Universities in Finland ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 35 Universities in Finland

The Republic of Finland is divided into 19 regions (Finnish: maakunnat), each further subdivided into municipalities (Finnish: kunnat). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in the Uusimaa Region, which includes Helsinki, the capital and largest city of Finland. Helsinki is a vibrant educational hub, hosting several renowned universities and institutions that contribute to the country’s high academic standards. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one Finnish higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Aland (1)  
Central Finland (2)  
Central Ostrobothnia (1)  
Kainuu (1)  
Kymenlaakso (1)  
Lapland (2)  
North Karelia (2)  
Northern Ostrobothnia (2)  
Northern Savonia (1)  
Ostrobothnia (3)  
Paijanne Tavastia (1)  
Pirkanmaa (1)  
Satakunta (1)  
South Karelia (1)  
Southern Ostrobothnia (1)  
Southwest Finland (3)  
Tavastia Proper (1)  
Uusimaa (10)  

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Overview of Finland Universities

Finland's higher education system comprises universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). All Finnish universities are public, non-profit institutions funded primarily by the Ministry of Education and Culture. They emphasize research-based education across bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Universities focus on scientific research and theoretical knowledge, while UAS offer practice-oriented degrees. Key characteristics include tuition-free education for EU/EEA students, high English-taught program availability and strong industry collaborations. Finland consistently ranks among the world's top education systems for quality and innovation.

Top 10 Finland Universities

1. University of Helsinki (Helsingin yliopisto) (HY/UH) holds Finland's #1 rank (World #126). Established in 1640 in Helsinki, Uusimaa, this public research university offers comprehensive programs across all study levels.
2. Tampere University (Tampereen yliopisto) (TaY/TAU) ranks #2 nationally (World #194). Founded in 1925 in Tampere, Pirkanmaa, this public comprehensive research university provides bachelor's to doctoral degrees.
3. Aalto University (Aalto-yliopisto) (AYO) is Finland's #3 (World #202). Established in 2010 in Espoo, Uusimaa, this public research university specializes in technology, business and arts with comprehensive degree programs.
4. University of Jyväskylä (Jyväskylän yliopisto) (JY) ranks #4 nationally (World #476). Founded in 1934 in Jyväskylä, Central Finland, this public comprehensive research university offers all study levels.
5. University of Turku (Turun yliopisto) (TY/UTU) holds Finland's #5 position (World #505). Established in 1920 in Turku, Southwest Finland, this public comprehensive research university provides bachelor's to PhD programs.
6. University of Oulu (Oulun yliopisto) (OY) ranks #6 nationally (World #506). Founded in 1958 in Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, this public comprehensive research university covers all academic levels.
7. University of Eastern Finland (Itä-Suomen yliopisto) (ISY/UEF) is Finland's #7 (World #884). Established in 2010 in Joensuu, North Karelia, this public comprehensive research university offers bachelor's to doctoral studies.
8. Åbo Akademi University (Åbo Akademi) (ÅAU) ranks #8 nationally (World #1007). Founded in 1918 in Turku, Southwest Finland, this Swedish-language public comprehensive research university provides all degree levels.
9. Lappeenranta University of Technology (Lappeenrannan teknillinen yliopisto) (LTY/LUT) holds Finland's #9 position (World #1099). Established in 1969 in Lappeenranta, South Karelia, this public specialized research university focuses on technology and engineering across all study levels.
10. University of Vaasa (Vaasan yliopisto) (VY/UVA) ranks #10 nationally (World #1115). Founded in 1966 in Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, this public specialized research university offers business, technology and administrative sciences at all academic levels.

Analysis of University Types

Finland has 35 universities. All 35 (100%) are public institutions. There are no private universities in the Finnish higher education system.

Global Ranking and Standing

Finland boasts 2 universities in the global top 200 (5.7% of its total universities). Additionally, 7 Finnish universities (20% of the total) rank within the world's top 1,000 institutions, reflecting the country's strong academic reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Finland universities free for international students?
A: EU/EEA students study tuition-free. Non-EU students pay tuition fees (€4,000-€18,000/year), but most universities offer scholarships.

Q: What language is used in Finland universities?
A: While Finnish/Swedish dominate bachelor's programs, over 500 English-taught master's and doctoral programs are available.

Q: How many international students study in Finland?
A> Finland hosts over 20,000 international degree students annually, with numbers growing steadily.

Q: Do Finland universities offer part-time work opportunities?
A: International students can work up to 30 hours/week during semesters and full-time during holidays without separate permits.

Q: What makes Finland universities unique?
A> Key features include problem-based learning, strong industry partnerships, cutting-edge research facilities and emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Finnish universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Finland
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Finnish post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Finland
  Search for Finnish higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Finnish Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Finnish town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Finland
  Discover Finnish public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Finland
  Find out about Finnish private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Finland
  Explore Finnish not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Finland
  Look for Finnish for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Finnish Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Finland have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Finnish Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Finland that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Finnish Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Finland are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Finnish Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Finland with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.