How to Apply Finland Universities from Bangladesh 2025

I never planned on choosing Finland — until I watched a Bangladeshi student’s vlog from snowy Tampere, talking about his AI class and peaceful student life. That five-minute video changed everything for me.

Unlike other countries, Finland offers a unique blend of world-class education, tech innovation, and serene living — all in one place. And while it’s still an underrated destination among Bangladeshi students, trust me, it’s a hidden gem.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through How to Apply Finland Universities step-by-step, from choosing the right program to meeting deadlines and submitting your application the smart way. Let’s get started.

Top Courses for International Students from Bangladesh

When I was choosing my program, I was amazed by how aligned Finnish universities are with global trends and career-ready skills. Here are some of the top courses Bangladeshi students like me tend to go for:

• Computer Science & IT – Finland is one of the most digitally advanced countries. Great for AI, machine learning, and software dev lovers.

• Engineering – From civil to electrical, Finnish universities offer top-tier engineering education with innovative labs.

• Environmental Studies – Finland’s green policies make it a hotspot for sustainability and climate-focused education.

• Nursing & Health Sciences – High demand for skilled nurses and public health professionals, plus job prospects after graduation.

• Business Analytics & International Business – Tailored for those who want to work in global companies, especially with Finland’s tech startups.

I chose Data Science because Finland’s tech scene felt like the perfect launchpad for my ambitions.

Application Timeline – Your 2025 Roadmap

If there’s one thing I learned from my application journey — it’s that you can never start too early.

When I first heard about the January joint application period, I thought I had time. But preparing your documents, writing a motivation letter, and collecting certificates (not to mention the IELTS test!) takes weeks — sometimes months.

Here’s the timeline I followed — and recommend for you:

✅ Mid 2024 (June–August)

• Start shortlisting your programs and universities

• Prepare for IELTS or any language test

• Research scholarship options

✅ September–October 2024

• Start drafting your motivation letter

• Collect transcripts, certificates, and notarized documents

• Check application instructions for your chosen universities

✅ December 2024 – January 2025

• Finalize and submit your application via Studyinfo.fi

• Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly

• Prepare for possible entrance exams or interviews

University Admission Periods in Finland

Finland uses a system that’s incredibly student-friendly — everything happens on one platform: Gmc-studies This is where you’ll apply to most bachelor’s and master’s programs.

🔄 The Joint Application Period

• Happens once or twice a year (most commonly in January for programs starting in Autumn 2025)

• You can apply to up to six programs in one application — how convenient is that?

That means, I didn’t have to send six different applications like you do for other countries. I just logged into Studyinfo, selected my programs, uploaded my documents, and hit submit.

💡 Pro Tip from Me

Order of preference matters — you can’t change it after applying. The universities will process your application based on your preference list. So put your top choice first.

Why Studyinfo.fi is a Game-Changer

• Everything is centralized

• Application is free (unless individual universities charge separately)

• Real-time updates on your application status

• Transparent and secure

I felt like I was in control of my application the entire time. And trust me, that’s rare in global admissions.

Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Before applying, the first thing I did was check if my Bangladeshi qualifications would be accepted in Finland — and thankfully, they were. But you’ll still need to meet certain academic standards.

🎓 For Bachelor’s Programs:

• You need to have completed HSC or A-Levels (or equivalent).

• Most universities expect a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5 in HSC. Some competitive programs might ask for more.

• If you’ve done A-Levels, make sure you have at least three subjects passed, preferably in relevant areas.

🎓 For Master’s Programs:

• You’ll need a recognized Bachelor’s degree, typically with a CGPA of 2.75 to 3.0 out of 4.0 as the minimum.

• The degree should match the field you’re applying to. For example, if you want to pursue a Master’s in Engineering, your undergrad should be in a related discipline.

When I applied, I had a CGPA of 3.4 in my Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and it was good enough for most universities I applied to.

English Language Proficiency

Since Finland offers many programs in English, proving your language skills is crucial. I personally took the IELTS Academic test and scored a 7.0 — but here are your options:

✅ Accepted English Tests:

• IELTS Academic – Usually a minimum of 6.0–6.5

• TOEFL iBT – Around 79–92 minimum

• PTE Academic – Often 54 or above

• Duolingo English Test – Some universities accept it; minimum score around 95–105

Make sure you check the specific score requirements of your chosen program — they do vary!

💡 Pro Tip: If your previous education was entirely in English (and you have proof from your institution), some universities might waive this requirement — though it’s not guaranteed.

Entrance Exams and Interviews

Here’s something that caught me off guard: not all Finnish universities require entrance exams, but some UAS (Universities of Applied Sciences) do — especially for Bachelor’s programs.

📝 Entrance Exams:

• Usually online, held between February and April.

• Focus on logic, math, English, or subject-related questions.

• Some universities combine the entrance exam with an online interview.

I remember a friend who applied to HAMK had to complete a video interview after submitting his application. He was asked why he chose that course and how his background matched.

🧪 For Master’s:

• Entrance exams are less common, but a few applied science universities might test technical skills (especially in fields like tech or business).

Portfolio or Work Samples (For Arts/Design Programs)

If you’re applying for fields like graphic design, architecture, or media, you’ll likely need to submit a portfolio.

When I was helping a friend apply for a design program at Aalto University, we spent weeks perfecting her digital portfolio. It included:

• Sketches

• Digital designs

• Project write-ups

Always read the specific guidelines on what to include — Finnish universities are very particular about this.

Step-by-Step Application Process via Gmc-studies

Here’s what I wish someone had told me early on: You can only apply to six programs at once in the joint application. So choose wisely.

I spent time researching:

• University rankings (not just globally, but program-specific)

• Cities I’d like to live in (Helsinki vs. smaller towns like Vaasa or Lappeenranta)

• Internship and job opportunities in the area

🎯 Tip: Mix your list. Apply to a couple of ambitious programs, some mid-tier ones, and a few safer options.

Using the Gmc-studies Portal

This is where everything happens. Applying via Gmc-studies was actually way smoother than I expected.

Here’s what I did:

1. Created an account with my email

2. Searched and selected my six programs

3. Uploaded documents (transcripts, passport, motivation letter, English test results)

4. Submitted the application before the January deadline

📌 Important: Each university might have extra requirements on their own websites — like separate application forms or uploaded assignments. So double-check after choosing your programs.

Paying Application Fees (If Any)

Most applications via Studyinfo.fi are free, but some universities charge a separate fee (around €50–€100 per application). If you’re applying outside the joint application or to special programs, this might apply.

💳 I paid my fees using an international debit card from Bangladesh (Dutch-Bangla Nexus worked fine for me). Some universities also accept bank transfers, but they take longer to process.

What Happens After You Apply?

Here’s the timeline I experienced:

• January: Submitted my application

• February–March: Got invitations for online interviews and entrance exams

• April–May: Results started coming in

• June: Official acceptance letter, then applied for the residence permit

Some friends got early acceptances if they applied to programs with rolling admissions. So keep an eye on your email.

Scholarships and Tuition Fees

As a non-EU student from Bangladesh, I had to pay tuition — but it was still more affordable than the US or UK.

💸 Average Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor’s Programs: €6,000–€10,000 per year

• Master’s Programs: €8,000–€18,000 per year

Most programs include access to labs, study materials, career services, and even language classes.

Scholarship Options for Bangladeshi Students

Thankfully, almost every Finnish university offers scholarships — and I was lucky enough to receive a 50% tuition waiver in my first year.

🎓 Types of Scholarships:

• University Scholarships: Like the Aalto University Merit Scholarship, or Tampere’s Early Bird discount (100% for top students)

• Finnish Government Scholarship Pool: For Master’s or PhD students

• Erasmus+ Funding: For students doing exchanges or internships in Europe

📝 Motivation Letter Tip: Make it personal. I wrote about my dream of contributing to Bangladesh’s tech industry through Finnish education — and tied it to my academic record and goals.

Student Visa Application from Bangladesh

Once I received my admission letter, the very next step was applying for a Finnish residence permit — basically, the student visa.

You should apply as soon as you get your acceptance letter, ideally by May or June if your program starts in August or September.

📄 Documents You’ll Need:

• Official admission letter

• Valid passport

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)

• Proof of health insurance covering at least €40,000 per year

• A passport-size photo

• Filled-out residence permit application (form OLE_OPI)

📍 Where to Apply:

• Apply online at Enter Finland (super user-friendly site)

• Then, book an appointment at VFS Global Dhaka for biometrics and document verification

• Alternatively, visit the Embassy of Finland in Dhaka if needed

The online system tracked everything — I could see updates step-by-step.

Financial Requirements and Proof of Funds

This was probably the most stressful part for me. Finland needs you to prove you can financially support yourself during your studies.

💰 Minimum Required Funds:

• At least €560 per month, so about €6,720 per year

• If your tuition isn’t covered, you need to show total tuition + €6,720 in your bank

For example, if your tuition is €8,000, then your bank statement should show €14,720

💳 What Kind of Statement?

• A personal bank account under your name (no joint accounts)

• The money should be in your account for at least 3–4 weeks before applying

• Print the statement from the bank and get it signed/sealed

💡 Tip: I used Dutch-Bangla Bank. I made sure to deposit the money well in advance to avoid red flags during the check.

Processing Time & Interview Tips

My residence permit took about 30–45 days, but it can vary depending on the season and completeness of your documents.

Sometimes, you might be invited for an interview — I wasn’t, but a friend was. Here’s what they asked him:

• Why did you choose Finland?

• How will you finance your studies?

• What are your plans after graduation?

🎯 Be honest, calm, and keep your answers consistent with your application.

Life in Finland – Prepare for the Journey Ahead

Living in Finland isn’t cheap, but it’s manageable with planning — especially if you choose your city wisely.

🏠 Monthly Living Costs (approx.):

• Housing: €250–€400

• Food: €150–€250

• Transport: €40 (student discount)

• Miscellaneous (internet, phone, entertainment): €50–€100

I lived in Tampere, which is more affordable than Helsinki — and I cooked most of my meals to save money.

Accommodation Options

Finding a place to live was something I prioritized early. Here are the best options:

🛏️ Student Housing:

• Services like HOAS (Helsinki), TOAS (Tampere) offer subsidized housing

• Rent can be as low as €250/month for shared apartments

• Apply as soon as you accept your admission offer!

🏡 Private Renting:

• Easier in smaller towns

• Always use verified platforms like Oikotie, Vuokraovi

• Avoid offers that sound too good to be true — I once got scammed with a fake listing until I double-checked the address

Culture, Weather & Integration Tips

I was honestly nervous about the cold and the quiet — and it did take time to adjust. But Finland grew on me fast.

❄️ What Helped Me Integrate:

• Joining Bangladeshi student groups on Facebook and WhatsApp

• Attending orientation week events — even if I felt shy at first

• Taking part in cultural clubs at my university

• Embracing the snow (invest in good boots!)

Finland is calm, safe, and respectful — and the locals warm up once you engage with them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

I’ve seen many Bangladeshi applicants stumble at the last mile. Don’t let these mistakes ruin your dream:

❌ Missing deadlines — applications, scholarships, visa processes
❌ Not researching programs — some apply randomly without checking course content
❌ Weak motivation letters — too generic or copy-pasted
❌ Incomplete documents — forgetting to notarize or translate certificates

💡 My Rule: Always read each university’s instructions twice, and prepare your documents like it’s your final exam.

Start Your Finnish Dream in 2025

Studying in Finland changed my life — not just in terms of academics, but how I think, live, and dream bigger.

If you’re serious about building a career with global education in a peaceful and progressive country, Finland might just be your perfect match.

The process may seem long, but every step is worth it. And you’re not alone — I’m here to guide you.