The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and the National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK) commissioned an online survey to explore international students' experiences and opinions about studying and their future in Finland. The survey was carried out by the Research Foundation for Studies and Education Otus and was disseminated in October 2024. It received 656 responses from international undergraduate students, with 71% studying at universities and 29% at universities of applied sciences in Finland.  

The survey collected data on students’ daily lives, study financing, employment, and future plans in Finland. Respondents represented 75 different nationalities, with 34% from EU/EEA countries (including those with dual citizenship in an EU/EEA country), and 66% were from other countries. The survey results, published in the report "At What Cost? Being an International Student in Finland" (in Finnish) indicate that the most common reasons for choosing Finland as a study destination were the good reputation of its education system, the country’s overall attractiveness and the quality and reputation of the higher education institutions. Most respondents generally rated their study experiences positively, and almost as many would recommend their study programmes to other international students. Over half of the respondents would also choose Finland again, if applying for studies. However, half of the respondents experienced difficulties integrating into Finnish society, and one in five did not feel welcome in the country. Slightly less than a fifth had considered quitting their studies, with insufficient income and lack of motivation being the most common reasons. 

Long-term residence in Finland was generally considered unlikely, as many felt their acquired skills would better support employment elsewhere. Finland’s safety, international atmosphere, and well functioning society appeared as important attraction factors. However, employment prospects, played a decisive role, as job opportunities and career growth influenced whether students remained in the country. Challenges in obtaining permanent residency or citizenship, securing employment, and weather and environmental conditions also reduced the country’s attractiveness. Language requirements, lack of job oportunities and high competition in the job market were perceived as the most significant employment barriers. To improve employment opportunities, students emphasised the need for local languages skills and greater acceptance of English in workplaces, alongside an improved economic situation.  

Family financial support was the primary funding source for studies, influencing the selection of international students. While savings and earnings also play a significant role, employment during studies was limited. Scholarships had a relatively small impact, although over one-third of students received full or partial tuition support. Stipends are clearly more important at universities than at universities of applied sciences, where they are relatively uncommon. Among students currently not paying tuition fees, one in ten would be willing to pay for their studies. Similarly, most tuition-paying students were generally unwilling to pay higher fees. Nevertheless, almost two out of three felt that they received value for their money.  

While the report focuses on quantitative results, the survey also included several open-ended questions that received hundreds of responses. The data will be archived for research purposes, allowing for potential future analysis of these qualitative responses.  

Brief presentation in English: At what cost? Being an international student in Finland.