Students

The Finnish higher education system comprises two parallel sectors: universities and universities of applied sciences. Universities focus on scientific research and education based on it, while universities of applied sciences provide practical education tailored to the needs of the working world. Studies at universities in Finland are highly independent, with students responsible for their own study plans and having flexibility in scheduling courses and exams. The Finnish university system allows students to determine the pace and direction of their studies, often offering the option to pass courses through readings and exams instead of attending lectures. Additionally, both course and departmental exams can be retaken multiple times.

Tampere University (TAU): Tampere University is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We bring together research and education in technology, health and society. The University is known for its excellence in teaching and research, and it collaborates with hundreds of universities and organisations worldwide. Our community consists of about 22,500 students and around 4,200 staff members from more than 80 countries. Tampere University was created in 2019 through a merger between the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology. Almost all internationally recognised fields of study are represented in our university.  

Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) is one of the largest and most popular universities of applied sciences in Finland. Our strengths are multidisciplinary education, creativity, and a strong international dimension. TAMK is a higher education institution oriented towards working life and RDI co-operation. 

If you’ve completed an upper secondary education, studied in higher education, or completed a higher education degree in another country, you can book a time for a counselling session ‘Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education’ (SIMHE) to obtain information on study options and how to recognise your prior learning.

Still unsure whether you should study in Tampere or curious about what life as a student here is like? The universities in Tampere believe that their students are the best experts to share insights about studying at Tampere Universities. You can find their stories, blog posts, and photos. The student ambassadors are also available to help answer any questions you may have about studies or student life in Tampere. 

Vocational studies in Finland offer three types of qualifications: vocational upper secondary qualification, further vocational qualification, and specialist vocational qualification. These can lead to a qualification or be part of further or continuing education necessary at different career stages.  Vocational education and training in Tampere are highly practical study method and it equip students with essential skills for the working world. The programmes are designed for young people completing their basic education and for adults who are already employed. After completing vocational education and training, you can either enter the workforce or apply to a higher education institute.

Tredu is managed by the city of Tampere. Every year, approximately 17,000 young and adult students study at Tredu. Our campuses are spread across the Tampere city area and surrounding municipalities, including Nokia, Virrat, Ylöjärvi, Kangasala, Lempäälä, and Orivesi. We offer flexible and individual study paths leading to Basic Vocational Qualifications, Further Qualifications, and Specialist Qualifications across nearly every vocational field in Finland, always in close cooperation with the working world. While most of the programmes are offered in Finnish, there are some English programmes available at Tredu. 

Tampere Adult Education Centre (TAKK) is a vocational educator and working life developer, serving over 12,000 adult students annually with around 270 employees. Owned by the Tampere Adult Education Foundation FR, TAKK offers vocational, further vocational, and specialist vocational qualifications in over 20 fields. Their education and learning environments are developed in close cooperation with companies and working life. TAKK provides flexible, individual services to help companies and organizations develop their operations and personnel competence, supporting them in changing situations, recruitment, and determining funding options.  

For higher education degree programmes, EU/EEA area and Swiss citizens do not need to pay a fee to study in Finland. For non EU/EEA students, there is a fee to study in Bachelors and Master degree programmes. For Doctoral programmes, there are no fees, irregardless of the nationalities. Fees range from €5,000 to €18,000 annually, varying by university and program. If you are paying tuition fees, you are also eligible to apply for university scholarships.

Beyond tuition, you need to cover your living costs, estimated at €700 – €900 monthly. This includes food, accommodation, and travel.  For non-EU/EEA students, you must prove sufficient finances and insurance when applying for a student residence permit.

Studying at a Finnish university might be quite different from what you're used to. Finnish universities typically have a low hierarchy, and the relationships between students and teachers are relatively informal. Most teachers and staff often invite you to call them by their first names. The Finnish academic system offers students a lot of freedom in planning and scheduling their studies.

Below you can find some essential information to help you as you begin your studies.

Remember that all students must register as either attending (present) or non-attending (absent) each academic year. You need to be registered as present to participate in classes, take exams, and complete your studies. Failing to register by the given deadline will result in losing your right to study.  

Students in Tampere enjoy a wide range of benefits, including discounts, support services, and financial assistance. From housing options and student card perks to study grants and allowances, Tampere is committed to enhancing the student experience. 

Tampere Universities feature two student unions: TREY for Tampere University students and TAMKO for students at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, there are various field-specific student organizations. Both TREY and TAMKO advocate for students' interests, offer a range of services for members, and cultivate a strong sense of community among students. You can join Trey or Tamko when you are registered as a student, a small fee is charged to join the student union.  

The student card you receive provides access to student healthcare facilities and services (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree only), transportation discounts (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree only), and discounted prices at university restaurants. It also offers discounts at various shops, sports complexes, and restaurants outside the university. 

We strongly recommend that you start looking for housing well in advance of your arrival in Tampere, preferably as soon as you have accepted your study place, as the waiting lists can be long. It’s advisable to contact housing providers several months before your arrival. There are two student housing organisations in Tampere: TOAS and POAS. You can choose to rent from either the private market or student housing. 

If you need a van for transporting furniture, student union members can rent one from the union. If you are not yet a student union member, you can seek assistance in local Facebook groups, such as the ‘Tampere Foreigners’ group. Alternatively, there are companies that rent vans of various sizes by the hour or day. Please note that some van rental companies may require a local or EU driving license. 

Students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme: You are eligible for the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). The FSHS provides university students with healthcare services, as well as mental health and well-being support. To access these services, you will need to present proof of your student status, either with your enrollment certificate or with the TREY or TAMKO student card (see Student Unions above). In Tampere, the Student Health Services is located at Kalevantie 3, 33100 Tampere. The oral health service can be found at Korkeakoulunkatu 6.  

Students attending a traditional university or a university of applied sciences must pay a healthcare fee to Kela each term. In 2024, the student healthcare fee in higher education is EUR 36.80 per term. Kela does not send a bill for the fee, so students need to pay it on their own initiative. There are some exceptions to who needs to pay.  

Students enrolled in PhD degree programme: PhD researchers are entitled to the public healthcare services once you have received your resident permit. You can find out more info in Kela’s page under the title ‘Researchers’.

Exchange students: The City of Tampere provides health care services for higher education exchange students coming from the following countries:

• exchange students from EU or EEA countries and Switzerland
• exchange students who live in Australia and have a health insurance there
• exchange students from Quebec province in Canada

Exchange students from countries or areas not mentioned above are only entitled to emergency treatment through public healthcare and must pay the actual medical expenses. For non-emergency treatment, they must use private health services and have private medical expenses insurance. 

Both Tampere University and TAMK assign student tutors to each degree program. These tutors are senior students from previous cohorts, trained to support new students upon arrival and throughout their first year. You will meet your student tutor during orientation week, and they will guide you through your first week at the universities and continue to provide support throughout your first year. 

Read about the 5 steps  to boost your career.

The Talent Advisor at International House Tampere will help you identify opportunities to accelerate your employment and networking plans. You will receive a one-time consultation on practical information to support your search for full-time or part-time employment.  

Make an appointment and click on "Book a time"

International House Tampere offers a walk-in clinic every Tuesday from 9-11:30 am, providing quick tips on CVs, cover letters, interviews, and networking. No appointment is necessary—simply visit the lobby at International House Tampere, Rautatienkatu 10, select the service you need, and get a ticket number to wait for your turn. Someone will invite you in for a half-hour consultation. 

Once a month, International House Tampere hosts a workshop designed to help you optimise your job search methods and boost your career in Tampere. This 4-hour, face-to-face workshop aims to improve your job search techniques, identify your skills, and enhance your career prospects in Tampere.

If you are considering entrepreneurship after your studies but are unsure where to start or what services are available, International House Tampere offers a one-time online consultation for internationals planning to start or expand their business in Tampere. Our Business Coordinator will help you identify the most suitable entrepreneurial path and provide information on available services and resources.

The universities has a hub where info are provided with regards to planning your career and working life.  You can also contact the career guide by email: [email protected] or  [email protected].

Your degree programme may require you to do an internship during your final year studies. While the universities have platforms and info hub to support you in this, you are encouraged to find your internship placement yourself. Our advise would be to start early by familiarising yourself with the info hub for internship, networking by joining events and keep a watch out for internship openings.