The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is offering a variety of scholarship opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic year, specifically targeting non-EU/EEA international students and meritorious Finnish citizens. These scholarships are primarily awarded as tuition fee waivers, ranging from 50% to a full 100% coverage of institutional fees for the duration of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. Key eligibility factors include academic merit and English language proficiency, though students from several English-speaking countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, and India) are exempt from providing standardized test scores like IELTS. The deadline for this cycle is January 21, 2026, with studies commencing in the autumn of the same year.
Fully Funded University of Eastern Finland Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Finland |
| Category | Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Non-EU/EEA focused) |
| Reward | 50% – 100% Tuition Waiver |
| Language Requirement | No IELTS (for exempt countries) |
| Deadline | January 21, 2026 |
Fully Funded University of Eastern Finland Scholarship 2026 Details
The Applications are open to apply for the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Scholarship for the academic Year 2026/27. Non-European citizens can apply for the Scholarships offered by the University of Eastern Finland to begin studies in the autumn of 2026.
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The University of Eastern Finland boasts a diverse student body, welcoming approximately 2,000 international students from over 100 countries. As a public university, it maintains high academic standards across its campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio. Scholarship applications must be submitted simultaneously with the application for admission.
Benefits of the Fully Funded University of Eastern Finland Scholarship 2026
Tier 1: 100% Full Tuition Fee Waiver
This is the highest level of financial support provided by UEF. It covers the total cost of tuition for the entire duration of the Bachelor’s or Master’s program. This award is highly competitive and is granted to the most outstanding international applicants based on their previous academic records and performance in the entrance examinations or rolling admission criteria.
Tier 2: 50% Partial Tuition Fee Waiver
The Tier 2 award is designed to support a larger volume of meritorious international students by covering half of the annual tuition fees. This scholarship significantly reduces the financial barrier for students from non-EU/EEA countries while maintaining the university’s commitment to global academic excellence.
Tier 3: Finnish Proficiency Tuition Waivers
This category rewards students who demonstrate or acquire a high level of proficiency in the Finnish language during their studies. These waivers are often granted to students who successfully integrate into the local language culture, providing an incentive for long-term academic and professional success within Finland.
Eligibility Requirements for The Fully Funded University of Eastern Finland Scholarship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants for Bachelor’s programs must have completed secondary education. Master’s applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with high academic standing.
- Study Status: Applicants must be applying for a new full-time degree program at UEF starting in Autumn 2026.
- Visa Status: Primarily targeted at non-EU/EEA citizens who are liable to pay tuition fees, though certain programs also consider Finnish citizens.
- Program Admission: Candidates must meet the specific subject-matter requirements of their chosen program (e.g., specific prerequisites for Photonics or Public Health).
How to Apply for University of Eastern Finland Scholarships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Step 1: Apply for Program: Visit the UEF admissions portal and select your preferred Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program during the joint or separate application period.
- Step 2: Eligibility Assessment: Review the specific entry requirements for your chosen department and gather all necessary academic transcripts and identification documents.
- Step 3: Automatic Evaluation: Indicate your desire to be considered for the scholarship directly on the university application form; there is no separate application for the tuition waiver.
- Step 4: Notification of Award: Admission and scholarship results are typically released in the spring, and successful candidates will receive an official offer letter via email.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the UEF scholarship cover living expenses?
No, the University of Eastern Finland scholarship currently only covers tuition fee waivers (50% or 100%). Students must secure their own funding for accommodation and food.
2. Can I apply for the scholarship after I have been admitted?
No. You must apply for the scholarship using the same application form you use to apply for admission to the university.
3. Is the IELTS test mandatory for all international students?
No. Applicants who have completed their degree in English in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, the USA, UK, or Australia are exempt from the language test.
4. Which programs are available for the 2026 scholarship?
Available programs include Social Sciences, IT, Forestry, Photonics, Public Health, Digital Marketing, and many more STEM and Humanities fields.
5. Are Finnish citizens eligible for these scholarships?
While tuition is free for Finnish and EU citizens, certain specialized scholarship tracks for Finnish proficiency or specific Master’s programs may be available.
6. When will I know if I have been awarded the scholarship?
Scholarship decisions are usually announced alongside the admission results, typically between March and April 2026.
7. Is there an application fee for the University of Eastern Finland?
In most Finnish joint applications, there is no application fee, but you should check the specific program details on Studyinfo.fi.
8. What is the deadline for the 2026 intake?
The primary deadline for submitting your application and scholarship request is January 21, 2026.
9. Can I receive both a 100% waiver and a 50% waiver?
No, these are separate tiers. You will be considered for the highest tier first based on your academic merit.
10. Do I need to reapply for the scholarship every year?
No, the tuition waiver is generally granted for the standard duration of the degree program (3 years for Bachelors, 2 years for Masters), provided you make sufficient academic progress.
