Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award

University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is the leading research university in Finland and consistently ranks among the top 20 universities in Europe. The University offers a multi-disciplinary and international study environment and the services and infrastructure, including libraries, laboratories and computer environments, are world-class.

The University offers several International Master’s Degree Programmes taught in English. Some of the programs are provided jointly by the University of Helsinki and other Finnish or foreign universities. Students in these two-year programs will find themselves in a truly international learning environment with a mixture of students from Finland and across the globe.

Benefits

The Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award includes a monthly grant of EUR 1 000 (paid for nine months). The grantee will also be provided with a travel award (USD 1600), residence permit allowance (based on the actual permit fees, incl. grantee and accompanying family members, funded by FFF) and a supplemental accident and sickness benefit (ASPE).

Based on the agreement with the Fulbright Finland Foundation, University of Helsinki waives the annual tuition fee (EUR 13 000 – 18 000 depending on the program) for the recipients of the Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award. The waiver is granted also for the second year of Master’s studies provided that the grantee has been successful in his/her studies during the first year.

In addition, the grantee will be eligible, free of charge, to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses in Finnish language, culture and society, pending availability of suitable programs.

Education loan deferment: While on a Fulbright in Finland, U.S. Student grantees have often been able to defer loans. Fulbright grants usually fall under the Graduate Fellowship deferment category. Grantee should confirm this with the lending institution.

Alumni who successfully complete the Fulbright U.S. Student Program are eligible for 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met.

Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award is targeted for applicants who are going to complete a full Master’s Degree Program at the University of Helsinki.

Eligibility

Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award is targeted for applicants who are going to complete a full Master’s Degree Program at the University of Helsinki.

Application

The Fulbright-University of Helsinki Graduate Award has a dual application procedure: The Fulbright grant competition and admission to the university.

The application deadline is usually in early October for At-Large applicants. Candidates applying through a U.S. institution have usually a separate campus deadline for their Fulbright application which is typically 4-6 weeks earlier than the final October deadline. Please confirm the campus deadline with your home institution Fulbright program advisor.

The Fulbright grant competition

Read the detailed application information for Finland. The final selection is made by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki.

Admission to the University of Helsinki

Applicants need to apply for admission to the University of Helsinki. The application period to the university and its International Master’s Degree Programs usually begins in November. For detailed information, please see University of Helsinki Admissions. Please consult the affiliation letter instructions and submission deadline on the Affiliation section.

Grant Timeline


Application period starts:	March 31, 2021
Application period ends:	October 12, 2021 (5:00 P.M. ET.), campuses deadlines are typically 4-6 weeks earlier
Earliest possible starting date:	August 2022
Orientation seminar in Helsinki:	TBC (expected in mid-August 2022)

NOTE: July and August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries may be delayed.

Partner Organization Contact Information

The University of Helsinki
Admissions
[email protected]
Tel. +358 2941 24140 (Mon-Fri from 12 noon to 2 p.m. (local Finnish time))
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/studying/how-to-apply
Facebook: /HelsinkiUniversity
Instagram: @universityofhelsinki
Snapchat: @uni-helsinki

Institute of International Education (IIE)
Mary-Rolfe Zeller
Regional Program Officer, Europe and Eurasia
Fulbright Student and Scholar Programs
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +1 202 326 7855

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 Program 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 to 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.