Study nursing in Finland at the undergraduate level
Nursing studies begin at the undergraduate level in Finland. Nurses must have good communication skills and participate in health care development. Undergraduate nursing students acquire the theoretical, practical, and personal knowledge and skills needed to care for people who need attention. Students participate in simulated modules that replicate real-world scenarios to gain practical skills. Nursing in Finland has four disciplines:
- Medical nursing
- Surgical nursing
- Child and women nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
The undergraduate nursing study takes 3.5 years, and students can work as nurses in medical centers in Finland after graduation.
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Is it possible to study Nursing in Finland in English?
Yes, you can study nursing in Finland in English, mainly at Universities of Applied Sciences. These programs are designed for international students, but clinical training often requires meeting Finnish language requirements for nursing, since patient care is mostly conducted in Finnish.
If you do not have language proficiency yet, Nursing pathway programs in Finland can help you prepare before entering the main degree.
After graduation, completing VALVIRA licensing for international nurses is mandatory to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland, and language skills are a key part of that process.
EU/EEA students may benefit from Tuition-free nursing studies (for EU/EEA), and graduates can apply for the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026 to stay and seek employment.
English-Taught Bachelor’s Programs in Nursing
Finland offers several English-taught Bachelor’s degrees in nursing through Universities of Applied Sciences, making it possible for international students to begin their studies without prior Finnish skills. These programs combine theoretical coursework with practical training and are popular among students planning to become a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland.
For EU/EEA applicants, there is the added advantage of Tuition-free nursing studies at public institutions. However, non-EU students should check tuition policies carefully. For those who are not fully prepared academically or linguistically, Nursing pathway programs in Finland can serve as a bridge before entering the full degree.
After graduation, completing VALVIRA licensing for international nurses is mandatory to work legally in Finland.
The Finnish Language Requirement: Why You Need B1/B2 Level for Clinical Practice
Even if your degree is taught in English, meeting the Finnish language requirements for nursing is essential for clinical placements and employment. Most healthcare environments operate in Finnish, and students typically need at least B1–B2 level proficiency to communicate safely with patients and medical staff.
Language skills are not just academic requirements they are critical for patient safety, successful clinical performance, and approval under the VALVIRA licensing for international nurses process.
For students aiming to stay in Finland long-term, especially under the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026, achieving the required Finnish level significantly improves job prospects and professional integration.
Study nursing in Finland at the postgraduate level
Nursing students can start their postgraduate studies after completing their undergraduate studies in Finland. The undergraduate students must have good grades in mathematics, chemistry, biology, psychology, etc. The master’s degree in Finland takes two to three years full-time. The master’s degree expense in Finland varies depending on the university and is around 8,000 to 9,000 euros per year.
Study nursing in Finland for a doctorate
Students can continue their doctoral studies if they complete their master’s degree in nursing. The Doctoral Program in Nursing Science (DPNurs) offers systematic doctorate studies in nursing science. DPNurs trains high-level nursing researchers and professionals who promote innovative and scientifically skilled research in various nursing fields and healthcare. The nursing doctoral program takes four years, during which students, with the help of their supervisor, research on improving the nursing level and increasing their knowledge and awareness. They must present and defend their dissertation at the end of the course.
The New “Pathway Programs”: A Short Cut for International Students
One of the newest trends in Finnish education is Nursing pathway programs in Finland. These programs are designed for international students who may not yet meet full academic or language requirements but still want to enter a nursing degree.
Pathway programs act as a bridge year, helping students strengthen academic skills, improve English or Finnish proficiency, and adapt to the Finnish education system. They are becoming increasingly popular because they reduce the risk of direct rejection from competitive nursing programs.
For students aiming to become a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland, this route can be a strategic and less stressful alternative. However, long-term success still depends on meeting the Finnish language requirements for nursing and completing VALVIRA licensing for international nurses after graduation.
How Pathway Programs Help You Bypass the Entrance Exam
Traditionally, nursing programs in Finland require passing a competitive entrance exam. Pathway programs offer a different route. Instead of sitting for the standard entrance exam, students complete preparatory coursework during the pathway year.
If they successfully pass required subjects and meet performance criteria, they can transfer directly into the degree program without taking the traditional entrance test. This makes pathway programs a practical shortcut for motivated international applicants, especially those planning to stay in Finland long-term under the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026.
Financial Aspects: Tuition Fees and Scholarships in 2026
Understanding the financial side of nursing studies in Finland is essential before applying. While Finland remains attractive for international students, tuition policies differ depending on nationality. EU/EEA students can benefit from Tuition-free nursing studies at public Universities of Applied Sciences, but non-EU/EEA applicants must plan for tuition costs and living expenses.
Even with tuition fees, Finland remains competitive compared to many other European countries, especially considering strong career prospects and the opportunity to apply for the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026 after graduation.
Average Costs for Non-EU/EEA Students
For non-EU/EEA students, annual tuition fees for nursing programs in 2026 typically range between €8,000 and €12,000 per year, depending on the institution. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, accommodation, insurance, and study materials.
It is important to remember that becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland also requires meeting the Finnish language requirements for nursing and completing VALVIRA licensing for international nurses, which may involve additional administrative costs.
Language-Based Scholarships (How to Get a Discount by Learning Finnish)
Many Finnish institutions now offer performance-based or language-based scholarships. Students who demonstrate progress in Finnish during their studies may qualify for partial tuition reductions.
This approach encourages international students to meet the Finnish language requirements for nursing, which not only increases scholarship chances but also improves employability after graduation. For applicants entering through Nursing pathway programs in Finland, focusing on language development early can significantly reduce overall tuition costs in later years.
Living and nursing study expenses in Finland
The applicants must know the Living and nursing study expenses in Finland. The nursing study cost in Finland varies from university to university but is around 8,000 to 9,000 euros per year. The living cost depends on one’s lifestyle, the city of residence, etc. Finland is one of the top European countries with low living fees. It is around 800 euros on average for a person in the Finnish capital, while it is about 3,000 euros for a family of four in Helsinki, Finland.
The Professional License: Understanding the VALVIRA Process
If you plan to work as a nurse in Finland, completing VALVIRA licensing for international nurses is not optional, it is mandatory. VALVIRA (the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) is the official body responsible for granting the right to practice as a healthcare professional in Finland.
Even if you graduate from a Finnish university, you must apply for professional registration before working as a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland. The licensing process verifies your education, clinical training, and language competence. Meeting the Finnish language requirements for nursing is a key part of approval, as safe patient communication is a legal requirement.
For international graduates who enter through Nursing pathway programs in Finland, it is important to understand that pathway completion alone does not grant professional rights — official VALVIRA recognition is still required.
Registering as a Healthcare Professional in Finland
To register, applicants must submit educational documents, proof of completed clinical hours, identification documents, and language certificates to VALVIRA. The authority assesses whether the qualification meets Finnish standards.
If approved, you receive the legal right to practice as a nurse in Finland. This registration is essential before seeking employment or applying under the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026.
Student working conditions in Finland
One of the characteristics and requirements for applicants for nursing studies in Finland is that international students studying in this country can work part-time along with their education. Finnish universities can help their student to work along with their education. The students working and studying in Finland can support themselves due to its low living cost.
Top Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) for Nursing in Finland
Finland’s Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are the main institutions offering practice-oriented nursing education. Many programs are available in English, but students must still meet the Finnish language requirements for nursing for clinical training and future VALVIRA licensing for international nurses.
Metropolia University: The Heart of Healthcare Education
Metropolia in Helsinki is one of the most popular choices for international students. It offers modern facilities and strong hospital partnerships, preparing graduates to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland. EU/EEA students can benefit from Tuition-free nursing studies (for EU/EEA).
LAB University of Applied Sciences: Innovative Nursing Programs
LAB focuses on innovation and practical skills in healthcare. For students without sufficient language background, Nursing pathway programs in Finland can help before starting the full degree.
Satakunta University (SAMK): Specialized Nursing Tracks
SAMK offers specialized nursing tracks with strong clinical components. After graduation, students must complete VALVIRA licensing for international nurses and can apply for the Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026 if they plan to stay and work in Finland.
| University | Rank in Finland | Rank in the world |
| University of Turku | 1 | 287 |
| University of Oulu | 2 | 408 |
| Tampere University | 3 | 409 |
| University of Eastern Finland | 4 | 499 |
| University of Tampere | 5 | 601-605 |
Part-time Work and Career Prospects after Graduation
Studying nursing in Finland offers not only high-quality education but also promising career opportunities. Many international students combine their studies with part-time work in healthcare settings, which helps gain practical experience and supplement living costs during tuition-free nursing studies or paid programs for non-EU students.
After graduation, nursing job after graduation Norway and Finland alike requires VALVIRA licensing for international nurses to practice officially. Completing this step opens doors to full-time employment as a Registered Nurse (RN) vs Practical Nurse in Finland, with competitive salaries and benefits.
Salary of a Registered Nurse in Finland 2026
In 2026, a registered nurse in Finland typically earns between €2,700 and €3,800 per month, depending on experience, location, and type of healthcare facility. Practical nurses earn slightly less, averaging around €2,200–€2,900 monthly. These salaries make nursing an attractive career path, especially when combined with the low tuition costs or tuition-free nursing studies.
Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways for Nurses
After working in Finland for a few years, international nurses can apply for permanent residency. Eligibility depends on continuous employment, valid work permits, and integration, including language proficiency. Completing Post-graduate work permit for nurses 2026 programs increases the likelihood of meeting residency requirements. Holding PR not only secures long-term stability but also facilitates career advancement in Finnish healthcare.
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