In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful

INTENDED ONLY FOR AHMADI STUDENTS,

WHO WISH TO COME TO FINLAND FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

STUDENT GUIDE
FOR FINLAND
2013

 
 

NOTE:
This guide should not, in any way, full or in part, be used for consultancy service that involves
payment of any kind of fee against the service 

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 1|Page

 
 

Table of Contents

1. ABOUT FINLAND ................................................................................................................ 3

1.1. MAJOR CITIES ............................................................................................................... 3

1.2. WEATHER AND CULTURE........................................................................................... 4

1.3. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW ...................................................... 5

1.4. ODD AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS ................................................................................ 5

1.5. JAMAT AHMADIYYA FINLAND ................................................................................... 6

2. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS ................................................................................................. 7

2.1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 7

2.2. EDUCATIONAL LEVELS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ................................. 9

2.2.1. BASIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 9

2.2.2. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ................................................................................... 9

2.2.3. POLYTECHNIQUE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION ........................................... 10

2.2.4. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENT .................................................. 12

3. AFTER GETTING ADMISSION ........................................................................................ 14

3.1. VISA REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... 15

3.2. STUDENT HOUSING .................................................................................................. 15

3.3. PRACTICALITIES ........................................................................................................ 15

3.4. FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION .................................................................................. 16

4. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 17

5. CONTACT US ..................................................................................................................... 19

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 2|Page

 
 

Chapter #: 1

1. ABOUT FINLAND
 

Finland (in Finnish: Suomi) is a republic country located in Northern Europe, with a population of
about 5 million people. Capital city is Helsinki. Official languages are Finnish and Swedish.
Especially younger people speak English relatively well.

BRIEF HISTORY:

Finland was part of Sweden until 1809. It has been independent since the 6th of December, 1917.
Culturally Finland has always been part of the Western civilization and one of the Nordic countries
(together with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland), but it has special features due to the
separateness of the Finnish language and geopolitical location as a neighbor of Russia, among
other things.

Finland joined the European Union the 1st of January, 1995. Since March 2002, the euro is the
only valid currency.

1.1. MAJOR CITIES

Following are the major cities in Finland

• Espoo
• Helsinki
• Tampere
• Turku
• Lappeenranta
• Jyvaskyla
• Vaasa
• Oulu
• Rovaniemi

Below you can see these and some more cities on the map to find out their geographical location.
Most population of the country is located in cities near Helsinki. Some cities mentioned above are
quite famous from educational point of view. Nearly every big city has a city university and
some cities even have two universities or more (Technical and Applied sciences).
Almost every city has at least poly technique institute for students after high school (FA/FSc in
Pakistan). Detail of courses offered will be presented later in this document.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 3|Page

 
 

1.2. WEATHER AND CULTURE

Being a part of Europe the cultural aspect of Finland is quite similar to rest of the European
countries. But on a different side note Finnish people are very quiet, honest and hardworking. They
are very open-minded and peace loving people. Nearly every young person can speak English and
you can easily go on in your student life without learning the Finnish language, but it is highly
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 4|Page
 
 

recommended to learn the local language because it will help you in enormous ways in your daily.
From October to March most part of Finland is quite cold and in December, January and February
most of the cities are kept covered with snow. Summer season starts from April, which is very
pleasant and worth watching. Finland is known for its lakes and natural beauty, mostly visible in
summer.

For more information about the climate please visit

http://www.studyinfinland.fi/living_in_finland/some_practical_information_on_finland/climate

1.3. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Most of the studies available for international students here are at higher education level, starting
after high school (equivalent to F.A / F.Sc. in Pakistan). But apart from that there are also some
summer courses offered with the duration of three months.

The Finnish institutions of higher education offer a generous choice. They have an extensive
network of 20 universities and 26 polytechnics (also named as universities of applied sciences)
covering the whole country from the southern metropolitan area to the Arctic Circle. All
institutions are internationally oriented with special regional features: students can choose
between very different study environments ranging from large urban campuses to close-to-nature
campuses. Variant fields of education are available from “Hotel Management” to Technical
Computer Studies; internationally offered courses will be further discussed in chapter 2.

To understand the Finnish Educational System, please visits the following links:
http://www.opintoluotsi.fi/flash/en/index.html
http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/koulutusjaerjestelmae/tutkinnot_ja_opinnot/?lang=en

Please note that all the Education levels mentioned at this website are not offered to International
students also so you must look into detail to find out its availability for international students. For
more information about higher education please visit
http://www.universityadmissions.fi/index.php?page=green

1.4. ODD AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS

Getting a job, anywhere in the world, is not a piece of cake whether it’s an odd job or related to
your professional studies. Besides it is really necessary to have a job in order to survive in a foreign
country.

For applying on a professional job, you should have a degree in Finland, if not yet
then some good experience in your field of profession in your country in order to be
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 5|Page
 
 

considered as a good candidate for the job. Though it is not impossible to get a professional job
during your education, but chances are not very likely.

If we talk about odd jobs, and most of the students want to know about, language is the main
problem. Because in most of the odd jobs you have to deal with customers, so employers require
that you must know the language. But never to worry, there are some other jobs also available in
which you can get in even without knowing the language. Most of the Ahmadi students currently
living here are doing odd jobs which do not require the language. Some of odd jobs which you can
get are listed below

• Newspaper delivery
• Cleaning
• Dish Washing
• Advertisement delivery
• Sales helper
• Kitchen helper
• Berry picking (Only available in summer)

There are a lot of recruiting companies which you can go to and register your name there and if any
suitable job comes up they will call you and offer the job. Most of the jobs are quite handsome and
you can easily cover up your living expenses.

1.5. JAMAT AHMADIYYA FINLAND

Currently members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are present in the following cities;

• Helsinki
• Espoo
• Mikkeli
• Tampere
• Jyvaskyla
• Kuopio
• Oulu
• Turku
• Vaasa
• Rovaniemi

Jamaat Ahmadiyya Finland’s establishment happened in late 20th century. With the blessed
guidance and approval of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (ABA) Khalifat Ul Masih V, the current
National Majlis E Aamla has been operating under the guidance of Respected National President,
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Finland. For further reference please consult the section 5 at the end of this
document.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 6|Page

 
 

Chapter #: 2

2. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS
 

This section will help you in finding the educational programs and universities. Also will let you
know where to get the information, how and when you can apply for these courses and what are the
requirements and procedures you need to follow.

As explained earlier that there are two different kinds of institutes available in Finland,
Universities and Poly Techniques for higher education. There are also vocational institutions
available which provide technical education that is directly applicable in your daily life. Detail
about vocational education is in section 2.2.1.1.

2.1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Please find below the general information provided by the marketing manager of CIMO
(International Mobility and Cooperation).

“There are a number of fields in which Finnish institutes offer education to international students.
These areas of expertise are ICT (Information and Communication Technology), biotechnology,
forestry and environmental sciences, architecture, and arts and design.
Finnish institutions provide over 450 English-speaking degree and non-degree programs. Some
of the programs are short courses, which can usually only be taken as part of an exchange
program while whole degree programs take several years to complete and lead to an official
Finnish higher education degree.

2.1.1. FEES AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES:

Studying in Finland is generally regarded as relatively free. The relationship between students and
teachers in Finland is relaxed and informal, and teachers are easy to approach. Universities usually
have a Language Centre where students may carry out additional language studies, which are often
included in degree programs.

All students have the right to use the libraries of universities and polytechnics freely with a library
card. All institutions of higher education provide their students access to the internet. Computers
with the internet access are available at university libraries or computer centers.

In Finland everyone has the right to basic education free of charge. In addition, higher education is
free of charge, which means that there are no tuition fees in polytechnics or in universities. This
same principle goes for international students as well for the moment, but a recent reform makes it
also possible for the universities and polytechnics to collect tuition fees from international, non-
EU/EEA degree students on Master’s level during a five-year trial period.

Tuition fees would subsequently be collected only in selected Master's programs starting earliest
from the year 2010. The amount of the tuition fee and the Master’s courses involved will be at the

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 7|Page

 
 

discretion of the institutions themselves. The institutions are also expected to introduce
scholarship programs for these particular Master’s degree programs.

Students pay for their living, transportation and books. The average amount of living expenses
incurred is approximately 700 Euros a month.
Students, who are not EU-nationals, are required to have a health insurance if their studies or
exchange period will last over three months.”
( Ms. Jaanaliisa Kuoppa, International Communications and Marketing Manager CIMO)

Please note that monthly living expenses mentioned in the last paragraph are overly
estimated, normally can be restricted to 400 euros. For more information please visit
http://www.internationalgraduate.net/country/europe/finland.htm

2.1.2. FINNISH EDUCATION SYSTEM:

Pre‐School 
Education 

Basic 
Education 

Upper‐ Vocational 
Secondary  Education 

Poly‐Technique  University 
Education  Education 

Figure 1. Flow chart diagram of Finnish Education System

The flow chart presented above shows the general overview of Finland’s education system. Please
note that education levels shown in red color are not available for international students. The
direction of arrows show the next level of education you can attain while staying in Finland, you
can also apply to any education (shown in green color) from your own country as an international
student. Details of each education are explained in the section below.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 8|Page

 
 

2.2. EDUCATIONAL LEVELS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

Now we will discuss separately considering different levels of education, please consult the section
which suits your education level.

2.2.1. BASIC ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS

• After completing high school education (FA/FSc in Pakistan).

• IELTS SCORE 6.0 minimum in some universities 6.5 or above is required.

• Entrance Exam required for any bachelors degree programs (currently exams are not being
processed in Pakistan, You have to go abroad for Entrance Exam).

2.2.2. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Vocational education provides students with skills that are directly applicable in working life. The
practice-oriented training includes numerous periods of on the job learning. Vocational education
leads to qualifications, some of which are specially designed for mature students, and offer
opportunities for professional development.

Vocational education and training is available in the following fields;

• Humanities and Education

• Culture
• Social Sciences, Business and Administration
• Natural Sciences
• Technology, Communication and Transport
• Natural Resources and the Environment
• Social Services, Health and Sport
• Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Services

But please not that you have to check before applying that the course is offered in English or not,
please read the course details (wherever you are applying) very carefully.

List of some vocational institutions is given below;

• Helsinki City College of Culinary Art, Fashion and Beauty

Vocational Qualification in Hotel and Restaurant Services and Vocational Qualification in
Hairdressing.

• Kuopion talouskoulu
Internationally Oriented Home Economics Programme.

• Omnia Vocational College, Espoo

Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care, Practical nurse.

• Perho, Helsinki Culinary School

Vocational Qualification in Hotel and Restaurant Services.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 9|Page

 
 

• Porvoo Commercial College International Business Training

Vocational Qualification in Business and Administration.

• Tampere College
International Wilderness Guide program.

• Vaasa Vocational Institute

Vocational qualification in Hotel and Restaurant Services, Study program in Restaurant Meal
Production and Restaurant service.

• Vantaa Vocational College Varia

Vocational Qualification in Hotel and Restaurant Services.

• Vocational Education Centre Sedu, Seinäjoki

Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care, Practical nurse.

• Yrkesakademin i Österbotten, YA!Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Qualification in Social and Health Care, Practical nurse.

• Åbolands Folk High School - Language and Tourism Institute

Further Qualifications in Tourism Activities.

For further information about these institutions please follow the link:

http://www.opintoluotsi.fi/en-GB/LinkDirectory/Categories.aspx?classID=6d7b217e-0981-49e3-
8aef-ec129b630fdc

2.2.3. POLY TECHNIQUES EDUCATION or UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

Poly technique degrees usually take 3.5 to 4.5 years to complete. Studies are organized in the form
of degree programs which may have various specialization options. Poly technique graduates may,
after having worked in their field for minimum of three years, apply for entry into a program
leading to a higher poly-technique degree. This takes 1-1.5 years of full time study. This is called
Poly-technique Masters Degree.

Polytechnic education is provided in the following fields: LIST OF PREFERRED COURSES WITH 

EASY ADMISSION CRITERIA: 

• Humanities and Education • Facility management 

• Culture • Security management 
• Social sciences, business and administration • Nursing 
• Natural resources and the environment • International Business 
• Technology, communication and transport • European Business 
• Natural sciences
• Business Logistics 
• Social services, health and sport
• Tourism, catering and domestic service • Tourism 
• Social services 
There are 25 polytechniques, please find the list below:

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 10 | P a g e

 
 

• Arcada Polytechnic
• Central Ostrobothnia Polytechnic
• Diaconia Polytechnic
• HAAGA-HELIA Polytechnic
• Humanities Polytechnic
• Häme Polytechnic
• Jyväskylä Polytechnic
• Kajaani Polytechnic
• Kemi-Tornio Polytechnic
• Kymenlaakso Polytechnic
• Lahti Polytechnic
• Laurea Polytechnic
• Metropolia Polytechnic
• Mikkeli Polytechnic
• North Karelia Polytechnic
• Novia Polytechnic
• Oulu Polytechnic
• Rovaniemi Polytechnic
• Saimaa Polytechnic
• Satakunta Polytechnic
• Savonia Polytechnic
• Seinäjoki Polytechnic
• Tampere Polytechnic
• Turku Polytechnic
• Vaasa Polytechnic

For further information about poly techniques, please follow the link below:
http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/ammattikorkeakoulutus/?lang=en

2.2.3.1. APPLICATOIN PRACTICALITIES FOR POLYTECHNIQUES

You can get a general idea for application procedure from the following steps described on
www.admissions.fi website for admission.

• Apply online: online application is made first then postal application is sent.
• Send the required copies of non-Finnish educational certificates and language
certificates by the date mention on the website. ( you are supposed to send the documents
at your first preferred university)
• Entrance examination invitations and Decisions on eligibility are posted by mail.
• Entrance examinations are arranged between April and May. The invitations will include all
the details about time, location, and special arrangements. Please note, that some
polytechnics/UAs do not arrange examinations anywhere else than in Finland.
• Confirm your study place by returning the confirmation, generally in August, to the higher
education institution you chose as your final study place. If you do not return the form in
time, you will lose your study place.
• Please remember that your admission is conditional until your original relevant certificates
are checked. The polytechnic/UAS may withdraw the admission, if the applicant has given
false information or has given forged document.

A very use full source of getting information about the application procedure dates and
requirements is:
https://www.admissions.fi/vierashaku/amkhakuohje?Path=15731;57087

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 11 | P a g e

 
 

2.2.4. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENT / AFTER 16 YEARS OF

EDUCATION
After 16 years of education in your field of study you can apply in different Masters Programs.
There are 16 universities operating under Finnish Ministry of Education which provide almost 200
Master Degree Programs and 23 Doctoral Programs.

List of courses is very long so only list of universities and useful links will be mentioned where you
can easily find the course of your interest.

• Aalto University
• Åbo Akademi University
• Academy of Fine Arts
• Hanken School of Economics
• Lappeenranta University of Technology
• Sibelius Academy
• Tampere University of Technology
• Theatre Academy
• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• University of Oulu
• University of Tampere
• University of Turku
• University of Vaasa

Following universities out of above mentioned list have the joint application program and you can
apply their through www.universityadmissions.fi

• Hanken School of Economics

• Lappeenranta University of Technology
• University of Helsinki
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• University of Oulu
• University of Tampere
• University of Turku
• Åbo Akademi University

You can look for the course you want to apply from the following website:
http://www.studyinfinland.fi/study_options/study_programmes_database

2.2.5. APPLICATION PRACTICALITIES FOR UNIVERSITIES

Generally application requirements are as follows:

• Online application
• Documents Indicating your eligibility to apply
• Proof of language skills
• Other documents, as requested by degree programs

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 12 | P a g e

 
 

Please note that every degree program may have some special requirements, therefore please read
the program website very carefully.

For further details about application procedures and requirements please visit the following
websites:

http://www.studyinfinland.fi/how_to_apply/eligibility_criteria

http://www.universityadmissions.fi/

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 13 | P a g e

 
 

Chapter #: 3

3. AFTER SECURING AN ADMISSION

After getting admission in the study program, you need to apply for a student’s resident permit.
Duration of the permit depends upon the duration of your degree (Please note that you do not get
more than one year’s permit for the first time). If your study program is more than one year then
you will get one year’s resident permit and you will again apply for the new permit after a year, but
if your study program is less than one year then it is not possible to get permit longer than your
educational period.

The following picture will help you understand the procedure:

The student submits a The student submits a After

The student first obtains The student submits a
a place to study. After residence permit
application to a Finnish
that, he/she must find
out which documents are diplomatic mission abroad,
or, in an exceptional case,
needed for a residence
to a local police station in
permit. Information is
Finland. The mission or
available at the Finnish
police forward it to Migri.
Immigration Service's The decision must be
(Migri's) website at awaited in the country
www.migri.fi
where the application is
residence permit residence permit graduation, a
application to a Finnish application to a Finnish student can
diplomatic mission abroad, diplomatic mission abroad, be granted a
or, in an exceptional case, or, in an exceptional case, new
to a local police station in to a local police station in temporary
Finland. The mission or Finland. The mission or residence
police forward it to Migri. police forward it to Migri. permit for
The decision must be The decision must be seeking
awaited in the country awaited in the country employment.
Migri where the application is where the application is A residence
processes permit can be
the also granted
for further
applicatio
n, obtains study,
employment
any
missing or family
informatio reasons
n and
makes the
decision. The student submits a The student submits a
residence permit residence permit
application to a Finnish application to a Finnish
diplomatic mission abroad, diplomatic mission abroad,
or, in an exceptional case, or, in an exceptional case,
to a local police station in to a local police station in
Finland. The mission or Finland. The mission or
police forward it to Migri. police forward it to Migri.
The decision must be The decision must be
awaited in the country awaited in the country
where the application is where the application is

It is always better to apply for student permit as soon as you have received the admission letter
from the university. Student visa application processing time is almost one month (30 days), so you
must apply well in advance.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 14 | P a g e

 
 

3.1. VISA REQUIREMENTS

Generally for student visa you need the following things

• Unfortunately currently only visit visa is being processed in Pakistan (through Embassy of
Netherlands, Islamabad) and Student Resident Permit applications are not being processed in
Pakistan at the moment. Many students have secured their Resident Permits from travelling to
nearby Finnish Embassy abroad (e.g. Nepal, Dubai, China).
• Valid travel document (must be presented when submitting the residence permit application)
• Passport photo complying with the passport photo guidelines issued by the police (www.poliisi.fi
->English ->Licenses ->Passport ->Passport photo guidelines)
• Certificate of acceptance/attendance from a Finnish educational institution
• Clarification of income
• Health insurance
• Previous degree/qualification certificates (from applicants other than undergraduate and
exchange students)
• Any employment certificates (from applicants other than undergraduate and exchange students)

You can find the student visa application below:

http://213.138.145.18/netcomm/content.asp?article=3822&language=en#5

For further information about student visa requirement

http://213.138.145.18/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2474,2515

For detailed information about Income Statement

http://213.138.145.18/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2474,2611

3.2. STUDENT HOUSING

There are a lot housing societies working in Finland. Normally when university sends you the
admission package, it includes the housing offer as well. But you can also find the apartments from
this website.

http://www.opiskelija-asunnot.fi/en/

You can choose the city of your institution and apply for the apartment.

Normally the apartment rent is around 200 – 300 Euros/month depending upon the condition
and facilities available.

3.3. PRACTICALITIES
Driving license is a very advantageous thing if you have it. Especially if you are coming from
Pakistan you should bring your valid Pakistani driving license (not international license) and after
coming to Finland you can apply for a conversion and in most of the cases you can easily convert it
to Finnish driving license, in few cases one may be asked to perform a driving test. Finnish driving
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 15 | P a g e
 
 

license will also serve as informal identity in whole Europe. Contrarily if you do not have it and you
wish to get your driving license from Finland from scratch, the whole process costs around roughly
2000 euros.

3.4. FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION

• If you are applying for Masters Education then you are eligible for Student Loan provided by
Jamat Ahmadiyya. You can take further information Nazarat Taleem Rabwah, Pakistan:
http://taleem.saapk.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=24

• Scholarships in Finland are mainly available for Doctoral level studies and research only;
however, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are a non-EU citizen and have been
accepted into a Master’s degree program in which you are charged a tuition fee, you can apply for
certain institutional scholarships. You can find more detail at:
http://www.studyinfinland.fi/tuition_and_scholarships

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 16 | P a g e

 
 

Chapter #: 4

4. REFERENCES

Although all the references are marked in the document where needed, but for simplicity below are
given some useful links and reference of the websites which are used in preparing this document.

[1]University Rankings in Finland

http://www.webometrics.info/top100_europe.asp?country=fi

[2]For visa practicalities

http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2474&language=EN

[3]Complete detail for application procedures and educational program search for university level
students

http://www.studyinfinland.fi/home

[4]Finnish Education System

http://www.opintoluotsi.fi/en-GB/

[5]Finnish National Board of Education

http://www.oph.fi/english

[6]Ministry of Education Finland

http://www.minedu.fi/OPM/Koulutus/?lang=en

[7]Application procedures, course search and universities for Bachelor’s student

https://www.admissions.fi/vierashaku/prod_index.html

[8]University Admissions Finland

http://www.universityadmissions.fi/index.php?page=green

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 17 | P a g e

 
 

4.1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• All the universities in Finland have their own Nursing and Health care system for the students.

• Discounts for students in Medical, Meals, Travelling and some other expenses.

• After moving to Finland the student must go to magistrate office and register him/her self so he
can be eligible to apply for student bank account and other official procedures.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 18 | P a g e

 
 

Chapter #: 5

5. CONTACT
 

ALL AHMADI STUDENTS: For any information not found in this Study Guide, you are welcome to
contact at the email address studyfinland2013@gmail.com.

WELCOME TO
FINLAND

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Finland 19 | P a g e