If you're considering studying in Finland and plan to enroll in a program taught in English, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in the language. Most Finnish universities require students to submit proof of English proficiency, typically in the form of IELTS or TOEFL scores. Below, we outline the common score requirements and break down what you need to know for different universities across the country.
General Requirements
The standard English language requirements for most universities in Finland include an IELTS Academic score between 6.0 and 6.5, or a TOEFL iBT score ranging from 79 to 92. However, these requirements can vary depending on the specific university and the level of the degree program (bachelor's or master's). Many universities also have minimum sub-score requirements, particularly for the writing section.
University-Specific English Language Requirements
Here's a detailed breakdown of the TOEFL and IELTS score requirements at some of Finland’s most popular universities:
1. Aalto University
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with at least 22 in the Writing section.
2. Arcada University of Applied Sciences
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 79.
3. Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lapin AMK)
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 79-80.
4. LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology)
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 90.
5. Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK)
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 90, with a minimum of 20 in Writing.
6. Tampere University
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5, with no section below 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with no section below 20.
7. University of Eastern Finland
Bachelors:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 78.
Masters:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in Writing.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 90–92, with a minimum of 22 in Writing.
8. University of Helsinki
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in Writing.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with a minimum of 22 in Writing.
9. University of Jyväskylä
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 92.
10. University of Lapland
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92.
11. University of Oulu
Bachelors:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 78.
Masters:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 per section.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with at least 20 in Writing.
12. University of Turku
Bachelors:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no section below 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 80, with no section below 16.
Masters:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no section below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90, with no section below 20.
Meeting the English proficiency requirements is an essential step for international students planning to study in Finland. While the general score range for IELTS is between 6.0 and 6.5, and for TOEFL iBT is 79 to 92, it’s important to check the specific requirements for your chosen university and degree program. Preparing well in advance for these tests will help ensure a smoother application process and increase your chances of admission.