Finland Scholarships Without IELTS 2026 | Study in Finland
Do you know you there are many Finland Scholarships Without IELTS? No? Lets get into it. Finland remains one of Europe’s most attractive and affordable study destinations and is consistently ranked among the happiest, safest, and best-educated countries. For the 2026–2027 intake, over 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS) offer English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs with generous scholarships and many accept admission without IELTS if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate (a simple letter from your previous institution confirming your degree was taught in English).
This opens doors for thousands of international students who want high-quality Nordic education without the language test barrier. Scholarships often cover 100% tuition + a substantial living grant, making Finland one of the most financially viable options in Western Europe.
From my experience guiding students to Nordic countries, Finland scholarships stand out for transparency and generosity. One applicant from Nigeria secured a full tuition waiver + €10,000 grant at Tampere University using only an MOI certificate. Another from Bangladesh received 100% coverage at LUT University after early application and a strong motivation letter. Tools like Numbeo show monthly living costs in Finland average €800–1,300 (Helsinki slightly higher, smaller cities cheaper). Scholarships make it very realistic.
Why Study in Finland Without IELTS?
Finland universities accept alternatives to IELTS:
- English Proficiency Certificate / Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter the most common waiver
- Previous degree taught in English (especially from EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK)
- Some accept Duolingo English Test or internal assessment
Benefits:
- World-leading education system (often ranked #1 globally)
- Over 500 English-taught programs
- Safe, green, student-friendly country
- Post-study work visa (up to 2 years)
- Low living costs compared to other Nordics
- Many 100% tuition scholarships + living grants
Top Universities in Finland Without IELTS
These institutions commonly accept MOI certificates or waive IELTS for English-medium backgrounds:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- Tampere University
- University of Turku
- University of Oulu
- LUT University
- University of Jyväskylä
- University of Eastern Finland
- LAB University of Applied Sciences
- Metropolia UAS
- Häme UAS (HAMK)
- Kajaani UAS (KAMK)
- Arcada UAS
- Haaga-Helia UAS
Always confirm per program as some still require IELTS, but MOI is widely accepted.
Major Scholarships in Finland Without IELTS 2026
Finland Scholarship (Government + University Co-funded)
- 100% tuition waiver for entire program
- Living cost grant: €5,000–13,000 first year (some continue partial support)
- Automatic for top applicants
- Offered by most universities
- For More Information: Click Here
EDUFI Doctoral Fellowships
- For young PhD researchers (all fields)
- Monthly grant + travel support
- MOI accepted
- For More Information: Click Here
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Full funding (€1,400/month + tuition + travel)
- Many Finnish programs participate
- MOI accepted by several consortia
- For More Information: Click Here
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool
The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool is only for Doctoral Students. So sorry for masters degree students
- For More Information: Click Here
University-Specific Merit Scholarships
- Aalto University Excellence Scholarships
- Tampere University Tuition Waivers + stipends
- LUT University Global Excellence Scholarships
- University of Helsinki Scholarships
- University of Turku Scholarships
- University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Scholarships
- Åbo Akademi University Scholarships
How to Apply Finnish Scholarships Without IELTS?
- Choose 1–6 English-taught programs (joint application allows up to 6).
- Request MOI certificate from your previous institution.
- Apply via Studyinfo.fi (joint application opens December 2025 – January 2026).
- Upload MOI certificate instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
- Submit transcripts, passport, motivation letter, CV.
- Pay application fee (~€100).
- Indicate scholarship interest (automatic for most).
- Deadline: Varies
- Results: March–April 2026.
Tip: Apply early as scholarships are limited and awarded to top applicants first.
