For a master in Finland, many programmes are taught in English. Two questions decide the budget, though: do you pay tuition, and which health insurance does the immigration authority expect for your visa? The answers differ sharply between EU nationals and students from non-EU countries. This guide sets out the rules with date and source.
Short answer: Non-EU and non-EEA students pay tuition for English-taught master programmes at Finnish universities. Each university sets its own fee. When the fees were introduced in 2017, the University of Helsinki charged 13,000 to 18,000 euros per study year. Non-EU students need health insurance with a minimum cover. EU students usually manage with the European Health Insurance Card. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Tuition mainly applies to non-EU and non-EEA students in master programmes.
- Each university sets its own fee. In 2016 the University of Helsinki announced amounts between 13,000 and 18,000 euros per year.
- Students from non-EU countries need health insurance with a minimum cover that is valid on arrival.
- EU students can rely on a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Kela card.
- If you stay longer than one year, non-EU students need unbroken cover for the full year.
What does a master in Finland cost for non-EU students?
Tuition for non-EU students was introduced in autumn 2017 and applies to master programmes taught in a foreign language. In 2016 the University of Helsinki reported that the fees covered 34 master programmes. Bachelor programmes stayed free of charge for everyone. The amounts depend on the field, as the overview shows.
| Field at the University of Helsinki | Fee per study year | Date and source |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and social sciences | 13,000 euros | University announcement of 27 May 2016 |
| Natural and life sciences | 15,000 euros | University announcement of 27 May 2016 |
| Three particularly expensive programmes | 18,000 euros | University announcement of 27 May 2016 |
These amounts come from the 2016 announcement. Current fees for your programme are on the website of the university, since each university decides for itself.
Which health insurance does the Finnish authority require for the visa?
For students from non-EU countries, the Finnish immigration service Migri requires private cover for doctor and medicine costs that is valid already on arrival in Finland. The Migri page sets out three levels, depending on the length of stay:
| Length of stay and study | Requirement according to Migri | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stay under one year | cover for the entire stay | Standard travel insurance up to 90 days is not enough |
| Stay longer than one year | at least one year without gaps or restrictions | Renew while the residence permit is valid |
| Study under two years | medical treatment up to 120,000 euros | The shorter the study, the broader the cover must be |
| Study of at least two years | medicine costs up to 40,000 euros | Deductible at most 300 euros |
The Migri page carries no publication date, but it was checked in October 2026. It says nothing about repatriation. Ask your insurer whether it covers return transport, and read the terms before you apply for the visa.
What does health insurance look like for EU students?
According to Migri, a valid European Health Insurance Card means you need no further insurance for the whole stay. The card covers necessary medical treatment under the same costs and conditions as for people permanently living in Finland, including chronic illness, pregnancy and childbirth. The European Commission describes the EHIC as free of charge but as no substitute for travel insurance. Repatriation and private services are not included.
According to Migri, a Kela card also counts as proof that removes the insurance requirement. Your university or Kela can confirm the conditions for your case. More on study-abroad insurance is in our guide Health insurance during study abroad (in German).
How can you fund a master in Finland?
Students from non-EU countries must show sufficient funds for the visa. Check the amount and the form of proof with the Finnish immigration service and your university, because amounts change. An overview of funding options is in our guide Financing study abroad (in German).
Whether you have a BAföG claim for a master abroad is decided case by case by the responsible German office. The basics are in our guide BAföG 2026 (in German). University scholarships and EU programmes such as Erasmus Mundus are also possible.
Master in Finland or Norway: what to compare
Both countries separate EU and non-EU students, but the details differ. In Norway, non-EU students pay between 130,000 and 390,000 kroner per year according to the European Commission. In Finland, fees are set by each university. Compare not only the tuition but also the insurance requirement and living costs. The Norway guide is here: Master in Norway.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a master in Finland without knowing Finnish?
Yes, if the programme is taught in English. Many master programmes at Finnish universities are set up this way. Check the language requirements of your programme, because they vary between universities.
Do I pay tuition as an EU student?
According to the universities, fees are generally not intended for EU students. The Helsinki announcement of 2016 explicitly refers to students from outside the EU and the EEA. Confirm your status for your programme on the university website.
Is my German health insurance card enough in Finland?
Not as proof for the visa. The European Health Insurance Card covers necessary treatment, and non-EU students must meet the Migri requirements. Ask your health insurer whether it still charges contributions.
How long must the insurance be valid?
For a stay under one year, for the whole stay. For a longer stay, for at least one year without a gap. The cover must already be valid when you arrive.
So proceed like this
- Check whether your programme is taught in English and whether the fee applies to your status.
- Clarify your nationality, because it decides tuition and insurance requirements.
- Have your minimum cover for the visa confirmed in writing by an insurer before you apply.
- Ask your German health insurer whether contributions continue during your stay abroad.
- Calculate tuition and living costs and clarify funding before you commit.
Related reading
- Master in Norway: costs, funding and health insurance
- Master abroad: countries, applications and costs (in German)
- Health insurance during study abroad (in German)
- Financing study abroad (in German)
- BAföG 2026 (in German)
Sources: University of Helsinki, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students (announcement of 27 May 2016); Migri, health insurance for students (checked October 2026, no publication date); European Commission, European Health Insurance Card (dated 5 December 2023)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
