When it comes to University education UK versus Finland is an interesting comparison. Very similar culturally but also very different in terms of education systems. So, which one’s better for international students?
In this article I will dive into both countries from the international student’s point of view. What’s my expertise in this, you ask? Well, I did my University exchange in the UK and while completing my Uni degree in Finland I acted as a tutor for exchange students there. Thus, I know both sides of this coin.
Having studied in two countries the similarities and differences in how studying is perceived, how the education is arranged, and whether working and studying at the same time is possible became very clear to me.
I thought I’d compare these two countries studying-wise in case there are people who are considering University studies abroad but are not sure where to study.
Now, of course for an EU citizen it’s easy to go and study in another country. And back in the day when I was in University the UK was still an EU member. These days international students planning to go to the UK need to acquaint themselves with the new post-Brexit rules.
UK vs. Finland – University Edition
While the UK and Finland are culturally quite similar, when it comes to education there are massive differences. For international students from either country knowing these differences can save you from unnecessary culture shocks.
So, this article on UK versus Finland for international students will delve into the following comparisons:
- basic education before University
- tuition fees
- the selection of degrees
- teaching style
- possibility to work while studying.
Let’s dive in!
Level of education before University
In Finland primary school continues all the way to our teenage years. After that we tend to continue either to High School or to vocational school from where you will graduate into a specific profession.
High School is the perfect option for those who do not yet know at the age of 15 what they want to do with their life. With High School they get an extra 3 years to consider different options. High School also prepares you for University.
So, basically Finns don’t enter Universities before the age of 19-20. Whereas in the UK I was shocked to find myself studying with teenagers. At least judging by their level of basic education.
I will never forget the astonishment we exchange students had when we spent 2 days to learn how to write an essay… This is something that we all learned in Primary School.
In terms of the level of basic education comparing UK versus Finland, Finland definitely wins. Having a comprehensive knowledge base before University makes studying a lot more manageable.
Read also: 6 Reasons Why You NEED To Visit Brighton
Tuition fees
In terms of tuition fees there really is no competition with UK versus Finland. In Finland studying is free for all EU citizens. It’s also worth noting that studying in Scotland is free of charge. But in England tuition fees are very high in contrast to the quality of education.
Unfortunately since Brexit the UK students going to study in Finland have to pay a tuition fee depending on the degree:
- Bachelors Degree: £4 300 (5 000€) / year
- Masters Degree: £15 400 (18 000€) / year
The other way round things get a bit more complicated. I couldn’t find any concrete information on fees for exchange students coming to study in the UK. Basically, whether you have to pay or not depends on the University. Some examples of possible fees for international students in the UK are:
- the base rate for University tuition fees in England and Wales for EU citizens is £9 250 / year
- IF your University has an exchange agreement with a UK University, you may be exempt from tuition fees
- studying in Scotland is free
- non-EU students have to pay between £10 000 – £29 000 per year
So, if you’re planning to study in the UK you need to do a bit of research yourself on this matter.
Teaching styles
In terms of teaching styles UK versus Finland differ quite a bit. Of course, in the UK especially, this can vary depending on the University, though.
But basically in Finland Universities want you to be extremely self-sufficient. It can feel as if they want you to teach yourself. The problem with this is that this sort of studying suits only a small percentage of students.
Most of us prefer, even need proper guidance in the shape of lectures and tutoring. This was one of the most positive aspects I remember from my University studies in Scotland. Also, in the UK they were very strict about attendance whereas in Finland they bearly care.
The lectures in the UK are a much more serious business. In my case we were only allowed 2 absences per course. And after lectures we were divided into smaller groups where we dvelled deeper into the day’s subject, discussed different views and clarified points that had been left unclear.
At least for me, this was the best way to learn. First give me the big picture and then go deeper into the details. In Finland there’s none of this. You are very much responsible for your own studies.
All that freedom in Finland can feel really chill, but without accountability graduating may become a tad too challenging. So, I would say Finnish Universities suit proactive students who are able to hold themselves accountable on their own.
Available degrees
In the UK the array of degrees to choose from is in general much more varied and specific than in Finland. For example, if you are interested in marketing, in Finland your only option is the whole Business Management degree, which includes marketing.
Unfortunately it also includes everything else business-related from logistics to accounting, which I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about.
However, in the UK the array of degrees is much wider. In Aberdeen (Robert Gordon University) it was possible to study oil engineering or fashion management. Or marketing ethics specifically.
This meant that in Scotland I was able to really go deep into different aspects of marketing. Whereas in Finland marketing was one course in a Business degree about the basics of marketing…
So, in terms of UK versus Finland, the UK draws a longer straw when it comes to degrees to choose from.
Working while studying
The study schedules and depths of the courses are quite different between these two countries. And that of course affects the students’ ability to gain valuable work experience while studying. So comparing UK versus Finland on this is quite interesting:
In Finland it is not traditional for parents to pay for their kids’ living costs after they turn 18 and move away from home. But because living costs are quite high, working alongside University studies is pretty much compulsory there.
And because studying in Finland is so self-reliant and quite laid-back it’s possible for students to work quite flexibly. Okay, a 9 to 5 office job wouldn’t be possible but evenings and weekends are no problem at all.
In the UK, on the other hand, study schedules are much more vigorous and strict. And after a solid 8-hour day at the Uni. you really don’t have much energy or time for work. Because after you go home you’ve got reports to write, research to make and essays to conduct.
At the end of the day, something to keep in mind, though, is that professional experience weighs a lot more in the job markets than a degree. When applying for jobs after Uni. it’s always good to know the theory, but theory won’t take you far when technologies are changing and evolving fast.
Practical knowledge and skills are always the most beneficial and most sought after. Which is why being able to work along your University studies is extremely important, in my opinion. In the UK versus Finland competition Finland takes this one.
Another thing I noticed was that in Finland students are encouraged to go abroad for at least one semester. Either as an exchange student or to do an internship. Internships are a compulsory part of University studies in Finland. In the UK studying abroad was only “encouraged”.
Conclusion
UK versus Finland in terms of University education is an interesting comparison. While Finland wins in terms of flexibility to work along your studies and tuition fees, the UK has a more varied selection of degrees to study.
Also, in Finland Universities expect you to be pretty self-sufficient and take full accountability for your studies. This can feel laid-back, but the lack of accountability from the University can be a hinderance for many. In the UK studying is much more strategic and strict, which works better for many.
It’s a tad more complicated for Brits and EU students to go and study between them nowadays. But when it comes to studying abroad in general I can say this: it’s more than worth it!
Worth all the paper work, worth the tear-eyed goodbyes at the airport, worth the culture shock, worth every single little thing! The tuition fees, though… Yeah, that’s a bitch.
FAQ
Q: Do EU students pay tuition fees in the UK?
A: The UK tuition fees for EU citizens differ according to the type of studies and the University. For example, you may be able to do an exchange program for free, but to study a full degree in the UK costs. Note that in Scotland tuition fees do not apply.
Q: Do UK students pay tuition fees in Finland?
A: As the UK is nowadays not an EU member country, UK students must pay a tuition fee for studies in Finland. The yearly fee depends on whether you’re studying a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. For EU citizens studying in Finland is free.
Q: Which has better education, the UK or Finland?
A: Judging by student success statistics Finland surpasses the UK. Finland also has the highest ranking in High School Completion Rate. In addition Finland ranks as number one in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive study in having the most well-developed education in the world.
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