FAQ on applying for a degree programme at Tampere University

What degrees can I study in English at Tampere University?

We offer various bachelor's and master's programmes conducted entirely in English. Please see all options on our bachelor's programmes and master's programmes webpages.

Do you offer degrees completely online?

Unfortunately, we do not offer any master's programmes conducted in English as distance learning or online. The studies in our degree programmes are mostly conducted during the daytime on weekdays.

I would like to study in Finnish. Can I apply if I know only a little Finnish?

In order to study in Finnish, you must speak Finnish fluently. Please note that learning sufficient level of Finnish would take at least a few years for a beginner, even when living in Finland and studying the language. Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in the language used in teaching according to our language requirements when applying.

When can I apply?

The application period for bachelor's programmes conducted in English with studies starting in autumn 2026 begins on 7 January 2026 at 8.00 (UTC+2) and ends 21 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC+2). 

The application period for master’s programmes conducted in English with studies starting in autumn 2026 begins on 15 December 2025 at 8.00 (UTC+2) and ends 5 January 2026 at 15.00 (UTC+2).

Can I submit more than one application?

You can submit only one online application form for Tampere University Master's programmes (with a maximum of 2 different Tampere University master’s programmes) and one online application form for Tampere University Bachelor's programmes (with a maximum of 6 different programmes). 

If you submit more than one application for the same application period, only the newest application will be considered and the previous applications will be deactivated.

Is there an application fee?

There is an application fee of 100 euros. Only one payment is required for all applications to studies that start in the same academic term (example: studies starting in Autumn 2026)

If you have already sent an application to bachelor's or master's level studies starting in the same academic term, and have already paid the application fee, you do not need to pay the application fee again. For more information, visit Studyinfo.fi.

Do I have to pay the application fee?

You are required to pay the application fee if you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, an EEA country, or Switzerland. A residence permit in another EU country does not exempt you from the application fee. For more information, visit Studyinfo.fi. 

I missed the deadline as I only found out about the programme now, can I still apply?

We have no supplementary application times.

I was not accepted. How can I get additional information on why?

Please contact the faculty in question. When the admission results are published, you will receive a message from the faculty representative, please use that email to contact them.

Can I know in advance if I am eligible for a bachelor's programme?

Due to the high number of applicants, the eligibility of applicants cannot be pre-assessed. Please see the requirements listed on Eligibility criteria for Tampere University bachelor's programmes webpage.

Can I know in advance if I am eligible for a certain master’s programme with my bachelor’s degree?

Due to the high number of applicants, the eligibility of applicants cannot be pre-assessed. Please see the general eligibility criteria and the programme-specific information on eligibility on the webpage of the programme in question.

The master's programme I am interested in has listed a minimum requirement for GPA as 3.00 for university degrees, how can I convert my GPA from on a different grading scale?

Some of our programmes have set a minimum GPA requirement, but please note that the requirement is only for bachelor’s degrees completed in Finland. These degrees use a 1 to 5 grading scale. There is no fixed minimum requirements for degrees completed outside Finland, though success in previous studies will be considered in the academic evaluation as the admission is based on the applicant’s bachelor's degree.

On the master's application form I am asked to give my degree, field of study and major. My previous degree does not list these. What should I enter on the application?

Degree, field of study and major can be the same, or they can be different, depending on the institution and programme you have studied in. For example, many of our masters programmes give out the degree, Master of Science (Technology), but the fields and majors vary vastly. An example could be:

Degree: Master of Science (Technology)
Field of Study: Civil Engineering
Major: Sustainable Transport

Will I get confirmation from the university that my application has been received?

When you submit your application, you will be sent a confirmation email from Studyinfo.fi confirming the successful submission of your application. This means your application has been saved in our system. This automatic confirmation email includes a link to access your application form. You can edit your application only within the application period. You are able to upload attachments to your application for one week after the application period ends, by the attachment deadline specified for the application period in question.

I speak English at home. Why do I need to prove my language proficiency in English?

Our language requirements may feel strict, but all applicants must submit evidence of a good command of English for academic purposes as specified for the programme. Even if English would be your 1st language you will need to fulfil the language requirements as set by the university. Please read the detailed requirements for the bachelor’s or master’s programmes.

I have completed my previous degree in English. Do I need an additional language test?

It is possible to demonstrate your language skills with a previous degree if you have completed studies specifically listed by Tampere University. There are separate requirements when applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree and only studies that fulfil the detailed criteria are accepted. Please see detailed information on the language requirements for the bachelor’s or master’s programmes.

My language test score has expired. Can I still use it to prove my language proficiency in English?

The test score must be valid at least until the end of the application period. Expired language test scores are not accepted as proof of language proficiency in English.

My language test score is below the minimum requirements. Can I still apply?

The language criteria and the minimum test results required are as stated in our language requirements. If you have scored under the minimum required, you won't be eligible for admission. You can retake the test or see the other possibilities for proving your proficiency. Please see detailed information on the language requirements for the bachelor’s or master’s programmes.

Do you offer preparatory language studies, so I could improve my English before applying?

Unfortunately we do not offer such studies. To be able to start studies in a degree programme, you will need to prove your English language proficiency at the time of applying.

Do I have to send my educational documents to Tampere University during the application period?

You are only required to upload scans of the original educational documents to the application form when applying. You do not need to send certified copies of your documents at this time. If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit officially certified or legalised educational documents after receiving the offer. For more information, check the document requirements for the bachelor's and master’s programmes.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in two years as I had completed some studies before, what do I need to upload to my master’s programme application as educational documents?

If your degree contains studies completed at different institutions, for example top-up studies or transfer studies, you must upload educational documents that cover the whole duration of your studies and meet the minimum of 180 ECTS, or 3 years of full time studies.

Additionally, if you have gained direct access to an advanced level in your degree, you must upload educational documentation covering the previous studies based on which you were admitted to the degree programme.

I’m graduating after the application period, can I apply?

Yes, you can apply as long as you graduate prior to the start of studies at Tampere University. Please see additional information on the eligibility criteria for the bachelor's and master’s programmes. 

I’m graduating after the application period. What documents do I need to submit during the application period?

If you are applying during the final year of your studies, please see additional information on required documents for the bachelor’s and master’s programmes. If you receive an offer of admission, you must submit officially certified copies of your final educational documents by the given deadline.

How many students receive scholarships?

Scholarships are highly selective and are awarded only to very few exceptionally merited applicants. 

My GPA is top of my class. How likely will I get a scholarship?

Scholarships are considered on the basis of an overall evaluation of your application and academic merits, and not only on the basis of your GPA. 

How can I apply for a 100 % tuition fee scholarship?

100 % tuition fee scholarships are not available at all.

Is the early bird offer available to applicants who receive a scholarship?

No, the early bird offer is only available to applicants who do not have a scholarship.

If I don’t get a scholarship, can I re-apply for a scholarship? / Do you have a waiting list for scholarships? / I did not get a scholarship. Could you reconsider my case?

We offer Tampere University tuition fee scholarships only once at the time of applying. There is no waiting list but the early bird offer is available at admission to all fee-paying students. For details on the early bird offer, please see the Tampere University Scholarships webpage.

Why have there been changes in Tampere University scholarships?

Finnish legislation governing the universities has recently changed and requires Finnish universities to charge full-cost tuition fees from 2026 onwards. The earlier Tampere University scholarship programme does not meet the demands of the new legislation and due to this, changes in Tampere University scholarships have had to be implemented.

Is it possible to pay tuition fees in installments, or do I need to pay the full amount at once?

Yes, you can pay the tuition fee in instalments. However, all instalments must be paid by the payment deadline and you can only enrol as a student once the full payment has been made.

What methods of payment are possible?

Tampere University uses the Flywire payment portal to collect tuition fees. Through Flywire you can pay the tuition fee in your own currency or in euros. The payment methods available vary by country and include at least most debit/credit cards as well as bank transfer. 

Will my tuition fee stay the same throughout my studies?

If you study for a master’s degree, yes. If you complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at Tampere University, your tuition fee will be 10 000 EUR during your bachelor’s studies and change to 12 000 EUR in your master’s degree.

What is the annual Healthcare fee that I am required to pay?

All degree students in Finland are entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) and must pay a health service fee to Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland). The healthcare fee entitles you to general health, dental and mental health services. However, if you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Switzerland or the United Kingdom, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee. For more information please see Healthcare fee for students in higher education.

What is the annual Stu­dent Union membership fee that I am required to pay?

All University students in Finland are members of their local student union. Tampere University degree students are members of the Student Union (TREY) and obligated to pay the Student Union membership fee. The membership entitles you to various benefits, discounts and services offered directly or indirectly by the Student Union. Please see additional information on the TREY website.

What are living costs in Tampere like?

All students have to pay for their accommodation and living expenses themselves. The monthly living costs for an individual student in Tampere for basics such as food, accommodation and transportation are on average 800-1200 euro, depending on your personal spending habits. If you are coming with your family, you should be prepared for a larger budget.

You can read more about living expenses for example at https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/why-finland-and-tampere/living-costs or check out individual items' prices at https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Tampere.

Does the University provide student housing?

The University does not provide student housing. Students can choose to rent from student housing companies or the private market. For more information see our student housing webpage.

When do the studies begin?

If you are accepted, your studies will start with a mandatory Welcome Week on 17 August 2026. Courses will begin the following week.

If I am accepted, can I postpone my studies and start the studies later?

According to the Universities Act (558/2009) first-year students may register as absent for the following reasons only:

• Service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), the Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or the Act on Women’s Voluntary Military Service (194/1995)
• Maternity, paternity or parental leave
• The student is unable to begin studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury

If you have legal grounds for your absence and you wish to register as absent, please contact the Student Affairs Office at Tampere University.

If none of the reasons listed above apply to you and you wish to postpone your studies, you may have the option to defer your admission. To check whether this is possible in your programme, please contact your education specialist. To defer your studies, you must accept your study place by the confirmation deadline given in your admission letter. You do not need to apply for the deferment or submit a formal request for it. Please note that if you defer, you must apply for restoration of your study right which includes a 50 EUR application fee. Please contact the Student Affairs Office at Tampere University a few months before the intended start of your studies (e.g. in March) to receive instructions.

What is the academic year at Tampere University like?

The academic year at Tampere University is divided into two semesters consisting of two periods each. The academic year starts in late August and ends in late May. Some courses are offered during the summer period.

I have already completed some master’s studies previously, can those be taken into account?

The faculty can assess if your previous studies completed in a higher education institution can be included in the new degree. The decision is made case by case based on the suitability of the studies to the curriculum of the programme. No pre-assessments can be made, you can apply for accreditation only after you have started your studies.