Higher education 

Higher education 

You can apply for higher education in Finland after completing an upper secondary qualification. The Finnish higher education system consists of two types of institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences. In general, universities of applied sciences are more oriented towards working life, while universities offer higher education that focuses on basic academic research and scientific advancement. However, in the field of the arts, this division is not always clear-cut: some programmes in both types of institutions emphasise artistic practice, others prepare students for specific professions, and some focus on research.  

At universities of applied sciences, studies typically last 3.5 to 4.5 years and lead to a bachelor’s degree worth 240 credits. After graduation, students can apply for a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences or a university in a relevant field.  

University degrees are usually divided into bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most degrees take around 3 + 2 years to complete, and the degrees are usually worth 180 + 120 credits. All master’s degree programmes in the arts and culture fields also provide eligibility for doctoral studies. 

Students can finance their higher education with student financial aid and student loans provided or guaranteed by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. You can apply for a loan at a bank of your choice.

Arts and culture degrees at universities of applied sciences 

Universities of applied sciences offer a wide range of degrees in the arts and culture. These programmes help students build strong artistic or professional skills in their chosen specialisation. Graduates may find employment in traditional salaried positions, but many also work as entrepreneurs.  

At universities of applied sciences, the degree title is usually Bachelor of Culture and Arts, and the fields of specialisation include design, visual arts, conservation, cultural management, visual arts, media, music, music pedagogy, theatre instruction, dance teaching, and fashion and clothing Designer. You can read more about the degree options, their contents and the related employment opportunities here: https://www.uasinfo.fi/study-programmes/

Arts and culture degrees at universities 

At the University of the Arts (Uniarts Helsinki), you can study music, fine arts, performing arts and writing at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Uniarts Helsinki consists of the Academy of Fine Arts, the Sibelius Academy and the Theatre Academy. At the Academy of Fine Arts, you can specialise in sculpture, painting, printmaking, or time and space arts. You can also study in the bachelor’s programme Con­tem­po­rary art his­tory and the­ory and the master’s programme Praxis – cu­rat­ing and writ­ing in con­tem­po­rary art. The Sibelius Academy offers studies in classical music, jazz, folk music, global music, church music, music technology, music education, composition and music theory, cultural music research, arts management, entrepreneurship and music business. Music education can also be studied at the Universities of Oulu and Jyväskylä. At the Theatre Academy, students can pursue writing and a wide range of performing arts, including lighting and sound design, scenography, dance, choreography, theatre or dance pedagogy, acting, directing, dramaturgy and performance art. You can read more here: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-at-uniarts-helsinki/. Tampere University offers degree programmes in theatre arts, and students can complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theatre studies. You can read more here (in Finnish): https://www.tuni.fi/fi/tule-opiskelemaan/teatteritaiteen-koulutus  

At the University of Lapland, the Faculty of Art and Design offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audiovisual media culture, graphic design, art education, fashion and textile design, and design. The master’s programmes also include degrees in applied arts and art expertise. The degree titles awarded by the Faculty are Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (Art and Design). You can read more here: https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Art-and-Design/Studies 

At the Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture, you can study art education, fashion, design, visual communication design, interior architecture, architecture and landscape architecture at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Aalto also offers a wide range of film and television studies. The master’s options include the Photography – Art and Media and Visual Cultures, Curating and Contemporary Art (VICCA) programmes. The most common degree titles are Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (Art and Design). You can read more here: https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/get-a-degree-in-arts-design-and-architecture 

Many Finnish research universities also offer a broad range of programmes in arts and cultural studies. Graduates often go on to work in various intermediary roles in arts and culture sector organisations. The degree options include art history, literary studies, aesthetics, musicology, theatre studies, film and television studies, and media studies. Most Finnish universities offer programmes in these fields, though emphasis and specialisation vary by institution. You can find more information these studies here: University education – universities and higher education institutions in Finland (in Finnish). You will find more detailed information on the websites of individual universities.  

Through open university studies, students can complete university courses and modules. These are generally subject to a fee, but some studies may be offered free of charge. The fees vary depending on the course. Almost all Finnish universities offer open university studies, sometimes in cooperation with adult education centres, folk high schools and summer universities. After completing sufficient studies and meeting other criteria, students are eligible to apply to a degree programme via the open university path. Open university studies can be used to support professional development, continuing education, or for general interest and lifelong learning.  

Sources: 

UASinfo.fi. Study programmes. https://www.uasinfo.fi/study-programmes/ (accessed 11 March 2025). 

Tampere University. Teatteritaiteen koulutus. https://www.tuni.fi/fi/tule-opiskelemaan/teatteritaiteen-koulutus (accessed 11 March 2025). 

University of Lapland. Faculty of Art and Design. https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Art-and-Design/Studies (accessed 11 March 2025).  

Aalto University. Get a degree in arts, design and architecture. https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/get-a-degree-in-arts-design-and-architecture (accessed 11 March 2025). 

University of the Arts Helsinki. Study at Uniarts Helsinki. https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-at-uniarts-helsinki/ (accessed 11 March 2025).  

Studyinfo. Open studies. Open studies – Studyinfo (accessed 11 March 2025).