Finland is a dream destination for students, famous for its exceptional education system and high quality of life. While many programs require proof of English proficiency, a growing number of Finnish universities and scholarship programs offer options for students who do not have an IELTS score. This guide, brought to you by the experts at Banglay IELTS, will help you explore opportunities for Finland scholarships without IELTS and how to successfully navigate the application process.
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Can I Get a Scholarship to Study in Finland Without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to secure both admission and scholarships to Finnish universities without an IELTS score. While IELTS is widely accepted, many universities recognize alternative ways to demonstrate your English proficiency. This is particularly true for scholarships that are a part of a university’s tuition fee waiver program, where the academic assessment is the primary factor. However, it’s important to note that you must still prove your language skills to be considered for admission and, consequently, for a scholarship.What Are the Key Alternatives to IELTS for Finland?
Here are some of the most common alternatives to the IELTS for proving English proficiency for admission to Finnish universities:- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A letter from your previous university confirming that your entire Bachelor’s or Master’s degree was taught in English. This is often the most straightforward and widely accepted alternative.
- University’s Own English Test: Some Finnish universities, particularly Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), may offer their own English language entrance exam.
- Other Accepted Language Tests: Many universities accept other standardized tests like the TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English qualifications (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency). While these are tests, they provide more options if you do not want to take the IELTS.
- Entrance Exams: For some programs, a strong performance on an entrance exam that is conducted in English can be sufficient proof of your proficiency.
- Video Interviews: In some cases, a successful video interview with the university’s admissions team may be used to assess your English language skills.
What Scholarships Are Available in Finland?
Finnish universities offer a variety of scholarships, primarily for non-EU/EEA students, which often take the form of tuition fee waivers. These scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Some of the most common scholarships include:- University-Specific Scholarships: Almost all universities in Finland have their own scholarship programs. These are often based on academic merit and are awarded automatically to top-ranking students who meet the scholarship criteria. The scholarships can cover 50% or 100% of the tuition fees.
- EDUFI Fellowship: This is a program by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) for doctoral-level studies and research.
- Finland Government Scholarship Pool: A scholarship program for doctoral-level students and researchers.