Renowned Institutions: Finland is home to several top-ranking universities and design schools known for their high-quality education in Art & Design, such as Aalto University and the University of the Arts Helsinki.
Innovative Curriculum: Finnish institutions are known for their innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills.
Global Reputation: Finland has a strong reputation for excellence in design, particularly in industrial, graphic, and furniture design. Finnish design is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and sustainability.
Influential Designers: Many influential designers, such as Alvar Aalto and Eero Aarnio, are Finnish, contributing to the country's rich design heritage.
Creative Freedom: The Finnish education system encourages creative freedom and self-expression, allowing students to explore and develop their unique artistic styles.
Vibrant Art Scene: Finland has a vibrant contemporary art and design scene, with numerous galleries, exhibitions, and cultural events that provide ample opportunities for inspiration and networking.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Finnish universities and design schools are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including workshops, studios, and digital labs, enabling students to work with the latest tools and technologies.
Sustainability Focus: Finland places a strong emphasis on sustainability in design, integrating eco-friendly practices and materials into the curriculum.
Multicultural Community: Finnish universities attract students from all over the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
English-Taught Programs: Many Art & Design programs in Finland are offered in English, making it accessible for international students.
Student-Centric Approach: Finnish education is known for its student-centric approach, providing personalized support and guidance to help students succeed.
Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships and funding options are available for international students to help cover tuition fees and living expenses.
High Living Standards: Finland offers a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, safety, and public services.
Beautiful Nature: The country’s stunning natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and the Northern Lights, provide a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for creative work.
Strong Job Market: Finland has a robust job market for design professionals, with opportunities in various sectors, including technology, fashion, media, and manufacturing.
Global Recognition: A degree from a Finnish institution is recognized and respected worldwide, enhancing your career prospects in the global design industry.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor of Arts in Design |
Industrial Design, Fashion and Textile Design, Graphic Design |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Time and Space Arts |
Tampere University |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Visual Design |
University of Lapland |
Master of Arts in Applied Visual Arts |
Applied Visual Arts, Art Education, Media Studies |
Lahti University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
Visual Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Design |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor of Arts in Design |
Industrial Design, Fashion and Textile Design, Graphic Design |
English |
Aalto University |
Master of Arts in Design |
Collaborative and Industrial Design, Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design, Contemporary Design |
English |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Time and Space Arts |
English |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Time and Space Arts |
English |
Tampere University |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Visual Design |
English |
University of Lapland |
Master of Arts in Applied Visual Arts |
Applied Visual Arts, Art Education, Media Studies |
English |
Lahti University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
Visual Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Design |
English |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
3D Animation and Visualisation, Graphic Design, Industrial Design |
English |
Savonia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
Digital Arts, Film and Media Production |
English |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor of Arts in Design |
Industrial Design, Fashion and Textile Design, Graphic Design |
English |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Time and Space Arts |
English |
Tampere University |
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Visual Design |
English |
Lahti University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
Visual Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Design |
English |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
3D Animation and Visualisation, Graphic Design, Industrial Design |
English |
Savonia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor of Culture and Arts |
Digital Arts, Film and Media Production |
English |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Master of Arts in Design |
Collaborative and Industrial Design, Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design, Contemporary Design |
English |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Time and Space Arts |
English |
Tampere University |
Master of Arts in Media and Arts |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Visual Design |
English |
University of Lapland |
Master of Arts in Applied Visual Arts |
Applied Visual Arts, Art Education, Media Studies |
English |
Lahti University of Applied Sciences |
Master of Culture and Arts |
Visual Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Design |
English |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Master of Culture and Arts |
3D Animation and Visualisation, Graphic Design, Industrial Design |
English |
University of Eastern Finland |
Master of Arts in Cultural Studies |
Visual and Material Culture |
English |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) |
Design, Media, Art Education, Visual Communication Design |
English |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Doctor of Fine Arts |
Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Time and Space Arts |
English |
University of Lapland |
Doctor of Arts in Art and Design |
Applied Visual Arts, Art Education, Media Studies |
English |
University of Eastern Finland |
Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural Studies |
Visual and Material Culture |
English |
Institution |
Course Name |
Duration |
Language |
Campus Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Diploma in Arts and Design |
2 years |
English |
Helsinki |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Diploma in Visual Arts and Design |
1.5 years |
English |
Helsinki |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Diploma in Industrial Design |
2 years |
English |
Lahti |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Diploma in Design |
2 years |
English |
Helsinki |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Diploma in Fine Arts |
1.5 years |
English/Swedish |
Turku |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
Diploma in Game Design |
2 years |
English |
Lahti |
Institution |
Course Name |
Duration |
Language |
Campus Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Summer School in Design and Innovation |
2-4 weeks |
English |
Helsinki |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Intensive Course in Visual Arts |
1-3 months |
English |
Helsinki |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Workshop in Industrial Design |
2 weeks |
English |
Lahti |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Short Course in Design |
1 month |
English |
Helsinki |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Intensive Course in Fine Arts |
2-4 weeks |
English |
Turku |
University |
Course Programs |
Campus Location |
---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Visual Communication Design, Master in Collaborative and Industrial Design, PhD in Arts and Design |
Helsinki |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts, Master in Design, Doctoral Program in Fine Arts |
Helsinki |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Bachelor in Graphic Design, Bachelor in Industrial Design, Master in Visual Communication |
Lahti |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Bachelor in Visual Communication, Master in Culture and Arts |
Helsinki |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
Turku |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Design, Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
Lahti |
University |
Course Programs |
Intake Period |
---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Visual Communication Design, Master in Collaborative and Industrial Design, PhD in Arts and Design |
September, January (varies by program) |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts, Master in Design, Doctoral Program in Fine Arts |
September, January (varies by program) |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Bachelor in Graphic Design, Bachelor in Industrial Design, Master in Visual Communication |
September |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Bachelor in Visual Communication, Master in Culture and Arts |
September, January (varies by program) |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
September |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Design, Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
September |
University |
Course Programs |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Visual Communication Design, Master in Collaborative and Industrial Design, PhD in Arts and Design |
€12,000 - €15,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts, Master in Design, Doctoral Program in Fine Arts |
€5,000 - €15,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Bachelor in Graphic Design, Bachelor in Industrial Design, Master in Visual Communication |
€8,000 - €9,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Bachelor in Visual Communication, Master in Culture and Arts |
€10,000 - €12,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
€8,000 - €10,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor in Design, Master in Design, Bachelor in Fine Arts, Master in Fine Arts |
€8,000 - €10,000 (non-EU/EEA), Free (EU/EEA) |
University |
Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
|
PhD |
Master's degree in a relevant field, research proposal, proficiency in English, portfolio, interview |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
|
Doctoral |
Master's degree in a relevant field, research proposal, proficiency in English, portfolio, interview |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80), portfolio, entrance exam |
|
Master |
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92), portfolio, interview |
University |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
Aalto University |
Aalto University Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence, financial need |
Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
|
Finland Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence |
€5,000 + 100% tuition fee waiver |
University of the Arts Helsinki |
Uniarts Helsinki Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence |
Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
Lahti Institute of Design |
Lahti UAS Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence, financial need |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences |
Metropolia UAS Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence, financial need |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
Novia University of Applied Sciences |
Novia UAS Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence, financial need |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
LAB University of Applied Sciences |
LAB UAS Scholarship |
Non-EU/EEA students, academic excellence, financial need |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
Finnish Government |
Finnish Government Scholarship Pool |
Doctoral level students, academic excellence |
Monthly allowance + travel expenses |
Erasmus+ |
Erasmus+ Scholarships |
EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students, studying in Europe |
Varies (tuition fees, living costs, travel) |
Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers.
Industrial Designer: Develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. Combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day.
Fashion Designer: Design clothing, accessories, and footwear. Sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products.
Interior Designer: Make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items.
Fine Artist: Create original works of art using a variety of mediums and techniques.
Art Director: Responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.
Illustrator: Create images for a wide range of products, including books, magazines, advertisements, posters, computer games, and film animations.
Multimedia Artist/Animator: Create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.
Exhibition Designer: Work on large commercial public exhibitions, showcase events, trade shows, and cultural exhibitions.
Product Designer: Develop and design new products, improving the functionality and aesthetics of existing products.
Design Agencies: Work in agencies that provide design services to various clients.
Media and Advertising: Opportunities in creating visual content for advertising campaigns, magazines, newspapers, etc.
Manufacturing: Roles in designing products ranging from electronics to home appliances.
Fashion: Work in fashion houses, textile companies, or start your own brand.
Technology: Involvement in UI/UX design for software and app development companies.
Education: Teaching positions in schools, universities, or private institutions.
Freelance: Many Art & Design graduates choose to work independently, offering services to multiple clients.
Cultural Institutions: Opportunities in museums, galleries, and cultural centers.
Companies: Marimekko, Fiskars Group, Nokia, Kone, Rovio Entertainment, Supercell, etc.
Design Studios: Various small and medium-sized design studios across Finland.
Start-ups: The thriving start-up culture in cities like Helsinki provides opportunities for innovative design work.
Freelance: Many designers choose the flexibility of freelancing, working on projects for different clients.
Graphic Designer: €30,000 - €45,000 per year
Industrial Designer: €35,000 - €55,000 per year
Fashion Designer: €30,000 - €50,000 per year
Interior Designer: €35,000 - €50,000 per year
Fine Artist: Varies widely based on sales and exhibitions
Art Director: €45,000 - €70,000 per year
Illustrator: €30,000 - €45,000 per year
Multimedia Artist/Animator: €35,000 - €55,000 per year
Exhibition Designer: €30,000 - €50,000 per year
Product Designer: €35,000 - €55,000 per year