2018-2019 U.S. Fulbright Fellows sitting in two rows and hugging each other, smiling at the camera at the Helsinki City Hall after 2019 Fulbright Award Ceremony

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright Finland Foundation awards grants to U.S. students who hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Academically talented graduating seniors may also apply before having their degree in hand.

This page is being updated!

Purpose of the Grant Program

These grant programs for Finland are designed primarily for students pursuing a master’s degree at a Finnish university. Some awards are intended exclusively for master’s studies, while others are focused on master’s‑level applicants but may also consider other students. In some awards, eligible applicants may include academically talented doctoral students as well as non‑degree students, such as master ’s-level exchange students.

Award categories

All the awards are university-specific and cost-shared with the Foundation and the host university. 

  1. Fulbright-Aalto University Graduate Award
  2. Fulbright-LUT University Graduate Award
  3. Fulbright-Tampere University Graduate Award (Master’s degree studies only)
  4. Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award (Master’s degree studies only)
  5. Fulbright-University of Jyväskylä Graduate Award (Master’s degree studies only)
  6. Fulbright-University of Turku Graduate Award 

Being immersed in the Finnish educational system and engaging in thoughtful conversations with my classmates gave me valuable insights, not only into my area of study, but also into myself and the global environment. This experience broadened my perspective and provided me with new ways of thinking about complex challenges in both my personal and professional life - Fulbright Finland U.S. Student 2024-25

Graduate studies in Finland

Finland offers excellent study and research opportunities in a wide range of disciplines. Finnish universities offer high-quality programs in humanities and social sciences, fine and performing arts, as well as science and technology. They also have a wide selection of special Master’s and Doctoral programs taught in English. 

Visit the Study in Finland website and Studyinfo for more information. For a doctoral program search, visit the Opintopolku website. 

Language

An international student does not necessarily need to know Finnish or Swedish (the two official languages of Finland) to be able to study in Finland. Many universities offer programs in English, and the language is widely spoken both in academic circles and in the country as a whole. Candidates should consult the academic department as to the availability of courses in English.

Benefits

The funding and benefits packages are award-specific. Please find detailed funding and benefits information on each award page.

Each year, current U.S. Student Fulbrighters in Finland may apply for additional funding from the Lois Roth Foundation (this funding is applied for after arrival in Finland).

Cost of study and living in Finland

Please read more on the cost of studying and living in Finland.

 An additional grant, the Fulbright Finland Centennial Travel Grant in Architecture, Design, and the Visual Arts, can be awarded to U.S. or Finnish graduate student grantees representing any of the 3 fields to help cover their Fulbright project-related travel expenses in their destination country. No separate application is needed.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Fulbright Finland U.S. Student Program if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen, and
  • hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Academically talented graduating seniors may also apply before having their degree in hand.
  • The master's program you are applying to is conducted predominantly as on‑campus studies. While programs may include some online components, the grant program is not available for fully online, primarily online, or distance‑learning programs. Applicants are responsible for verifying the nature and delivery mode of their chosen program before applying.

Please also see the award-specific eligibility requirements on the award websites.

If you are applying to a dual degree program, confirm with the university whether the program is eligible for the specific Fulbright award you are interested in.

You are not eligible to apply for the program if:

  • You are currently enrolled in a Finnish university (and registered for attendance)
  • You already reside in Finland

NOTE: Clinical medicine is not recommended as a field of study.

Verify that the master's program is offered in the academic year in which you intend to begin your studies in Finland. Some programs accept new students only every other year.

How to Apply?

You will have a dual application procedure:

  1. the Fulbright grant competition and
  2. admission to the university.

Application instructions:

Read 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Dana Caldwell's experience on the application process and her tips for new applicants.

Dependents

The Fulbright Finland Foundation does not provide maintenance for dependents. Candidates must ensure sufficient funds to support accompanying family members during their stay. Public schooling for children is easily available and free of charge. You will find more information on this topic in the "Bringing Your Family" section of our Guide to Coming to Finland.

Grant Timeline

  
Application period startsMarch 31, 2026 
Virtual Advising Event for Fulbright U.S. Student Program Applicants to FinlandJune 2, 2026, 16:30-17:30 Finnish time
Application period endsSee https://us.fulbrightonline.org/. Note also campus deadlines which are typically 4-6 weeks earlier.
Semi-finalists selectedEarly 2027 (tentative). Make sure to follow your email!
Grantee selections publishedMarch-May 2027 (tentative). Make sure to follow your email!
Pre-arrival webinarApril-May 2027 (tentative)
Grant term beginsAugust 2027
Orientation in HelsinkiMid- to Late August 2027

 

See Finland Studies MOOC to learn about studying at Finnish universities!

Alumni Experiences

The Fulbright Finland Outreach Ambassadors are happy to share their knowledge about studying/doing research in Finland. Feel free to contact them.

Why have previous U.S. Fulbright student grantees chosen Finland?

Blog posts

Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation YouTube Channel to see some grantee interviews! 

Partner Organization Contact Information

Institute of International Education (IIE)
Britt Klein, Regional Program Officer, Europe, and Eurasia
Fulbright Student Program
Email: [email protected]

IIE hosts informational guidance sessions monthly on the US Student Fulbright program in each of IIE's regional centers and some university campuses via video conference. Information on the guidance session schedule can be found at fulbrightonline.org.


What is the Fulbright Finland Foundation?

The Fulbright Finland Foundation is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. The Foundation’s aim is

  • to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, and
  • to support the internationalization of education and research in Finland, and help U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages.

What Makes the Fulbright Finland Foundation Programs Unique?

  • In addition to the grant, the Fulbright Finland Foundation offers the grantees several additional benefits and free support services, as well as access to a global, multi-professional network.
  • We are looking for applicants who want to impact the future and make a difference – applicants who want to facilitate positive change, develop and advance their own profession or discipline, and find solutions to national and international challenges in their field.
  • The grantees also act as ambassadors for the Fulbright Finland Foundation, their home country, and their home organization and, in this way, do their part in sharing their home country and culture and contributing to the relations between Finland and the U.S.
Global Fulbright Program logo

Fulbright U.S. Student program is part of the global Fulbright program operating in over 160 countries worldwide.