Studying medicine in Finland

What are the advantages of studying medicine in Finland?

According to the World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world. Student life is characterised by a unique combination of academic excellence, social activity and a relaxed lifestyle. There are also two important factors: Level of education and cost of study.

Universities recognised worldwide

Finnish universities enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide and perform very well in international rankings. If you study here, you can expect highly qualified teaching staff, modern teaching facilities and an exciting curriculum.

No tuition fees

Finnish medical universities do not charge tuition fees. This applies both to residents of Finland and to citizens of the EU.

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Finland?

Studying medicine in Finland is possible for international students at five different universities. Lectures are mainly held in Finnish, but some medical courses are also offered in Swedish. If you fancy languages, then go for it!

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine

The university is recognised as the best university in the country. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki is not only the best in the country, but is also ranked 93rd in the US News & World Report.

The quality of life in the capital of Finland is very high. The city is clean and safe and offers its many students a wide range of leisure activities both inside and in the wooded countryside outside.

University of Turku, Faculty of Medicine

The medical education at the University of Turku is highly regarded both in Finland and worldwide. It offers a degree in medicine and dentistry in Finnish. Collegiality, community, expertise and commitment are among the values of the undergraduate programme. Particular attention is paid to the supervision and quality of final theses and the continuous academic development of teaching staff.

Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology

Tampere University is internationally recognised for its cutting-edge research and the high-quality education of its students.

Tampere is located around 170 kilometres north of Helsinki and is the third largest city in the country. It is particularly known for its lively student culture and numerous sights, such as Pyynikki Park and the Observation Tower.

University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine

According to the US News & World Report, the University of Oulu is the 333rd best university in the world, making it one of the best universities in Finland and Europe.

Oulu is located in northern Finland. The city is known for its innovations and technologies. Numerous student organisations, events and clubs enrich student life and create a student-friendly atmosphere.

University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Medicine (University of Eastern Finland School of Medicine)

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland is a multidisciplinary educational and research institution. It cooperates closely with Kuopio University Hospital and various other hospital districts. The university is strongly committed to sustainability development, especially in the areas of Green Office and Fairtrade.

The Faculty of Medicine is located in Kuopio, on the shores of Lake Kallavesi. Kuopio offers numerous sights, such as the Puijo Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, or Kuopio Market Square, where you can buy local products and handicrafts.

What are the requirements for studying medicine in Finland?

The basic requirement for studying medicine in Finland is a school-leaving certificate or equivalent. As the study places are very popular, you can score points with good A-level grades. Your grades in the natural sciences should also be in the very good range. 

You have the option of choosing between admission based on your grades and admission based on an entrance examination. If you do not have outstanding A-level grades, you can take a science test at the relevant university. This is in Finnish and tests your knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry.

As the degree programme is taught in Finnish, you will need sufficient language skills. You can prove this with a TOEFL iBT certificate. You need at least 20 points in the writing section. You should pass the IELTS test with at least 5.5 points per section.

How is the medical degree programme structured in Finland?

How long does it take to study medicine in Finland? The content of the medical degree programme is similar to the German curriculum and begins with a two-year foundation course, also known as the pre-clinical phase. These first two years focus primarily on the basic subjects of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biology and chemistry. You will also be slowly introduced to clinical practice.

In the subsequent clinical phase, the focus is on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various clinical pictures from the different medical specialisms. There are numerous internships on various hospital wards, for example in internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology or psychiatry.

After 6 years of medical studies, the programme concludes with the "Lääketieteen lisensiaattii" (equivalent to the German state examination). 

How much does it cost to study medicine in Finland?

The same rules apply for EU students as for students from Finland. This means that studying medicine is free of charge.

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad However, it is important to think carefully about the costs involved. The cost of living in Finland accounts for the majority of the costs of studying medicine. Compared to Germany, these are around a quarter higher. You should expect to spend between 900 and 1,500 euros on rent, food, leisure activities and transport.

More information about a Scholarshipthat could help you finance your medical studies in Finland can be found here.

Country and people: What you didn't know about Finland

1. Attention, reindeer! As there are a lot of free reindeer in the north of the country, there is a special reindeer warning app to prevent accidents.
2. With 12 kilograms per capita, Finland has the highest coffee consumption worldwide! A typical Finnish day consists of several coffee breaks spread throughout the working day.
3. Happy Failure Day! On 13 October, the Finnish population celebrates a day of mistakes and failures, because: mistakes can be learned from!

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Finland?

In addition to your school-leaving certificate, the application documents also include a copy of your passport, a completed application form, the results of a medical examination and more. Futuredoctor will be happy to inform you about the exact procedure. The documents must then be submitted within the Application deadlines be submitted to the university online.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Finland? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Would you like to complete your studies in another northern country? Then take a look at the following countries: Medical studies Estonia, Medical studies Denmark, Medical studies Latvia, Medical studies Sweden, Medical studies Lithuania, Medical studies Norway.