Finland: Why do so many students choose this unique country?

Vol,28, Issue 02, 19 September 2025 

When I told my friends I was going to study in Finland, many asked me: “But why Finland?”. For me, the answer was simple. I wanted nature, calm, and to try a real Nordic winter at least once in my life. But I am not the only one! Every year, more than 20,000 international students choose Finland, and their reasons are very different.

First, Finnish universities are famous for their good reputation. The schools are modern, you can choose your courses, and you can study in English. Many students also like that you are free and that teachers care about your well-being. In Finland, the quality of life is very high, and the country is often called one of the happiest in the world. Some students say that the chance to get a good job after studies is also important, because Finland has good salaries and benefits for workers.

But Finland is more than just good schools. For many, it’s nature that makes the difference. Here, you can be alone by a lake, walk in the forest, or see the Northern Lights in winter. For me, I wanted to find myself, far from noise and stress. I wanted to try life in a Nordic country, see how people live with the long winter nights, discover a new culture, and try the famous sauna. In Finland, there are about 188,000 lakes, and more than 70% of the land is covered by forest. So, it’s perfect for people who love the outdoors!

Of course, there are also some challenges: life can be expensive, especially in Helsinki, and the Finnish language is difficult for many… But most students say it’s okay because there are scholarships, student housing, and the quality of life is very good. Sometimes, it’s not easy to make Finnish friends or find a job after graduation, but universities help with language courses and job fairs.

Living here, you learn to enjoy small things: a hot coffee after a walk in the cold, a sauna with friends, seeing squirrels every morning, things that are not common in France. In short, Finland is special because it gives a unique experience, with great schools and amazing nature. For many students, it is a place to grow, learn, and enjoy life in a new way.