not all universities accept academic transcripts for consideration. In Helsinki, none of the universities accepts without a ready certificate (except Arkada University, but only for one specialty). If you have an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, then these documents must also be sent. If your university requires these certificates, then you must send them. If not required, then not required. I sent only a certificate and, for insurance, also a translation of a diploma of higher linguistics, because allegedly, without a certificate of language, some people are not allowed to take exams. This happens very rarely, but it does happen. Do not risk sending documents by Russian post. It will be three weeks and not the fact that it will come. I sent by Major Express, which operates in Moscow through the Multiphoto office, which, in turn, has many outlets around the city. It cost 1800 rubles to send, but there were three of us, so it came out 600 rubles from the nose. Delivery within 1-2 days and nothing is lost.

5) Invitation to exams
Approximately in February-March, an invitation to exams arrives, by email and by mail. Sometimes a letter is sent to a link where you need to confirm your appearance for the exam. Exams usually take place in April. There were three exams for my specialty: English (for those without a certificate), a test on pre-read material and mathematics, and an interview. The preliminary material is used in several programs. On mine, for this it was necessary to purchase a book (35 euros online, 50 euros paper) and actually memorize it. The book was a collection of articles on the future development of Helsing Airport, 265 pages. It is also the time to think about the visa. If you have a simple tourist visa open for the dates of the exams, then you don’t have to do anything else. If you don’t have it, then get it.

6) Exams
You come to Helsinki or the city where you are applying and just do your best :)
I had my first exam at 8 in the morning, an essay on a book I had read. It was necessary to reveal four concepts described in the book. As far as I remember "Global village", "Augmented reality", "Glocal" and "Open innovation". It may sound scary, but in the book they are all described quite clearly. The essay should have a clear logical structure, introduction and conclusion. In general, if you got into the school system before the Unified State Examination, when you wrote essays a lot, then there should be no problems. The recommended volume is 2 A4 pages through the line. I did 4 to be sure. I was not sure about the exact meaning of one of the concepts, so I made the description so streamlined that it could be understood in both directions, adding more linguistic finesse to it. The results of this exam are indicated as pass / fail, no points are given. If you failed, then you can immediately go home, they will not let you go further.

My second exam was a test. Although initially there were 1,500 people for 60 places in the program, about 300 reached this exam. This does not mean that everyone was cut off in English (although many), it’s just that most do not reach the exams for a number of personal reasons. So do not be afraid of the number of applicants. So, the test consisted of 50 questions in the book and 10 in mathematics. The book, as I said, must be crammed. I didn't. Nobody did. Everything in bold, all bulleted lists, all dates must be learned by heart. There was a question about the number of employees at the Helsinki airport, the date of the opening of the recreation area in it, and many many other questions for specific information. That is, just reading and getting a general idea will not work. It is necessary to cram facts and concepts. However, artistic stories, of which there are 2-3 pieces, can be skipped. Math level of our 5-7 grades, mostly percentages. People learn some special formulas, but I solved everything simply logically. And I made only one mistake out of stupidity, and that's because we were not given a separate piece of paper for calculations, and I was embarrassed to write on a piece of paper with questions, although it was possible. And by the way, I had a deuce in school. For technical programs, mathematics is already more difficult. It is unusual for a Russian schoolchild, because it often affects logic more than pure mathematics.

The third exam was probably the most stressful. This is a group interview. A group of five students walk into a classroom with two teachers. Groups are specially recruited from people of different nationalities. They are given a group task for 20 minutes and are closely watched for teamwork. In my case, I had to imagine myself as the managers of an airport with 12,000 people stranded in a snowfall and decide what to do. We were also given a list of several dozen actions (arrange the ability to make free calls, organize meals, reassure passengers, call journalists, etc.), which had to be arranged in the scheme according to the principle (not) urgency-(not) importance. Then, after 20 minutes, we had to talk about our joint decision. I came across a very strong and adequate group, we discussed everything clearly, agreed on who tells what part and performed well, in my opinion. Not everyone is so lucky, sometimes there is a very talkative person in the group who simply suppresses others. And it happens that they try to blame them on purpose, they don’t like them and give them a low score. The main thing is to show your ability to work in a group, listen to others and defend your clearly reasoned point of view, do it confidently, but not harshly. After the presentation, everyone is asked several personal questions. For example, there were questions about what you can do best in life, what you will do if you don’t enter, why you chose this particular university, what is your understanding of hospitality. At the end, documents are collected. You must once again submit a copy of the certificate and, if any, certificates from work, if your work was related to future profession. This adds up to 10 more points. All home now.

7) Results
Exam results are announced in May. In my case, the list of applicants was posted on the university website. A little (or not a little) later a letter arrives in the mail. I was afraid of the mail, so I asked to send me all the documents by email, but usually they don’t do that. It shows your scores and everything you need to do next. If you do not get points, then you can be put on a waiting list, and if someone refuses to enter, they can offer you a place. My passing score was 60 out of 100, I scored 66.5 (it is not clear, given the certificate of work and the first choice of the university or not). At first I was a little upset, it's very little, but later it turned out that a lot of people have about the same score. It is not known if anyone scored substantially higher, given the insidious nature of the book test. When you have received your documents, you must complete a form confirming that you accept the offered place and are ready to start studying this year, and send it back. You can also skip one year and start from the next by checking the appropriate box on the form. After a while, you will receive confirmation of your place, but you can check in advance by e-mail without waiting for a return letter.

8) Housing
Immediately, as soon as the institute has confirmed your place in the current year, rush to apply for housing. This must be done very quickly, because there will not be enough affordable housing for everyone. Housing is managed by the HOAS office, and the application is being submitted. There are some other companies of the same profile, this will be indicated in the papers that will be sent to you. Among other things, the application must indicate your average monthly income (minimum 560 euros), annual income (minimum 6720 euros) and the number of loans (write 0 and do not worry). You can apply for yourself alone, for a family (if you have a spouse and / or children) and for friends (will settle together, and not with strangers). If you are alone, you will be offered a room in a 2, 3 or 4-room apartment, starting from 180 euros per month. Spouses are given a two-room apartment from 420 euros. With children, respectively, a three-ruble note or more. The student must have their own room. It does not happen here that four people live in one room with one toilet per floor. The rooms are unfurnished, there is only a closet. There is not even a chandelier, and sometimes you need to buy a fire alarm. But there is, of course, a kitchen and plumbing. My room in kopeck piece costs 229 euros. As far as I know, all houses have a laundry room, a sauna and sometimes a small gym.

Once HOAS has sent you an offer, accept it. If you refuse and ask to search further, your application will again be thrown to the end of the queue, and you risk being left without housing at all. Usually they try to give housing near the university, but this does not always work out. They gave me 5 km from the university, which is very good. When you receive an offer from HOAS, you must immediately send a signed and scanned contract, as well as a deposit of 260 euros (for a family of 500 euros). This can be done via bank transfer. The deposit will be returned when you finish your studies or when you move, if you did not break or spoil anything. You pay for housing by the 6th day of each month. If the payment is late, a fine of 5 euros will be charged. If you have not paid for more than 2 months, you will be kicked out. In the summer and during other holidays, you also pay for your room. But many unofficially rent out their rooms for this period.

9) Visa
A visa, or rather a permit to stay for a year, is not very difficult. You will need a certificate of admission to the university, insurance for up to 30,000 rubles for a year (from 2,500 rubles), 2 photographs (there are no standard requirements, do it for a Finnish visa), a passport, a bank account certificate of 6,720 euros (this guarantees that you will not be homeless) and a printout of the questionnaire. It is better to apply online, then the visa will be done in 2 weeks, not 1-2 months. To do this, you need to register and apply. Help about Money ah often causes the most difficulties, but this problem can also be solved. In my case, my parents deposited this amount into my account, and then simply withdrew it. But keep in mind that the cost of living in Finland is 560 euros per month. Some wise students know how to live on 350-400 euros per month, including rent, but it's still better to count on 500-600 at least for the first time. Think in advance where you will take this money from, as it is not easy to find a job during the first year, and there is no scholarship for foreign students. If you are traveling with your spouse, then the amount is almost doubled, for children, a little less is added. In Moscow, a visa is obtained at the embassy (not at the visa center), but in St. Petersburg at the Consulate General. More detailed information . The cost of a residence permit is 300 euros. It is renewed every year already in Finland, the first year is 156 euros, and every year the cost increases.

10) Moving
That's it, you are ready to go to Finland to study, all the documents are in order, things are collected. School starts at the end of August. If for some reason you do not have time to arrive at the beginning of your studies, be sure to inform the university about it. Do not forget to bring your original certificate and certificate of employment (if any). Without the original school certificate, you have the right to be expelled. It happens that housing is given only from September 1, and you need to study in August. I'm in this situation now and here's how I managed to solve it. I booked a place in the hostel for two weeks. This turned out to be not the best solution, because there is such a Russian-language site where you can rent a room much cheaper. Most of the things I left in the warehouse. The site is in Finnish, but Google translate can handle it. A cell meter by meter and almost three meters high costs 50 euros for a month and 16 euros for the purchase of a lock, which then remains with you. You can use it in this warehouse in the future. On September 1st, I will receive the key at the HOAS office and transfer things from the warehouse with the help of a driver, whom I also found on the Russian site (50 euros for a minibus, much cheaper than an official cargo taxi). I hope everything works out.

Now I will regularly write about the peculiarities of life and study in Finland. So stay tuned if this topic interests you.

The education received in Finland is considered the best in the world. It is organized according to the principles of equality, individuality, free, practicality and voluntariness, which leads to high quality knowledge.

The cost of studying in Finland for Russians and foreigners

Finnish pre-school education

In Finland, kindergartens begin accepting children from the moment they turn nine months old. In this institution, children have the right to stay until the age of five. Employees are faced with the task of providing children with proper care throughout the day and taking part in the upbringing of the future generation on an equal basis with their parents.

For the stay of the child in a preschool institution, parents must pay a fee. It is not fixed and the same for everyone, nor does it depend on status. kindergarten or its interior. The amount of payment for being in a preschool institution depends on the amount of income of the parents. The minimum fee is twenty-three euros and the maximum is two hundred and fifty-four.

A group may consist of twelve to twenty-one children. The exact amount depends on the age of the kids. More employees work with younger children than with older children.

In large cities, situations often occur that there are no places in kindergartens. In this case, the state provides for a cash payment to parents who cannot give the baby to preschool and forced to deal with it on their own at home.

From the age of six, children begin to attend elementary school preparation courses, which take exactly one year. They have the status of mandatory for all children and are completely free. Groups for preparation are recruited in a preschool institution or already in elementary school.

Secondary education in Finland, colleges and lyceums

Obtaining secondary education stretches over nine or ten years and includes two stages. Schoolchildren do not take exams, they do not have diaries. Parents learn about educational achievements from the report card in in electronic format, which is located in the Wilma system. Children start school in the middle of the last summer month. The academic year ends in late spring or early summer. Children attend lessons only in the first shift five times a week. During the entire period three times they are allocated vacation time.

Children spend six years in elementary school. All this time, one teacher in a permanent class interacts with them. During the first two years, the main focus is on learning mother tongue, mathematics, reading and natural history. Children are also included in physical education and creativity.

With each passing year, the number of subjects studied increases, and by the end of elementary school, the guys have skills in important disciplines. The required languages ​​include Finnish and Swedish, as well as two foreign languages.

In the seventh grade, high school begins, located in a different building. Now each discipline belongs to its teacher. The learning process becomes much easier due to the fact that the teacher's assistant is present at the lesson. Children go to high school for three years. They may take an extra year to improve their knowledge. Upon completion of high school, children can continue their education or get a job.

Finnish graduates continue their studies at a college or lyceum. Weak students get jobs in colleges or vocational schools, while students with high scores go on to lyceums. Depending on the future specialty, studies in Finland last from one to four years.

How to enter Finnish institutions

Finnish universities have their own deadlines for passing entrance exams and submitting documents. All the necessary information is reported on the official website of the educational institution. It is possible to enter several institutions at the same time and use the results of one exam if it is needed in several educational institutions. What do you need to enter the university:

• the training programs are carefully reviewed and a letter is drawn up with questions about the timing and nuances associated with admission. The letter also specifies the list of required documents;
• documents are sent, after which a call for exams is expected. During this period, the applicant must begin to collect in order to obtain permission to visit the country during the entrance examinations;
• the applicant takes exams and waits for the decision of the selection committee;
• if everything went well and the applicant became a student, he must apply for a student visa and a hostel.

Higher education in Finland

There are two types of higher education institutions in Finland:

• universities;
• universities of applied sciences (in other words: polytechnic institutes).

During the period of study, the student goes through three stages: bachelor, master, doctor of science. Teaching is carried out in Finnish, Swedish and English. For the full assimilation of new knowledge and free communication, knowledge of two languages ​​is necessary.

Higher education is built on the principle of the Bologna system. In all educational institutions, students accumulate loans. Each credit includes twenty-five hours that were used for lectures, practice, and exams. This gives students a lot of freedom. They can choose the items they need. The education system in Finland makes it possible to continue education in another state.

Russian students studying in Russian universities have the opportunity to transfer to a Finnish university. If the student has completed several courses, he can immediately enter the magistracy by passing exams in the necessary disciplines as an external student.

Popular Universities:

• University of Helsinki (Helsingin yliopisto);
• University of Lapland (Lapin yliopisto);
• Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences (Ammattikorkeakoulu).

How much does it cost to study in Finland

Studying in Finland for Russians and other foreigners is absolutely free. However, some money will have to be invested. The student must pay benefits and union dues. Most often, the amount of these payments does not exceed ninety euros per month. The student pays for housing and meals on his own. For example, the cost of a room in a hostel is from one hundred and fifty to three hundred euros.

A student visa allows a foreigner to work about twenty hours a week. Despite free education, a Russian student must have about seven thousand euros on his account upon admission. This amount is required for annual residence in the country. Without this money, the student simply will not be issued a student visa.

Bachelor's, Master's and PhD

Undergraduate studies continue for four years. In some cases, students defend their final work. For a bachelor's degree, you need to score one hundred and eighty - two hundred and forty credits. A master's degree can be obtained two years after training, having accumulated another sixty to one hundred and twenty credits.

Students who graduate from polytechnic universities are required to work for three years in accordance with the specialty they have received and take preparatory courses lasting throughout the year. You can become a doctor of science after four years of doctoral studies. After two years, students receive a lecinciate degree, which is not available in other European universities.

Study in Finland for free

Higher education is free not only for Finnish citizens, but also for foreigners. This number includes residents of Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. During your studies, you may receive benefits for travel, food and accommodation. Specific conditions must be clarified in the selected university.

Grants for education in Finland for Russians can only be received by those studying in the magistracy or pursuing a doctoral degree. Foreign students studying for a bachelor's degree should not count on scholarships. Students are allowed to work part-time, which makes life easier.

Language classes

Successful higher education in Finland requires knowledge of Finnish, Swedish and English. There are language schools where future applicants can get knowledge of the language. Language courses at the University of Helsinki are in great demand. For fifty-two lessons you will need to pay one hundred and eighty euros. Russians can attend courses only on a paid basis.

An applicant can study the language individually or in groups. There are also accelerated programs. Future student himself chooses the duration of the language school. He may take lessons for several weeks, or he may stay at the language school for whole year. Teaching is successful and effective because the lessons are taught by native speakers. You will need a student visa to take the course.

Studying in Finland for Russians after 11th grade

It is very difficult to get into universities in Finland, since only three percent of foreigners from the total number of students are accepted. Russians can enter the university after the 11th grade. However, there is a difficulty here. Many universities accept documents in December, when Russian students do not yet have a certificate. This issue is being addressed by the discretionary admission”, which allows you to delay the provision of documents after showing a certificate from the school.

If the university fails to recruit the required number of students for some specialties, selection committee can visit Russia to recruit students. Basically, she comes to St. Petersburg and Karelia, and not to Moscow.

To enter the university, you will need to provide results and. In some educational institutions there are no exams, the applicant must write a motivation letter in Finnish or English. It is necessary to tell on what principles this particular institution was chosen, and describe your ideas for organizing the learning process.

Education in Finland has a huge number of advantages: it is free and very effective. It is difficult for a foreigner to enter a university, but if you make every effort, there is a chance.

Vocational schools in Finland:
Helsinki - Stadin ammattiopistohttps://www.hel.fi/ammatillinen/fi/ko...
Kouvolo - KSAO https://www.ksao.fi
Lappeenranta - Saimaan ammattiopisto Sampohttp://www.edusampo.fi
Joensuu - Riveria https://www.riveria.fi
Kotka - EKAMI http://www.ekami.fi

If the city of interest was not found in the lists, then write in Google “name of the Finnish city + ammattiopisto”, the first issue will be the desired option.
(ammattiopisto is vocational school in Finnish)

About how to take a loan from Sberbank.

Come to Sberbank (this is for residents of Russia. For citizens of other countries of the so-called CIS - I don’t know for sure. But the scheme is clearly worked out. Maybe it will work somewhere else). Take a loan of 3,500 euros from Sberbank - only in rubles (today it is 275 thousand rubles for 4 years)! So that in the event of a financial collapse, you can always return to Sberbank its "wooden" rubles.
The fact is that having entered a Finnish vocational school, you (according to Finnish law) have the right to work during your studies (or rather, combine work and study) for 20-25 hours a week. You will be paid approximately 10 euros per hour. This is not enough by Finnish standards, but for you (if you have money - it’s generally a disaster - it’s already something significant). That is - you will have 200-250 euros per week, 800-1000 euros per month. With this money, you can first of all pay interest on a loan at Sberbank (for this amount, this is about 6-7 thousand rubles a month, that is, about 80-90 euros). With the rest of the money, you can do whatever you want. Many rent one-room apartments for themselves (given that 1 sq.m. costs about 10 euros, then a 20-meter one-room apartment costs 200 euros per month) and live in these apartments with their families. Some of them buy cars and motorcycles. Travel when holidays. Well, and so on. But almost no one thumps, because the Finns - drunkards are immediately kicked out.
But from the point of view common sense shouldpay money to Sberbank as soon as possible. So that nothing is drawn to the soul. As soon as you earn them in Finland. And you will no longer be connected with Russia by any bonds.
This, I think, is the most correct scheme. And cars and motorcycles will wait. And even a wife with children will still sit here in Russia until everything is smooth.
And as soon as you pay off all your debts, then it will be possible to rent any housing, and go somewhere to Paris on vacation.

And one more very important information.
Finns allow dual citizenship. That is - when obtaining a Finnish passport, you will not have to refuse (for example) Russian or any other. That is - you will travel to Russia, without any visas and permits. But at the same time you will already be a full-fledged citizen of Finland.
The Finnish passport allows you to enter without any visas in 173 countries of the world, including all European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.

How to learn Finnish?

First, buy yourself a "Russian-Finnish Phrasebook for Travelers". Author K.Silvan. In Moscow it costs 103 rubles.
Write out from there - pronouns (I, You, He, She, etc.), numerals (1,2, 3, 4, and so on up to 10), + how they are written and pronounced - tens, hundreds, thousands, millions, etc. read it all carefully, and it will be better if much of it is memorized.
Then.
Here are two sites - suomesta.ru and lingust.ru/suomi
It explains in detail how to learn Finnish by lesson.
The main thing is that they are not afraid of anything and are not lazy.
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The main thing for you is not to learn Finnish at the level of native speakers (as it is almost impossible, for the vast majority). Not at all. You just need to pass an interview in Finnish.
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Therefore, listen to Finnish radio for beginners - https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/selkouutiset/?id=1334 (the announcers speak Finnish slowly there. They pronounce all the words and even letters on purpose. It helps beginners to master the speech component of the language) .
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And watch educational films like -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHoNCX3i51E&t=18s(Finnish Lesson 01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhDOjdpZaI8&t=1022s(Finnish Lesson 02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaAL7Aw4MmU&t=4s(Finnish Lesson 03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWj5DtMyBDo(Finnish Lesson 04)
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There are also educational films from this series - you just need to substitute the numbers: Finnish Lesson 05, Finnish Lesson 06, Finnish Lesson 07, etc.
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You don't have to be very smart. You just have to be careful and patient. And you will definitely succeed. And Finland will become your second home. Or rather, the first. But the place where you were born, but from where you had to escape, will be your second refuge (unless, of course, you like it).

And the main highlight when learning the Finnish language.

After you learn the very basics, you will need to practice language with native speakers.
It is done like this.
There is a site - speaky.com
This is a video chat with foreigners who want to learn a foreign language.
There you can easily find yourself an interlocutor from among the same Finns.
Registration there is very simple. Follow the instructions (they are all in Russian) and in 5 minutes you will be in the Community (this is the place where the language partners you need are based). All you need is a webcam (the cheapest in Moscow costs 400 rubles). Connect to the USB port and that's it. You can chat with Finns as much as you like until you learn this amazing and beautiful language. The language is very easy and understandable. Logically slender and accessible to any thinking person.