Bachelor’s vs Master’s in Finland: Which Path Is Right for You?

When I first started looking into studying in Finland, I had no idea where to begin. Should I apply for a bachelor’s degree and grow into the system from the ground up? Or should I wait, finish my undergrad back home, and go for a master’s?

If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Finland has become a top study destination, especially for students like me from South Asia. The education here is top-notch, the campuses are modern, and the teaching style is so different — in a good way.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing between a Bachelor’s vs Master’s in Finland, based on my own research and experience. Whether you’re fresh out of school or already holding a degree, this guide is for you.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Finland

Admission Requirements

When I applied for a bachelor’s, here’s what I needed:

• Academic Qualifications: My Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) + good grades in relevant subjects

• English Test Scores: IELTS (minimum 6.0 or 6.5) or TOEFL

• Entrance Exam (for UAS): Some universities required an entrance exam or SAT scores

• Application Process: Everything was done through gmc-studies  — super simple once you get the hang of it!

💡 Tip: UAS programs often ask for SAT scores instead of entrance exams for international students.

Program Structure and Duration

My bachelor’s took about 3.5 years, including:

• Core and elective courses

• Practical training (usually a semester-long internship)

• Bachelor’s thesis at the end

In universities, you dive deep into theory. In UAS, it’s more project-based. Both are good — it just depends on your style.

Cost and Funding

Let’s talk money.

• Tuition Fees: €6,000 to €10,000 per year for non-EU/EEA students

• Scholarships: Many UAS offer early bird discounts, merit-based waivers, or tuition fee reductions

• Living Costs: Around €700–€1,200/month (rent, food, transport, etc.)

I got a 50% tuition waiver in my second year based on my grades — so don’t sleep on those opportunities!

Student Life and Support

From the first day, I felt supported. Here’s why:

• Orientation Week: Helps you settle in, meet friends, and learn the ropes

• Student Unions: Organize trips, events, and even cooking classes!

• Counselors and Tutors: Always available to help with study plans or mental health

Adjusting to the culture was a bit of a learning curve (Finns are quiet!), but everyone’s respectful and welcoming.

Career Prospects After Bachelor’s

After finishing my bachelor’s:

• I applied for a residence permit extension to find a job — Finland allows you to stay up to 2 years after graduation!

• I landed a part-time internship during my studies, which later turned into a full-time job.

• Employers in Finland value practical experience, especially if you’ve studied at a UAS.

you can always apply for a master’s degree in Finland later, and even switch to a university if that’s part of your plan. Personally, I recommend aiming for one of the top universities in Finland for the best opportunities.

Master’s Degrees in Finland

After completing my bachelor’s, I had a big decision to make — should I go straight into the job market, or pursue a master’s degree to level up? If you’re considering a master’s in Finland, here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience and talking to friends who took this route.

Admission Requirements

To apply for a master’s degree in Finland, I needed:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (for example, Computer Science if applying for a master’s in AI)

• Work experience — especially for UAS master’s programs, they often expect at least 2 years of relevant job experience

• A solid motivation letter, updated CV, and in some cases, an entrance exam or interview

💡 Tip: If you’re applying to a university (not UAS), work experience isn’t always required — but showing research interest helps!

Program Structure and Duration

Most master’s programs last 1–2 years, and the credits vary between 60–120 ECTS. Here’s what it looked like for me:

• Deep specialization in my field — no fluff, all focus!

• A research-based thesis, which I’m still working on (and yes, it’s intense 😅)

• Lots of independent study, academic articles, and seminars

Some UAS master’s programs are more professional and practical — focused on industry problems and case studies.

Cost and Funding

Now the financial side. Master’s programs aren’t cheaper than bachelor’s, but here’s the breakdown:

• Tuition Fees: Usually €8,000–€12,000/year

• Scholarships: Most universities offer tuition waivers (50–100%) for high-achieving students — especially for first-year students

• Some unis offer Finland Scholarships — including a €5,000 relocation grant + full tuition waiver

💡 Pro Tip: Apply early. Many scholarships are given during the admission decision phase, and being early can improve your chances!

Student Life and Academic Environment

At the master’s level, life is more focused — but not boring!

• I got to work with a research lab that collaborates with local tech companies.

• There were regular industry meetups and innovation challenges right on campus.

• And the international crowd? Super diverse. I’ve met friends from Nepal, Nigeria, France, and Chile — all in one project group.

Plus, professors treat you like a colleague — not just a student. It’s a very respectful and motivating environment.

Career Prospects After Master’s

This is where things get exciting:

• A master’s from Finland opens doors to high-skilled jobs, especially in tech, healthcare, education, and sustainability sectors.

• I became eligible for a PhD, which many of my peers are now pursuing with full scholarships.

• After graduation, I applied for the “job-seeking visa” (up to 2 years), and it’s easier to qualify for permanent residency with a Finnish master’s degree.

If you’re serious about staying in Finland or moving elsewhere in Europe, pursuing a master’s degree is a smart move. Are you currently looking for an affordable university to apply to?

Key Differences Between Bachelor’s and Master’s in Finland

To make things crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison from my own experience:

Here’s my take:

• Go for a Bachelor’s if you’re just finishing high school and want a full international study experience from the ground up.

• Choose a Master’s if you already have a degree, some work experience, and want to specialize or work abroad.

Still not sure? I can help you compare programs, review your goals, or even help draft your motivation letter. Just ask!

Which One Should You Choose?

This is the part where you really have to ask yourself: Where am I now? and Where do I want to go next?

From my experience and talking to other students, choosing the right level of study in Finland isn’t about which one is better — it’s about which one fits your personal journey.

Ideal Scenarios for Bachelor’s Applicants

Here’s who I’d recommend a Bachelor’s in Finland to:

• You’re finishing high school or A-levels: This is the perfect stage to jump into a Finnish bachelor’s. You’ll get the full university experience from the beginning.

• You want to build a strong foundation: Whether it’s business, engineering, or health care, bachelor’s programs in Finland are structured to give you everything you need from scratch.

• You’re looking for a long-term journey: Most bachelor’s students build connections, work part-time during studies, and slowly integrate into Finnish society.

• You want practical training + work experience: Especially in UAS programs, you’ll do internships and projects with real companies — which helps when applying for jobs or a master’s later on.

💬 One of my friends from Chittagong joined Centria UAS for a Bachelor’s in IT. By the second year, he was already working part-time as a junior developer for a local company in Kokkola!

Ideal Scenarios for Master’s Applicants

Master’s programs are a game changer — and perfect if:

• You already have a bachelor’s degree: If you’ve completed your undergrad in Bangladesh or elsewhere, you can apply straight into a Finnish master’s program.

• You want to specialize or change careers: A friend of mine had a BBA but applied for a Master’s in Sustainability and Business at LUT — and she transitioned beautifully into the green energy sector.

• You’re looking for research roles or advanced jobs: Master’s programs in Finland are respected by global employers. They’re also great if you’re planning a PhD.

• You’re short on time but big on impact: Many master’s programs are just 1–2 years long, so you can get into the workforce quicker.

💬 My roommate came from Dhaka with a background in Civil Engineering. He got into a one-year Master’s at Tampere University and now works as a Project Engineer for a Finnish infrastructure firm.

Long-Term Considerations

No matter which path you choose, think about these bigger picture questions:

Personally, I chose the bachelor’s route because I wanted time to adapt, grow, and really understand Finnish education from the roots. But I have friends who came for a Master’s, graduated in two years, and landed amazing jobs right after.

Real Student Experiences

To give you more perspective, here are some real voices from Bangladeshi and international students I’ve met along the way:

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“I came to Finland after my HSC. The bachelor’s at Kajaani UAS was hands-on, and I loved the team projects. Now I’m doing a paid internship at a game studio.”
— Shahriar, Bachelor’s in Game Development, KAMK

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“After my BBA in Dhaka, I chose a Master’s in International Business at the University of Vaasa. The small class size helped me build strong networks — I now work in HR at a Finnish startup.”
— Farzana, Master’s Student

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“I wish I had known how cold it gets! But honestly, the education system here makes it all worth it. Teachers are approachable, and the learning style is interactive.”
— Nina, Master’s in Environmental Policy, University of Eastern Finland

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“Cultural shock was real in the beginning. But joining the Bangladeshi student community helped a lot — now we celebrate Eid together in Helsinki!”
— Riyad, Bachelor’s Student, Metropolia UAS

Tips from Alumni:

• Don’t wait till the last day to apply — get your documents ready early!

• Be honest and personal in your motivation letter — it really matters.

• Learn a few Finnish phrases — it helps with part-time jobs and making local friends.

• Apply for scholarships and early bird discounts — every euro saved counts.

Conclusion

So, which path is right for you?

If you’re just starting out after high school, a Bachelor’s in Finland can give you a solid academic base, cultural immersion, and work experience. If you already have your first degree and want to level up fast, a Master’s program could be your gateway to specialized roles, advanced study, or even permanent residency.

Both routes offer world-class education, global networking, and a chance to live in one of the safest and most forward-thinking countries in the world.