Located on the southwest coast of Finland, the University of Turku (Turun Yliopisto) is a historic and expansive multidisciplinary institution. As a member of the prestigious Coimbra Group, it enjoys an elite international reputation, particularly for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. For Hong Kong students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in the Nordics, the University of Turku offers a wide array of Master's programmes, blending Finland’s world-class educational traditions with a modern research environment. This guide outlines the tuition fees and application procedures to help you navigate your journey toward studying in Finland.
University of Turku Background and Historical Overview; Institutional Highlights
Founded in 1920, the University of Turku was the first university in Finland to be established entirely as a Finnish-language institution [1], symbolising a milestone in Finnish academic sovereignty. Over a century later, it has evolved into a global leader in research. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked 366th in the world [2], receiving significant acclaim for its research impact and teaching quality.
The campus is situated in Turku, the former capital of Finland—a city with 700 years of cultural heritage and a vibrant, student-centred atmosphere. The university is deeply committed to internationalisation, currently hosting over 2,500 international students from more than 100 different countries [3].
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Popular Master’s Programmes at University of Turku
The university offers over 30 English-taught programmes across various disciplines. Historically, the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Science are the most established. Below are three standout Master’s programmes taught in English:
1. Master's Degree Programme in Education and Learning
Offered by the internationally acclaimed Faculty of Education, this programme focuses on pedagogical sciences, educational policy, and theory. Given Finland’s world-renowned education system, this is an ideal choice for Hong Kong educators looking to draw insights from the Nordic model [4].
2. Master's Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology
Students can specialise in Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum emphasises the integration of theory and practical application, preparing students for high-level ICT careers with excellent employment prospects [5].
3. Master's Degree Programme in Biosciences: Molecular Systems Biology
This programme provides comprehensive research training in molecular biology, systems biology, and bioinformatics, with a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills. Graduates are well-equipped for research scientist or bioinformatician roles in academia and the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries [6].
Tuition Fees for Master’s Programmes at the University of Turku
Tuition fees apply to all international students from non-EU/EEA countries. Notably, the university offers an Early Bird Discount of €2,000. To qualify, applicants must accept their offer and complete the tuition payment within 28 days of the admission announcement. Estimated tuition fees are as follows [7]:
| Faculty | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Estimated Annual Tuition (HKD) |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Education | €10,000 | ~ $90,400 |
| Faculty of Medicine | €10,000 - €12,000（programme-dependent ） | ~ $90,400 - $108,500 |
| Faculty of Technology | €10,000 - €12,000（programme-dependent ） | ~ $90,400 - $108,500 |
| Faculty of Science | €12,000 | ~ $108,500 |
| Turku School of Economics | €10,000 | ~ $90,400 |
In addition, the University of Turku provides scholarships. High-achieving master’s students who are paying their own fees in their first year may apply. To qualify, successful applicants are typically required to complete 55 credits within the first academic year, maintain an average grade of 3.0 or above, and take at least 4 credits of Finnish-language courses. Eligible students may then receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for the following academic year.
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University of Turku Master’s Degree Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university, comprising at least 180 ECTS credits [8] or a minimum of three years of full-time study. Certain specialised programmes, such as those in Biosciences, may require specific prerequisite coursework or a relevant professional background.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements via one of the following tests (valid for two years) [9]:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in Writing).
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 92 (minimum 22 in Writing) for tests taken before 21 Jan 2026; or a minimum of 4.5 (minimum 4 in Writing) for tests taken thereafter.
- PTE Academic: 62 (minimum 42 in all communicative skills).
- C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency: Grades A, B, or C.
Some programmes may require higher scores. It is recommended that you check the specific requirements on each programme page for the latest standards.
Application Procedures and Documentation
The application window for Master’s programmes opens annually in January. Prospective students can browse available programmes on Studyinfo.fi and prepare the following documents [10]:
- Valid Passport or ID.
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and official Transcripts (in English).
- Proof of English Language Proficiency.
- Personal Statement (subject to programme requirements).
- Reference letter(s), motivation letter(s), or an introduction video (if applicable)
Application Steps
- Online Application: Submit up to six choices via the Studyinfo.fi platform.
- Application Fee: Non-EU students must pay a mandatory fee of €100 (approx. HK$860).
- Upload Documents: Submit all required digital files; certain courses may require a short video introduction.
- Notification of Results: Results are typically announced via email in March.
- Enrolment Preparation: Confirm your place, pay the tuition fees, and commence the student visa and accommodation application process.
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Embark on Your Academic Journey with Grove Education
The University of Turku offers a prestigious environment for those seeking high-quality education and international research exposure. If you require professional guidance on tuition planning or navigating the Finnish admission system, contact the consultancy team at Grove Education. We provide end-to-one support—from school selection and document verification to visa processing—to ensure your successful admission.
References：
1. University of Turku - History
2. QS Top University - University of Turku
3. University of Turku - Why choose the University of Turku?
4. University of Turku - Master's Degree Programme in Education and Learning
5. University of Turku - Degree Finder – Find the Right Programme for You
6. University of Turku - Master's Degree Programme in Biosciences: Molecular Systems Biology
7. University of Turku - Tuition fees and scholarships
8. University of Turku - Application guide for master's degree programmes
9. University of Turku - Language requirements for Master's Degree Programmes
10. University of Turku - Application guide for master's degree programmes