University of Helsinki scholarship options for students from Nigeria
Studying in Finland gives Nigerian students access to a top education system. The University of Helsinki offers two scholarships for international students: the Master's scholarship Programme and the Finland Scholarship. This guide outlines scholarship options, eligibility, costs, and application steps for Nigerian applicants.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- University of Helsinki scholarship options for Nigerian students
- University of Helsinki scholarship for Nigerian students requirements
- How to apply for the University of Helsinki scholarship
- How much does it cost to study in Finland from Nigeria?
- University of Helsinki scholarship for Nigerian students deadline
- Does the University of Helsinki offer scholarships for international students?
- Are there undergraduate scholarships available in Finland?
Key takeaways
- The scholarship programme primarily targets Master's students from non-EU/EEA countries, such as Nigeria.
- Most scholarships are merit-based and cover between 50% and 100% of tuition fees.
- The Finland Scholarship includes a full tuition waiver and a €5,000 relocation grant.
- By contrast, most doctoral (PhD) studies are tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality.
University of Helsinki scholarship options for Nigerian students
The University of Helsinki offers financial grants for postgraduate courses only to high-achieving international students. The two main scholarship options are: the Master's Programme scholarship and the Finland Scholarship.
The University of Helsinki Scholarship Programme (Master's)
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The University of Helsinki scholarship has multiple funding tiers for international students in Master’s programmes. Scholarships are merit-based and usually last two years. To renew for the second year, complete at least 55 ECTS credits in year one. Below are the three types of grants under the Master's scholarship.
Fully funded grant
The University of Helsinki offers a fully funded scholarship that provides a 100% tuition fee waiver to top-performing applicants. Recipients receive either a €10,000 annual allowance or a €5,000 relocation grant, with both options being competitive.
Full tuition fee grant
This scholarship covers all tuition fees but provides no living or relocation support. Students under this program must pay for personal expenses such as housing and food. It suits students who can cover living costs but need help with tuition.
Partial tuition fee grant
This grant pays 50% of tuition fees, easing financial pressure and offering accessible aid. While not fully funded, it significantly reduces the cost of studying abroad.
The Finland Scholarship
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The Finland Scholarship, which is part of a Finnish national government initiative, is for outstanding non-EU Master's applicants. The program offers a full tuition waiver for the first year and a €5,000 relocation grant. A second-year tuition waiver is likely if academic progress is strong.
University of Helsinki scholarship for Nigerian students requirements
To qualify for these international scholarships, you must meet the following University of Helsinki requirements:
- You must be from a non-EU/EEA country, such as Nigeria and be required to pay tuition fees.
- You must demonstrate excellent results in your previous studies. The results usually require a high GPA in your Bachelor's degree.
- You must meet the entry requirements for an International Master's Programme at the university.
- You must provide proof of English proficiency through IELTS by getting a minimum score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 92.
How to apply for the University of Helsinki scholarship
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The process is integrated into the standard admissions cycle. You do not usually need a separate application form for the main tuition waivers. Below are the steps to apply for the University of Helsinki scholarship.
- Find your desired Master's programme through the University Degree Finder.
- Fill out the application form on the Studyinfo.fi portal during the application period.
- On the same form, indicate that you wish to apply for a scholarship.
- Upload required documents, including your Bachelor's transcripts, CV, and motivation letter.
- Pay the €100 application fee, mandatory for non-EU applicants from 2025 onward.
How much does it cost to study in Finland from Nigeria?
Once you have reviewed the scholarships and their application process, consider the financial planning needed for studying in Finland. According to Study in Finland, tuition at the University of Helsinki ranges from €8,000 to €20,000 per year.
Living expenses are estimated at €800 to €1,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transport. Students must also have private health insurance that covers up to €120,000 for studies lasting longer than 2 years.
University of Helsinki scholarship for Nigerian students deadline
The application deadline for the University of Helsinki scholarship for international Master’s programs closes on 16 January 2026. Students are expected to start studies in September 2026.
Source: Facebook
Does the University of Helsinki offer scholarships for international students?
The University of Helsinki offers scholarships to international students outside the EU/EEA, including students from top Nigerian universities. These merit-based awards support Finland's goal to attract global talent.
Are there undergraduate scholarships available in Finland?
At the University of Helsinki, most undergraduate programmes are offered in Finnish or Swedish, with only a few, such as the Science Bachelor's programme, taught in English.
Fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Finland for international students are rare, as most are targeted at the Master's level. Students enrolled in Finnish-taught undergraduate programmes may become eligible for local bursaries after admission, but these are not common for international English-taught undergraduates.
The University of Helsinki scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for Nigerian scholars to study at a top-tier European institution. While the competition is high, the combination of 100% tuition waivers and relocation grants makes Finland an attractive destination for academic excellence.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Legit.ng published an article about the Chinese government scholarship. The Chinese government scholarship enables Nigerian students to pursue their studies in China and offers the chance to study for free or at a very low cost. Several scholarships, such as the CSC Bilateral Programme, the UNESCO Great Wall Programme, the MOFCOM Scholarship, and the Youth of Excellence Scheme, support this initiative.
To qualify for the Chinese government scholarship, you must meet basic academic standards and grade requirements, as set by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Learn more about available options here.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
