How to get into the University of Helsinki: Steps & Tips

Author: Justyna Cyrankiewicz — Last update: 14 March 2025

The University of Helsinki stands out not only as Finland’s premier university but also as a leader in Scandinavia and across the globe.

If you are considering joining one of the best universities in the world, you need to be fully prepared for its application process.

Follow this guide and learn all about which steps to follow when applying at the University of Helsinki.

🤔 Is it hard to get into the University of Helsinki?

The University of Helsinki has an acceptance rate of only around 10 to 15% - so yes, the competition is fierce. But, don’t let this statistic discourage you!

It’s essential to view this challenge as an evidence of the university’s quality and the value of its degrees, rather than an obstacle.

Study at the University of Helsinki: Find Bachelors & Masters

🏆 What rank is the University of Helsinki in Europe?

The University of Helsinki is not only the top institution in Finland but also ranks high on the European and global scales. Positioned 7th in Scandinavia, 45th in Europe, and 117th in the world according to rankings, it stands proudly in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

These achivements reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in research, education, and innovation.

See below how it compares to other institutions in the region:

Rank in Scandinavia	Rank in Europe	University	Country
1	22	KTH Royal Institute of Technology	Stockholm, Sweden
2	23	Lund University	Lund, Sweden
3	34	University of Copenhagen	Copenhagen, Denmark
4	36	Uppsala University	Uppsala, Sweden
5	41	Technical University of Denmark	Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
6	44	Aalto University	Espoo, Finland
7	45	University of Helsinki	Helsinki, Finland
8	46	University of Oslo	Oslo, Norway
9	50	Stockholm University	Stockholm, Sweden
10	57	Chalmers University of Technology	Gothenburg, Sweden

👀 What kind of students does the University of Helsinki look for?

The University of Helsinki seeks students who are deeply interested in research, showing determination and motivation in their academic and personal endeavours.

The general requirement for Masters is that your previous education course is sufficiently related to the programme that you are applying to. In many cases, there can be different paths that are still considered applicable, so always have a look at each degree’s page for a list with the specific admission requirements.

Diversity is a key aspect of the student body as well, with the university welcoming individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. This mix enriches the learning environment, fostering a global perspective among students.

However, to make the application process fair, this factor is not included when reviewing applicants and academic performance is always paramount.

📚 The University of Helsinki’s entry requirements:

Entry requirements at the University of Helsinki vary depending on the program.

Before applying, make sure to meticulously check the requirements for their desired degree. This cannot be stressed enough. You can do it before the application period as the criteria are published in October. This is what the real trick is: Contact early, study the criteria and be sure of what you need to submit.

Here is some quick information for you to give you a general idea:

Generally, applicants to the Science Bachelor’s programme need a high school diploma, while Master’s degrees require a first-cycle/undergraduate degree (typically a Bachelor).
Requirements on how to send educational documents might also vary depending on the
Though not always mandatory to have a background in the same field, some relevant coursework might be required.
is a must. If your previous academic degree was taught in English or you are a native speaker, you might not need a test to demonstrate it. Otherwise, IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge are some of the accepted options. This might differ when compared to English requirements at other Finnish universities.
Additionally, some programmes may require specific tests, personal statements, and interviews.

Importantly, the university does not charge an application fee, easing the process for applicants.

Find your degree: Find Bachelors & Masters

💡 University of Helsinki tip:

Start as soon as possible! We spoke to the Admissions Office, and according to them, the best advice to applicants is to familiarise themselves with all the requirements and instructions well before applying. If you have any questions, it’s better to ask early instead of submitting documents that might not be accepted.

After the application deadline, applicants have some extra time to submit any necessary documents that were missing. This period was three weeks during the past cycle, but it may change. If the documents you submit don’t meet all the requirements, you can resubmit them as long as this extra time hasn’t expired. However, aim to include everything correctly the first time to avoid unnecessary stress.

It’s important for applicants to ensure they follow all instructions for submitting documents themselves or through third parties. There won’t be any extra time given beyond this period for resubmission.

📝 Steps to Apply to the University of Helsinki:

To apply to the University of Helsinki, follow these essential steps:

Choose a programme of study: Start by selecting the degree that best fits your academic interests and career goals.
Meet the degree entry requirements: Ensure you meet all the specific qualifications for the programme you’re interested in.
Deadlines:

- Masters: There is one intake per year, closing on 16 January 2025. If necessary, students could submit missing documents until 23 January 2025. These deadlines may be earlier than the national deadline that applies for most other universities in Finland. The academic year begins on 1 August.
- Bachelor: There are two application periods, in January or March, depending on your previous education.

Submit your application: The official platform is .
Attach required documents: Include your personal statement, proof of language proficiency, a scanned copy of your official transcript, references, CV, etc.
Apply for scholarships simultaneously: Consider looking for financial help alongside your application (available for Masters only).
Track your application: Stay updated on your application status and view your scores using your application number at University of Helsinki Scoring.
Await results: Admission results will be announced by 30 April 2025 for Masters and between April and July for Bachelor students.

📈 How to increase your chances of getting into the University of Helsinki:

To improve your odds, start by thoroughly researching the requirements for your chosen programme.

Engage with alumni, read blogs, and connect with current students to gain insights (there are 30,800 current degree students at the University of Helsinki!). You can often find them via LinkedIn.

Focus on academic excellence — this is what is taken into account when reviewing applications.

50�Ȼ� Tip: A high level of English proficiency is essential, not only for admission but also for future success! Even if you don’t end up studying there, it is still going to be immensely beneficial for your future.

💸 Tuition fees at the University of Helsinki:

For EU/EEA students, education at the University of Helsinki is free, while non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees ranging from €13,000 to €18,000 per year. This makes it one of the more expensive institutions in Finland (compare in our overview). are available to help mitigate these costs.

Living in Finland is not cheap, with monthly expenses covering food, housing, transportation, and entertainment typically ranging from approximately €700 to €1,100 per month. However, these figures can vary based on lifestyle, spending habits, and the type of accommodation chosen. It’s always a good idea to check for the most current estimates, as living costs can change over time.

🎓 Most notable the University of Helsinki alumni:

The University of Helsinki boasts over 200,000 alumni, including notable figures like:

Aleksis Kivi (Finnish author),
Linus Torvalds (creator of Linux),
Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis (former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus),
Jorma Ollila (former CEO of Nokia).

🏛️ Popular subjects at the University of Helsinki:

With a diverse array of programs fully taught in English, including 1 Bachelor in Science, 35 Master’s degrees, and 33 PhDs, the university offers a broad spectrum of programmes ranging from Natural Sciences to Humanities:

🎀 In conclusion:

In conclusion, getting into the University of Helsinki requires preparation, determination, and a genuine interest in contributing to a diverse and dynamic academic community.

By following the steps outlined above and embracing the tips we provided, you can hopefully navigate the application process more effectively, increasing your chances of becoming part of this esteemed institution.

Good luck! :)

212 Programmes in Finland

Justyna knows first-hand what it means to study creative subjects in another country. After finishing her Certificate as a graphic designer, she went on to study Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at Jagiellonian University (Poland) and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Affiliate Management from the UCL School of Management (United Kingdom). After graduation, she spent three years working as a teacher for Design Thinking, creative research methods, design processes, and UX. She successfully continues to work in the field of her studies.