Master's · Computer Science · Helsinki

Master’s Programme in Computer Science

University of Helsinki, Helsinki

What a first year actually costs

Tuition is rarely the number that decides anything. This is the whole first year, including the costs that usually surface late.

TuitionPer year, as published by the university	$17,003
Living costsAccommodation, food, transport — a working estimate	$15,600
Student visaGovernment fee, one-off	$680
Health insuranceTypically mandatory for international students	$240
First year, all in	$33,523

Not in the table above: The student permit itself costs EUR 600 online (EUR 750 on paper) — by far the highest first-permit fee in this catalogue, and payable before you arrive. Proof of funds of EUR 560/month (about EUR 6,720/year) is required on top. Insurance cover must be at least EUR 120,000 for programmes under two years, or EUR 40,000 for two years and over; the $240/yr figure reflects compliant ~€197–219/yr policies — cover must last the full stay (90-day-trip-limit travel policies are refused). Plus the Kela student healthcare (FSHS) fee ~€70.70/academic year. Students staying two years or more register a home municipality after arrival and gain public healthcare.

University of Helsinki publishes this fee as EUR 15,000 a year. The dollar figures above are converted, so treat them as approximate and quote the published amount when you apply.

Getting in

English: IELTS 6.5 overall
Academic: Not yet confirmed
Application deadline: 19 January 2027
Intake: Fall 2027

After you graduate

Graduates of this program are eligible for 2-yr permit to seek work or start a business in Finland. Work rights are set by government policy rather than the university, and they change — check the current rules before you rely on them.

Rules in fluxFinland changed its permanent residence paths on 8 January 2026. The study-to-PR route now depends on permit type and work history, so do not quote PR timelines from older guidance.

What the headline leaves outTwo years is the most generous post-study window of any country in this catalogue, and you can apply up to FIVE years after your student permit expires rather than immediately. The condition is financial: the job-seeking permit requires proof of about EUR 800/month of your own funds — EUR 19,200 for the full two years — held before it is granted. That is a large sum to show after paying tuition, and it is the single thing most likely to stop a Nigerian or Ghanaian graduate using the permit they qualify for. Migri also notes certain Finnish degrees can lead to permanent residence without the usual residence-period requirement.

Where these numbers come from

Compiled from University of Helsinki’s published materials, but not yet re-checked in our current verification round. Treat the figures as a guide and confirm with the university before you apply — and if you spot something wrong, tell us and we will correct it publicly.

Is this one realistic for you?

Answer a few questions about your grades, budget and timing, and we will tell you whether this is a likely admit, a genuine match, or an ambitious stretch — alongside everything else that fits.

Check my chances