Study in Europe › Finland › University of Helsinki

Bachelor’s Programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences

University of Helsinki · Helsinki, Finland

100% taught in EnglishNo CAO points neededSAT or ACT neededNo tuition for EU studentsLeads to a Master’s
Duration3 years (180 ECTS)
StartsAug/Sept 2027
EntrySelective (SAT/ACT ranking)
Deadline (EU)19 Jan 2027
EU fee 2027/28€0 (free for EU/EEA)

About the course

This new English-taught degree, first offered in 2026, mixes natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities. A shared core teaches you to link ideas and methods across subjects, and you try several subject modules before choosing what to focus on. Six faculties teach on it, from science and education to agriculture and forestry. You build skills in analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking, and you can take optional Finnish courses. Depending on your focus, you graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Social Sciences. Graduates can move on to many of the university’s master’s programmes, for example in data science, social sciences or life sciences.

Entry requirements for Irish students

  • Your school qualification must give you access to university in the country where you got it, so a Leaving Cert that qualifies you for Irish universities should be accepted. The university does not name the Leaving Cert or set grade rules for it.
  • Irish applicants fall into admission group 1 (applicants without a Finnish matriculation exam, IB or European Baccalaureate). Group 1 is ranked on SAT or ACT scores, with reading, writing and maths weighted equally, so you will need to sit the SAT or ACT. Minimum scores for 2027 were not yet published.
  • English: finishing secondary school taught in English in Ireland counts as proof of English. SAT or ACT results also count.
  • There are 100 places a year, split into two calls of 50. Group 1 competes for the January call.

How to apply

  1. Book the SAT or ACTSit the SAT or ACT in time to have verifiable scores by the application deadline. Check the university’s admission criteria, due to be updated by the end of October 2026.
  2. Apply on Studyinfo.fiAdmission group 1 applies from 5 January to 19 January 2027 (closes 15:00 Finnish time).
  3. Upload attachmentsUpload your school documents and test scores by the attachment deadline set in the admission criteria. Certified copies and translations can take time, so start early.
  4. Accept your placeResults usually come out in spring. You can accept only one study place starting in the same term.
You cannot pick your admission group: Irish Leaving Cert students apply in January (group 1), and without SAT or ACT scores you cannot be ranked. The university has not said when final-year students must send their final results, and Leaving Cert results come out in August, so check this with admissions before you apply.

Costs

  • Tuition 2027/28: €0 for EU/EEA citizens (non-EU students pay €13,000 a year).
  • No application fee for EU/EEA citizens. SAT or ACT test fees are extra.
  • Budget for Helsinki living costs; the university gives no scholarships for this programme.
Limited places: meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place.

At a glance

CountryFinland
CityHelsinki
LanguageEnglish
Apply viaStudyinfo.fi
Places100 (50 in January call)
EntrySelective
Programme admissions ↗Applying to bachelor’s programmes ↗Proving your English ↗← Back to all European courses

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Checked against the official University of Helsinki website on 24 October 2026. The 2027 admission criteria (minimum SAT/ACT scores, attachment deadline, result dates) were due to be published by the end of October 2026. Always confirm details with the university before applying.