Top 10 Nursing Schools in Finland for International Students 2024

In this article, you will learn about the best nursing schools in Finland for international students. To be a registered nurse in Finland or any other country, it is vital for you to obtain a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in nursing that is why we have compiled the list of the top 10 best nursing schools in Finland for interested students.

The demand for nurses increases every year in Finland which is the reason this course is one of the most sought-after courses in Finland. Being a nurse in this country or any other European country comes with a lot of opportunities and benefits for you whether you are a European citizen or not.

Graduating from any of the best nursing schools in Finland will expose you to many job opportunities in the country, their education system is one of the best in the world when it comes to producing highly competitive graduates.

The cost of study in Finland is very much affordable compared to Australia, Canada, Sweden, Germany, and students are eligible to apply for a part-time job where they can earn not less than 10 euros per hour.

Nursing in Finland will prepare you as well as nurture you in all aspects of patient care before, after, and during treatment and their international nursing programs prepares graduates to become professionals who can specialize in any field in the healthcare settings such as child nursing, adult nursing, disability nursing, mental health nursing, and others.

In Finland, nursing education is offered at both vocational and university levels. Vocational nursing education typically takes 3 years to complete, while university-level nursing education takes 4-4.5 years to complete. Both types of nursing education programs are regulated and accredited by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Table of Contents

Requirements to study nursing in Finland

The general requirements for international students to study nursing in Finland include the following;

Educational requirements
Language requirements
Application requirements
Health requirements
Visa and residence permit requirements

Qualifications to practice nursing in Finland

You must fulfill the requirements outlined below in order to be completely registered as a nurse in Finland and be eligible to practice nursing there:

Education: You must have completed a nursing degree program that is recognized by the Finnish National Board of Education. The degree should be at least three years in duration.
Language skills: You must be able to communicate effectively in Finnish or Swedish, which are the official languages of Finland. Fluency in English may also be required.
Licensing: You must have a valid license to practice nursing in Finland, which is obtained by passing the national nursing exam administered by the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira).
Work permit: If you are a non-EU citizen, you must have a valid work permit to work as a nurse in Finland.

10 Best Nursing Schools in Finland for International Students

Nursing education in Finland is comprehensive, with a focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration, below are the top 10 best nursing schools in Finland for international students;

Lapland University of Applied Sciences
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)
Novia University of Applied Sciences
JAMK University of Applied Sciences
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Centria University of Applied Sciences
Arcada University of Applied Sciences
Laurea University of Applied Sciences

#10. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Healthcare, Nursing
Language of Instruction: Finnish
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Lapland University of Applied Sciences is one of the best nursing schools in Finland for international students, the university has campuses spread out in Kemi, Tornio, and Rovaniemi, and their nursing program is offered in Kemi.

As an International student, you have to be fluent in Finnish because all the practical training at this university is offered in the Finnish language while a few courses are carried out in English or Swedish.

This university is located in Lapland, Finland, and focuses on higher education and research, development, and innovations. The university was established in 2014 by merging Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences and Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences.

This university is ranked top 10 among the best nursing schools in Finland due to its academic excellence and quality healthcare services.

#9. Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program

Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Healthcare

Language of Instruction: English

Study Duration: 3.5 years

Among the best nursing schools in Finland is Savonia University of Applied Sciences. This institution offers a Bachelor of Health Care Registered Nurse program which develops skilled and learned nurses that work in most of the best healthcare settings in Finland because of their excellent knowledge of encountering and supervising patients with diverse health issues.

The concepts, techniques, and abilities you’ll need to perform a critical assessment, manage expert works and projects, and perform expert duties in the nursing industry are just a few things you’ll learn as a student at this institution.

The nursing program at Savonia University of Applied Sciences offers a multi-professional learning environment in modern facilities with stimulation centers, clinical skill laboratories, and health technology, you will get to combine personal tutoring, e-learning, and clinical nursing practices aimed at deepening your multi-professional evidence-based care.

#8. Turku University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery/Bachelor of Health Nursing
Language of Instruction: Finnish
Study Duration: 3 years

Turku University of Applied Sciences is next on our list of the top 10 best nursing schools in Finland for international students. Their nursing program is offered under the Faculty of Health and well being. This faculty educates future professionals to work in the field of health care and social services.

Turku University involves students in multidisciplinary, experimental, and practice-oriented learning. modules are offered in English in all degree programs.

They offer continuing education to social and healthcare professionals which helps them to develop their competence towards the customer through their multidisciplinary expertise.

The health care Bachelor’s degree programs they offer include; biomedical laboratory services, dental hygiene, dental technology, emergency care, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, public health nursing, radiography and radiotherapy, and social services.

They offer the following master’s degrees in Finnish, Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Social Counselling, Creative Well-being, Gerontological Expertise, Health Informatics, Management and Leadership in Health Care, and Rehabilitation.

#7. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK)

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Health Care
Language of Instruction: English/Finnish
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is one of the best nursing schools in Finland for international students which focuses on services for aging and international nursing education.

The nursing program of SAMK will prepare you for a valued profession and you will be opportune to be working with clients of different age groups promoting their health and well-being and treating their diseases.

Some of the things you will gain as a student of this school include comprehensive and multidisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and interaction skills. The school produces learned nurses and healthcare professionals who work in some of the best healthcare settings in Finland.

SAMK campus is located in the city of Pori with over 4000 students, they are diverse in business, health care and social services, technology, and tourism and offer about 600 degrees per year. The beautiful campus is located next to the Travel Center of Pori which makes it easy to arrive by a local or long-distance bus or train.

#6. Novia University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Healthcare, Nursing
Language of Instruction: English/Finnish/Swedish
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Novia University’s Bachelor of Healthcare, Nursing is one of the best in Finland for international students. Their nursing program is small, flexible, and familiar to many international students.

They educate culturally competent registered nurses in a multicultural and conducive learning environment. Studies in this institution consist of core studies, professional studies, practice, and a bachelor’s thesis.

At Novia University of Applied Sciences, you will be involved in professional studies which focus on clinical competence, professional development, and nursing research. You will get to practice internships in patient-centered care in a clinical environment, in big hospitals, or in community care settings.

**Best Nursing Schools in Finland for International Students**

#5. JAMK University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Health Care
Language of Instruction: English/Finnish
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Nursing studies at JAMK are based on a personal study plan which is flexible enough and allows students to build their own career paths. It is among the best nursing schools in Finland for international students.

Some of the basic studies you will acquire include Entrepreneurship and innovation, Research studies, Language studies, Common basic courses in health and social studies, Clienthood in the field of health and social services, and Health promotion and wellbeing.

They offer practical training which will give you a deep understanding and a wide view of the different possibilities that a career in nursing can offer, this practical training can also be completed abroad.

#4. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degree Offered: Bachelor of Health Care
Language of Instruction: English
Study Duration: 3.5 years

This university’s Degree program in nursing is one of the best in Finland, they have been educating nurses for more than 20 years now and their language of instruction is English language.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences lecturers are well experienced in the education of different fields of nursing, possessing versatile international and multicultural expertise in nursing, completing your degree in this prestigious school will open up excellent job opportunities for you both in Finland and abroad.

Their nursing program consists of basic studies, professional studies, elective studies, a bachelor’s thesis, and supervised clinical practices which are focused on evidence-based clinical nursing where students can strengthen the clinical skills required in the future profession.

You will get to practice your practical skills in clinical laboratories, and simulated learning environments with diverse methods, and modern equipment.

Metropolia offers many opportunities for international student exchange, which means you can complete a part of your clinical practices and theoretical studies abroad in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and also in Canada.

#3. Centria University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degree Offered: Bachelor of Health Care
Language of Instruction: English
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Centria University of Applied Sciences is next on our list of best nursing schools in Finland, this university is a multi-disciplinary higher education institution located in Finland. The university offers a wide range of degree programs, including nursing.

The nursing program at Centria University of Applied Sciences will prepare you to become a competent and compassionate professional in the healthcare industry.

Their programs are designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

The nursing program at Centria is very practical; theory classes are taught using contact teaching, online learning, and independent study methods. Some of the teaching at this esteemed institution takes place in workshops and simulations, allowing nurses to practice providing care in real-life scenarios as a team or in groups.

#2. Arcada University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Healthcare
Language of Instruction: English
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Arcada University is among the best nursing schools in Finland for international students, the nursing program is offered jointly with Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak).

This university produces competent nurses in Finland, the things you will get to learn to include nursing, medicine, and natural sciences, the basics of research and development, leadership, health promotion, and patient safety.

Focusing on digitalization in healthcare is one distinctive feature of Arcada University of Applied Sciences’ nursing curriculum. In order to assist patient care, which is becoming more and more crucial in the healthcare sector, students will learn how to use digital tools and technology.

The nursing program at Arcada University of Applied Sciences provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare, with a particular focus on the use of digital tools and technology in patient care.

#1. Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Nursing Program
Nursing Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Healthcare
Language of Instruction: English
Study Duration: 3.5 years

Laurea is one of the best nursing schools in Finland for international students, it is the largest educator of nurses in Finland.

Their nursing programs are practically oriented and contain lectures, workshops, and simulation exercises, During this time, students will learn the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

Additionally, through participating in clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare institutions, students will have the chance to get real-world experience. Students will be able to use their knowledge and abilities in practical settings and collaborate with seasoned healthcare professionals thanks to these placements.

The unique aspect of the nursing program at Laurea University of Applied Sciences is the emphasis on entrepreneurial skills, you will learn how to develop and implement innovative solutions to healthcare challenges and will be encouraged to think critically and creatively in your approach to patient care.

What are the language requirements for nursing programs in Finland?

International students who are interested in studying nursing in Finland must have a good command of the Finnish or Swedish language and the English language as well.

Can international students work as nurses in Finland?

The answer is yes, international students who have completed a nursing program in Finland and have obtained a license from the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health can work as nurses in Finland.

What is the cost of studying nursing in Finland for international students?

The cost of studying nursing in Finland varies according to location and the university but generally, the cost of studying nursing in Finland ranges from €3,000 to €12,000 per academic year.

What is the job outlook for nurses in Finland?

Nursing is a highly respected profession in Finland, and the demand for graduates in this field is very high in Finland, as a graduate of nursing you can easily find employment in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and home care services.

Is it possible to transfer credits from a nursing program in another country to a nursing program in Finland?

Yes, it is possible to do so. But it depends on the university and program, to do that you have to check with the university you are interested in to find out their specific requirements for credit transfer.

Do nursing programs in Finland offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?

The answer is yes, most nursing schools in Finland offer scholarships and financial aid for international students. Visit the official website of the school you are interested in to find out.

Can international students work while studying nursing in Finland?

International students are allowed to work part-time while studying in Finland. However, the number of hours allowed to work depends on the type of residence permit they hold, check with your university and the Finnish Immigration Service to get more information on student working permit.

What is the living cost for international students in Finland?

The living cost for international students in Finland can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, students can expect to spend around €700 to €1,000 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, and other expenses.

Conclusion

In Finland, the system of educating professional nurses differs from that of other European countries. It takes 3.5 years to complete a bachelor’s degree program in nursing in Finland.

Finland is an excellent place to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing because the majority of accessible programs are taught in English.

Go ahead and apply to one of the best nursing schools listed above if you are interested in studying nursing in Finland. Good luck!!!