Korkeakoulujärjestelmän

Korkeakoulujärjestelmä refers to the system of higher education institutions in Finland, comprising universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). The system is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which sets national policies, funding mechanisms, and quality assurance standards. Universities focus on academic research and theoretical education, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes, while UAS emphasize practical training and industry collaboration, providing bachelor's and higher national programmes in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and business. Both types of institutions are member of the same public university system and receive state funding, however UAS enjoy a larger share of support due to their applied nature and contribution to regional development.

Tuition fees in Finland are free for all EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, with a fee of 200–250 euros per semester for non‑EU/EEA students. Additional student welfare services, like housing subsidies and health insurance, are generally available to all enrolled students. The country has a comprehensive research assessment system, the Finnish Education and Culture Agency, which publishes national ranking reports and provides grants for innovative projects. International collaboration is a core component; Finnish universities routinely host exchange programmes under Erasmus+, and many courses are offered in English to attract foreign students. The higher education sector is regularly evaluated for alignment with labour market needs, leading to adjustments in curriculum and partnership agreements with industry. As a result, Finland consistently ranks among the top European nations in research output, innovation indicators, and student satisfaction metrics, sustaining its reputation as a leading destination for high‑quality higher education.