Study in Finland Without IELTS – Guidance for International Students

Yes, in some cases, you can study in Finland without IELTS.

IELTS is one of the most commonly accepted English-language qualifications, but it is not the only way to demonstrate English proficiency for admission to Finnish higher education institutions. Admission requirements are set by individual universities and degree programmes.

How Ilford College of Business Management Can Help

Ilford College of Business Management can support international students with programme selection, eligibility assessment, application guidance and preparation for admission to suitable Finnish institutions.

The official Study in Finland guidance states that non-native English speakers will normally need to demonstrate English proficiency, and accepted tests can include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge English examinations.

Alternatives to IELTS

Depending on the university and programme, English-language ability may be demonstrated through qualifications such as:

• TOEFL;
• PTE Academic;
• Cambridge English;
• Oxford ELLT where accepted;
• an approved previous qualification completed in English;
• certain international school qualifications; or
• another English-language method specifically accepted by the institution.

For example, Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences such as SAMK and Karelia currently publish several approved alternatives to IELTS, including TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English and certain previous qualifications taught in English.

Can I Use a Medium of Instruction Letter?

Sometimes previous studies completed fully in English can be accepted as evidence of English proficiency, but a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is not automatically accepted by every Finnish university.

Universities can impose conditions regarding:

• the country in which the qualification was completed;
• the level of qualification;
• whether the entire programme was taught and assessed in English; and
• what supporting evidence is required.

For example, some universities accept previous higher-education degrees completed entirely in English only when they were completed in specified countries.

Therefore, an applicant should never assume that an MOI certificate automatically replaces IELTS.

Do All Finnish Universities Have the Same English Requirements?

No.

Language requirements can differ according to:

• the institution;
• Bachelor’s or Master’s level;
• the programme;
• the intake;
• the admission method; and
• the applicant’s previous qualifications.

A language qualification accepted for one programme may not necessarily be accepted by another university.

What IELTS Score Is Usually Required?

There is no single IELTS requirement for the whole of Finland.

For example, some Universities of Applied Sciences currently require around IELTS Academic 6.0, but programme-specific requirements can be higher or different.

Always check the exact programme requirements before booking an English test.

Summary

You may be able to study in Finland without IELTS, but you will normally still need to prove your English-language ability in another accepted way.

Our admissions team can check your educational background and advise which English-language evidence may be accepted for the programme you are considering.