Finland has a short scholarship list for Pakistani students, and that is useful to know before you start. Our data covers 4 options: two university tuition waivers for Master's students (Aalto University and the University of Helsinki), a general StudyInFinland listing of university funding, and the EDUFI Fellowship for doctoral students and researchers. The tuition waivers are the realistic route for most applicants from Pakistan. None of them pays living costs, so these options suit students who can show their own funds for daily expenses but need help with tuition.
If you are looking for a government scholarship that covers rent, food and flights, Finland is probably not your best match. The StudyInFinland guidance in our data says plainly that fully funded government scholarships covering living costs do not exist there. Plan your budget around that fact from day one.
All Finland scholarships at a glance
| Scholarship | Funding | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aalto University Scholarship | Partial Funding | Around January 9 |
| EDUFI Fellowship for International Researchers | Full / Partial | Varies, confirm on official site |
| StudyInFinland Full Scholarship Listings | Full / Partial | Varies by university and programme |
| University of Helsinki Scholarship | Partial Funding | Around January 16 |
Master's tuition waivers at Aalto and Helsinki
These two are the strongest picks for a Pakistani student with a good bachelor's record. Both are linked to Master's admission, both are open to non-EU students, and both are listed as opening soon for the next cycle. You do not file a separate scholarship form for either one, because the university considers you while it reviews your admission application. That makes your admission file the scholarship file.
Aalto University Scholarship
The Aalto University Scholarship is a full tuition waiver for non-EU students admitted to Aalto's Master's programs. It is merit-based and you are considered automatically. The catch is competition: each program has only a limited number of awards. The deadline sits around January 9, in line with the Master's deadline on Studyinfo.fi. It covers no living costs. See full details.
University of Helsinki Scholarship
The University of Helsinki Scholarship waives 50 to 100 percent of tuition for non-EU Master's students. Again, you are considered alongside your admission application. The deadline is around January 16, about a week after Aalto's. There is no living stipend, and you have to keep up a minimum credit pace to hold on to the waiver after you arrive. Students who fall behind on credits risk paying fees in later years, so treat that rule seriously. See full details.
Our view: apply to both if your field is offered at both. The deadlines are close together, the documents overlap heavily, and since awards are limited per program, two applications give you two separate chances.
Wider Finnish funding and research options
StudyInFinland Full Scholarship Listings
The StudyInFinland Full Scholarship Listings guide is less a single award and more a map of how funding works in Finland. It explains university-specific scholarships and tuition fee waivers for non-EU/EEA students, and it confirms that university scholarships typically cover partial or full tuition only. Funding is listed as full or partial, and the deadline varies by university and programme admission schedule. Read this first if you are comparing universities beyond Aalto and Helsinki. See full details.
EDUFI Fellowship for International Researchers
The EDUFI Fellowship for International Researchers was aimed at international doctoral students and researchers doing research at Finnish universities. Funding is listed as full or partial. Be careful here: our data says the program is currently unavailable because the official information page has been removed, and the deadline varies, so confirm everything on the official site before you plan around it. PhD applicants should keep it on a watch list, not at the center of their plan. See full details.
Choosing a Finnish scholarship and getting your documents ready
For a Master's applicant, the decision is simple. Target Aalto and Helsinki first, then use the StudyInFinland listings to find waivers at other universities that run your subject. For doctoral applicants, the EDUFI Fellowship is the only research-focused option in our list, and its current status is uncertain.
Whichever you choose, ask yourself one question early: can I cover living costs without a stipend? Every option here leaves that to you. If the answer is no, a tuition waiver alone may not get you to Finland.
Because the waivers are decided with your admission, a weak application costs you twice. Start with these steps:
- Shortlist programs and note each university's Master's deadline on Studyinfo.fi.
- Get your degree transcripts and certificates attested well ahead of January.
- Prepare an English test score and a motivation letter tailored to each program.
- Gather proof of funds for living costs, since no option here pays a stipend.
Our documents checklist for international scholarships covers attestation and paperwork in detail, and the scholarships guide for Pakistani students helps you compare Finland with other countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fully funded scholarship in Finland for Pakistani students?
Not in the usual sense. Our data notes that fully funded government scholarships covering living costs do not exist in Finland. The EDUFI Fellowship and the StudyInFinland listings show full or partial funding, but the EDUFI program is currently unavailable.
Do I need a separate application for the Aalto or Helsinki scholarship?
No. Both are considered automatically alongside your Master's admission application.
How much tuition does the University of Helsinki waive?
Between 50 and 100 percent, for non-EU Master's students. You must keep a minimum credit pace to keep it.
When are the deadlines?
Aalto's is around January 9 and Helsinki's around January 16, both tied to Master's applications. The other two vary, so check the official sites.
Is the EDUFI Fellowship open right now?
According to our data, no. The official information page has been removed, so treat it as unavailable until the official site says otherwise.
For the full eligibility rules and step-by-step application process, open each scholarship's guide linked above, and always confirm dates and conditions on the official university and Studyinfo.fi websites before you apply.