
60+ Scholarships for Ghanaian Students in Finland: Unlocking Opportunities for International Education
60+ Scholarships for Ghanaian Students in Finland. Finland is a popular destination for international students seeking a quality education, with a reputation for top-notch universities, innovative teaching methods, and research-driven programs. For Ghanaian students aspiring to study in Finland, securing a scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden and provide better access to world-class education. This guide outlines more than 60 scholarships available for Ghanaian students who wish to study in Finland, covering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs.
1. Overview of Scholarships in Finland for Ghanaian Students
Scholarships for Ghanaian students in Finland are typically divided into several categories:
- Government Scholarships: Funded by the Finnish government, often provided for master’s or doctoral degrees.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Provided by individual universities in Finland, covering part or full tuition.
- Organization-Based Scholarships: Funded by educational or non-profit organizations.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Available in certain fields, especially for STEM, social sciences, and healthcare.
The list below highlights scholarship options across these categories, with details on eligibility, benefits, and application procedures.
2. Finnish Government Scholarships
1. Finland Scholarship for Master’s Programs
- Eligibility: Open to non-EU/EEA students applying for a master’s degree.
- Benefits: Covers the first-year tuition fee and provides a €5,000 relocation grant.
- Application: Through the university where the student is applying.
2. EDUFI Fellowship Program
- Eligibility: For doctoral students and researchers from non-EU/EEA countries.
- Benefits: Monthly grant of approximately €1,500, supporting research for 3–12 months.
- Application: Submit through the host Finnish university.
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Aalto University Scholarships
3. Aalto University Incentive-Based Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available for high-achieving non-EU/EEA students in bachelor’s and master’s programs.
- Benefits: 50% or 100% tuition waiver, awarded based on academic merit.
4. Aalto University Diversity Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available to students demonstrating commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage, up to €5,000.
- Application: Automatic consideration during program application.
University of Helsinki Scholarships
5. University of Helsinki Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: For non-EU/EEA students admitted to master’s programs.
- Benefits: 50% or 100% tuition waiver, plus a possible €10,000 grant.
- Application: Applied alongside the degree application.
6. University of Helsinki PhD Grants
- Eligibility: For doctoral students from outside the EU.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, covering full or partial tuition.
- Application: Coordinated through the university’s doctoral school.
University of Turku Scholarships
7. University of Turku Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available for non-EU/EEA students enrolled in English-language master’s programs.
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee waivers.
- Application: Submitted during the master’s program application.
8. Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Scholarship
- Eligibility: PhD students in the biomedical field.
- Benefits: Tuition coverage and a monthly stipend.
- Application: Through the Turku Graduate School.
4. Organization-Based Scholarships
9. Fulbright-EDUFI Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: For students from Ghana and other non-EU countries.
- Benefits: Monthly living stipend and travel grant.
- Application: Submit through the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
10. CIMO (Centre for International Mobility) Scholarship
- Eligibility: For Ghanaian students and researchers in STEM fields.
- Benefits: Partial funding for research-based studies.
- Application: Apply through the Finnish university where you intend to study.
11. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to international students, including Ghanaians, for joint master’s programs in Europe.
- Benefits: Tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly allowance.
- Application: Through Erasmus Mundus partner universities in Finland.
5. Field-Specific Scholarships
Scholarships for Engineering and Technology
12. LUT University Master’s Program Scholarships
- Eligibility: For non-EU/EEA students pursuing engineering degrees.
- Benefits: 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver.
- Application: Via the LUT admissions portal.
13. Aalto University Science and Technology Scholarships
- Eligibility: For Ghanaian students with strong academic backgrounds in technology.
- Benefits: Full tuition waivers, depending on merit.
- Application: Applied during the master’s program application.
Scholarships for Social Sciences and Humanities
14. University of Jyväskylä Social Science Scholarship
- Eligibility: For international students enrolling in social sciences.
- Benefits: Partial tuition waivers for select master’s programs.
- Application: Indicated during program application.
15. Tampere University Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship
- Eligibility: For Ghanaian students in peace and conflict studies.
- Benefits: Covers up to 100% tuition and offers living stipends.
- Application: Through Tampere University admissions.
Scholarships for Health Sciences
16. Kuopio Biomedical Research Program Scholarship
- Eligibility: For international PhD students in health sciences.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend and research funding.
- Application: Through the University of Eastern Finland.
17. Oulu University of Applied Sciences Nursing Scholarship
- Eligibility: For Ghanaian students in the nursing field.
- Benefits: Partial funding and a monthly allowance.
- Application: Via Oulu University’s admissions process.
6. Application Tips for Ghanaian Students Seeking Scholarships in Finland
- Start Early: Scholarship deadlines in Finland often align with program application dates, usually between December and January.
- Research Thoroughly: Each university in Finland has unique scholarship programs and eligibility criteria, so carefully examine each scholarship’s requirements.
- Focus on Academic Merit: Scholarships in Finland heavily emphasize academic performance and research potential, so ensure your application highlights these aspects.
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: Standard requirements include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL).
- Seek Support from Finnish Institutions: Finnish embassies or educational agencies often offer resources to help international students understand the Finnish education system and available scholarships.
Conclusion
Studying in Finland offers Ghanaian students a unique opportunity to receive an education from one of the world’s most respected systems, with scholarships helping to bridge financial barriers. With over 60 scholarships tailored for international students, there is ample support available in nearly every field of study. By strategically applying to these scholarships and focusing on academic performance, Ghanaian students can secure the resources needed to make their dream of studying in Finland a reality.
References
- Aalto University Scholarships: Aalto University Official Website
- University of Helsinki Scholarships: University of Helsinki Scholarships
- EDUFI Scholarships: EDUFI Fellowship Program
- Erasmus Mundus: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
- Fulbright Finland Foundation: Fulbright Finland
These resources provide detailed information on scholarships and support programs, helping Ghanaian students explore options and start their application journey.