Reviewing the Conditions for Studying Medicine in Finland
Medical studies in Finland take 6 years, split into a 3-year pre-medical and a 3-year medical program. While some courses are in English, most are taught in Finnish or Swedish, so language proficiency is essential.
Admission requires passing the pre-medical entrance exam. After graduation, internships and practical exams are mandatory. Top universities for medicine include Oulu, Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere.
You can connect with our advisors at Malekpour Institute via phone and benefit from the free initial consultation of the institute regarding studying in Finland. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers shortly.
Introduction to Medical Universities in Finland
Natural beauty and stunning cities, a serious focus on research and innovation, a selection of suitable world-class universities, and a commitment to providing higher education justify the desire of many international students to study in Finland. If you wish to join them and are seeking to obtain a Finnish visa through education, please continue reading this article for information on Finnish universities, popular student cities, and medical application programs.
Helsinki University
Helsinki University is one of the oldest universities in Finland and was established in 1640. Since 1829, it has been located in the capital of Finland; however, prior to that, it was known as the Royal Academy of Turku in the country’s oldest city, Turku. This university is known as the oldest and highest-ranked higher education institution in Finland, ranking 102nd in the world, with over 32,000 students. It comprises 11 faculties and 11 research institutes and offers degrees in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Turku University
The second largest university in Finland is Turku University, which has approximately 20,000 students. Ranking 276th in the world, its main campus is located in Turku, in southwestern Finland, but it has faculties in Rauma, Pori, and Salo. Turku University was established in 1920 following contributions from over 22,000 citizens. This emphasizes serious international collaboration and runs several Master’s and Ph.D. medical programs in cooperation with universities from other countries.
Eastern Finland University
Eastern Finland University is a seventh-ranked university with a good reputation, currently holding the 460th position in the world. Established in 2010 through the merger of two universities in Joensuu and Kuopio, it is home to around 15,000 students in its faculties today. With a good reputation for research, Eastern Finland University has a wide network of foreign partners and often participates in international projects. The main branches of the university are located in the cities of Joensuu and Kuopio.
Aalto University
Aalto University is a multidisciplinary community where science and art intersect with technology and business. The university has six schools and nearly 20,000 students. A wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees are awarded at Aalto University, which also offers medical and doctoral programs in all fields of study.
Documents and Requirements for Studying Medicine in Finland
To study medicine in Finland, you must complete pre-medical courses and pass the entrance exam. Applicants need a strong GPA, a good resume, motivation letter, and language proficiency.
Medical programs usually last 6 years. At Helsinki University, medical and dental studies are offered in Finnish and Swedish, with over 5% of students studying in Swedish. Helsinki University is the only Finnish university providing medical education in Swedish.
Required documents:
- Providing an acceptance letter from the destination university.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Two passport-size photos.
- Identity documents such as a birth certificate along with copies.
- Health insurance.
- Financial stability letter worth 10,000 euros.
- Language certificate required by the university.
The medical faculty’s doctoral program allows students to begin their medical research projects with high supervision and quality alongside their university studies, which they undertake after the first year of study. Each year, students are selected from among first-year medical and dental students for this program.
PhD students will work in research groups for three months before completing their official medical or dental qualifications. During the first two summers, students will have a unique opportunity to conduct research in three to four different research groups to familiarize themselves with different settings and research topics. You can also learn about other fields of study in Finnish universities.
Tuition Fees for Studying Medicine and Living in Finland
Understanding living and tuition costs is crucial for medical students in Finland. Tuition fees range from €12,000 to €15,000 per year, depending on the university and city. Knowing these costs helps avoid financial issues after immigration.
The second point regarding the living costs for students in Finland is summarized in a table below.
| Expense Description | Cost Range (Euros per Month) |
|---|---|
| Rent for a single room in a shared student apartment | €160 – €380 |
| Student living expenses in Helsinki | €980 – €1,580 |
| Student living expenses in Tampere | €870 – €1,300 |
| Student living expenses in Oulu | €660 – €1,000 |
Medical Scholarships in Finland
Studying medicine in Finland offers scholarships for qualified applicants with strong academic records. Top universities in Finland like Aalto, Oulu, Turku, and Tampere provide medical scholarships, especially for students from developing countries.
Below are some medical scholarships in Finland for applicants from developing countries:
- EDUFI Fellowship Programme for Young Doctoral Students
- University of Tartu Scholarship
- Orion Research Foundation Grants for International Students
- Arkada University of Applied Sciences Bachelor’s Scholarships
- University of Tampere International Master’s Scholarships
- Finnish Government International Scholarships for Students
- Kilroy Foundation Grants
- Kiel University International Scholarships
- Orion Research Foundation Grants for International Students
Visa Requirements for Studying Medicine in Finland
As you know, one cannot experience studying medicine in Finland without a student visa. It is also important to know that the validity of the Finnish student visa for completing a medical course is two years, which needs to be renewed. The required conditions for obtaining a student visa for medical studies in Finland include the following:
- Submit documents related to admission to a medical program at a Finnish university
- Submit a photo
- Submit an identity document
- Valid passport
- Submit translated academic certificates
- Submit a language certificate
- Submit a completed visa application form
- Insurance
- Financial capacity
Advantages of Studying Medicine in Finland
Studying medicine in Finland has become an attractive prospect for future doctors due to the benefits it provides. The main advantages of medical education in Finland are listed below:
- Affordable tuition fees
- High degree of accreditation and suitable working conditions for working in Finland and other countries
- Study in medicine at top and prestigious universities in Finland
- Reliability of degree
- Teaching in medicine in English
- High security of student life in this country
Working After Studying Medicine in Finland
In Finland, students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. Medical students cannot work in medical fields during their studies but may take jobs in other sectors.
After graduation, students can stay in Finland for six months to seek employment. Internship opportunities at hospitals or healthcare centers may lead to job offers. To practice medicine after graduating, students must attend universities recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
Conditions for Immigrating Doctors to Finland
Finland, with its progressive policy, excellent healthcare system, and high quality of life, is an attractive destination for doctors seeking work in Northern Europe. This country is also an international one where you can pursue higher education in English for many programs. Below are the conditions for doctors to immigrate to Finland.
Finnish Language Requirements
Whether you intend to study in Finland or immigrate to this country for work after completing your education in your home country, speaking Finnish is essential for the medical profession. Proficiency in Finnish is a prerequisite for entering medical school and obtaining a medical license to become a doctor in Finland.
Medical and Residency Exams
After completing six years of medical school in Finland, the final step before becoming a licensed physician in this country is to complete a 6-month clinical placement in your field of interest. After that, all doctors must take the national exam to register as a physician. Depending on your personal interests, there is also an opportunity to specialize by applying for specialized training, which takes three to six years.
Becoming a Licensed Physician
Medical licenses in Finland are granted after successfully passing the national medical examination, which can be obtained by anyone who has completed their medical studies and the mandatory 6-month clinical training.
Work Visa for Doctors in Finland
If you are coming to Finland from outside the European Union, in addition to the necessary conditions for registration as a physician in Finland, you must also apply for a work visa. However, students who complete their studies at Finnish universities can obtain temporary residency to apply for jobs.
Getting a Job as a Physician
The easiest way to find a job in Finland is to use online job sites or the European Employment Service (EURES) portal. Job searching online is often only available in Finnish and Swedish. Additionally, you can use recruitment agencies in Finland, especially if you are currently in the country.
Becoming a Physician in Finland through Foreign Schools
If your degree was issued outside the European Union, you need to complete an internship in Finland; additionally, before your degree is officially recognized for becoming a physician in Finland, you must pass a three-part licensing examination. This ensures that your medical degree is truly equivalent to the degrees issued in Finland. You can find the application process for recognizing your degree and then passing the licensing procedures here .
Salaries and Income of Physicians in Finland
A person working as a physician in Finland typically earns around 11,000 euros per month. The minimum income for physicians in Finland is about 4,050 euros, while the maximum income for physicians in Finland is approximately 18,600 euros.
However, the salary and income of physicians in Finland vary depending on different specialties and the physician’s level of experience. Below are the salaries and incomes of physicians in Finland across various job titles.
| Job Title | Average Income (Euros) |
|---|---|
| Allergy Specialist | €8,580 |
| Behavioral Health Specialist | €5,190 |
| Clinical Psychologist | €14,200 |
| Rehabilitation Specialist | €8,430 |
| Psychological Counselor | €10,900 |
| Dermatologist | €14,200 |
| Nutrition Specialist | €8,550 |
| Emergency Physician | €10,500 |
| Sports Physiologist | €10,800 |
| Forensic Doctor | €12,400 |
| General Practitioner | €9,200 |
| Genetic Counselor | €7,120 |
| Internal Medicine Specialist | €13,600 |
| Cardiologist | €18,200 |
| Neurologist | €13,500 |
| Obstetrician & Gynecologist | €12,400 |
| Ophthalmologist | €9,310 |
| Pediatrician | €10,700 |
| Physiotherapist | €7,180 |
| Psychiatrist | €11,600 |
| Radiologist | €13,000 |
| Urologist | €15,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine in Finland
- How long is the study duration in Finland, and what are the associated costs?
Studying medicine in Finland lasts for 6 years, and the tuition costs typically range between 6,000 to 25,000 euros per year.
- In what language is medicine taught in Finland?
Medical education in Finland is available in English, Finnish, and Swedish at some universities.
- Is it possible to work as a student during studies?
Yes, medical students can work part-time, and after completing their studies, they can stay in Finland for 6 months and look for jobs.
- Is it possible to enter the medical field in Finland without an entrance exam?
No, to enter the medical program in Finland, an individual must pass the pre-medical course and take the entrance exam to be accepted into medical universities.
Conclusion:
In this article, efforts were made to explain studying medicine in Finland, the top universities, and the necessary conditions to serve as a proper guide for your choices. As mentioned, studying medicine in Finland requires passing the pre-medical course and has an entrance exam. After finishing studies, the student can extend their visa for 6 months and look for work. You honorable visitors can contact the experienced consultants of Malekpour Institute for more information regarding admission into medical studies in Finland and benefit from free consultation.
