What if you could move from Nigeria to Finland — and study there completely free? Tuition waived, maybe even a stipend — and all without taking IELTS. Sounds too good to be true? Well, the secret is out. Several Finnish universities now offer scholarships for international students that make this dream possible.
If you act quickly, you could still catch open deadlines. This might just be the break many Nigerians have been waiting for.
Why This Scholarship Route Matters for Nigerians
- The cost and stress of language tests like IELTS often stop many Nigerian students from applying abroad.
- With tuition fees waived (or reduced) and scholarship options available, Finland becomes a realistic — not just a dream — destination.
- For high-performing students with strong academic backgrounds (including those educated in English), the barrier is lower.
Below we break down how this works — and how you can apply.
Which Universities Offer Full Funding (or Waivers) for International Students
Here’s a comparison of top Finnish universities offering scholarships or tuition-fee waivers to non-EU/EEA students (including Nigerians), often without strict IELTS requirements:
| University | Scholarship / Waiver Offered | IELTS Requirement / English-Proficiency Rule |
|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | 50–100 % tuition waiver + scholarship for master’s programmes. | IELTS may be waived if prior studies were in English or acceptable proof of proficiency submitted. |
| Aalto University | Tuition-fee waivers for top applicants (some programmes exempt fees). | Accepts alternative English proficiency proofs (e.g. prior English-medium education, or other accepted tests). |
| University of Turku | Scholarships / fee waivers in bachelor’s & master’s programmes.University of Helsinki+1 | IELTS waiver possible when applicant’s prior education was in English or accepted tests/proofs provided. |
| LUT University (Lappeenranta–Lahti) | Scholarships with up to 100% tuition waiver (depending on merit). | English-taught programmes may accept prior English-medium education as proof instead of IELTS. |
| University of Eastern Finland (UEF) | Tuition-fee waivers for high-achieving international students — master’s courses. | For many programmes, English-proficiency requirement can be satisfied via prior English-medium education or comparable proof. |
Note: Being “non-EU/EEA” (which includes Nigeria) typically makes you liable for tuition fees — but these scholarships/waivers are designed exactly for such students
What “Without IELTS” Really Means — And Why It Matters
Historically, IELTS (or equivalent English-language tests) have been mandatory for international students. But now:
- Many Finnish universities accept proof of previous English-medium education (e.g., if your high school or university instruction was in English).
- Other accepted proofs may include alternative tests (TOEFL, PTE, etc.) or internal university assessments — depending on the programme.
- This flexibility reduces cost and removes a major hurdle for Nigerian students who already studied in English but could not afford or get access to IELTS testing centres.
In short: if you can show you’re proficient in English by previous education or approved alternatives — you may not need IELTS.
Who Should Try This “Secret Scholarship” Route
This opportunity makes sense especially for:
- Nigerian (or African) students who studied in English-medium schools or universities — already have English proficiency.
- Those with strong academic records (Good grades, motivation) — since scholarships are competitive.
- Students looking for affordable European education without massive upfront costs.
- Anyone willing to meet living-cost requirements (tuition waiver doesn’t always cover accommodation or errands).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply — What You Must Do
- Choose 2–4 universities from the table above based on your field of interest (engineering, social sciences, business, etc.).
- Check the programme’s language & application requirements carefully — confirm whether they accept alternative English proficiency proofs or provide a waiver.
- Gather documentation:
- Previous transcripts/diplomas showing instruction in English
- Motivation letter, CV/resume
- Any other required documents (passport, recommendation letters, etc.)
- Apply for scholarship at the same time as admission — many universities require that scholarship application be part of admission application.
- Plan for living expenses — even with tuition waived, you need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, etc. Some universities explicitly state that living costs are not covered.
- Submit before deadline — scholarship quotas are limited and highly competitive. Aim for early application to maximize chances.
What You Get — Pros and What to Watch Out For
Pros
- Tuition-fee waiver (full or partial) at major Finnish universities
- Possible living-allowance (or relocation grant) in select scholarships
- No need for IELTS if you have acceptable English-proficiency proof — huge cost & accessibility benefit for many Nigerians
- Opportunity for high-quality European education, international exposure, and potentially better career prospects
Things to Check / Prepare For
- Living costs in Finland are high — you’ll need to show you can support yourself, even with tuition waived.
- Scholarships are very competitive — only top applicants get waivers.
- Some programmes may still require English-tests or additional evidence — always read admission requirements per course carefully.
- Timing & deadlines: missing them can nullify your chance entirely
Why This Scholarship Secret Is a Game-Changer for Many Nigerians
For a long time, studying abroad meant juggling:
- expensive tuition fees,
- language test costs (IELTS),
- high living costs abroad,
- and a lot of uncertainty.
This scholarship route flips that on its head:
- You get tuition waived or heavily reduced,
- IELTS — a major barrier — is possibly not required,
- Scholarships target non-EU students (like Nigerians),
- And the application process is similar to regular admission — no shady agents needed.
For many Nigerian students, this is not just an opportunity — it’s a lifeline to globally-recognized education and brighter future prospects.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast — Deadlines Are Near
Yes — this “secret” scholarship opportunity is real. But it’s not permanent, and it’s not guaranteed. You need:
- good grades,
- strong application documents,
- clarity about english proficiency,
- readiness to budget for living costs — and
- to apply early before quotas fill up.
If you qualify and apply correctly, you might just be one of the few who get to study in Finland — tuition-free, internationally recognized, and with global exposure.
Don’t wait. Bookmark this, gather your docs, and hit those application portals while the window is still open.
➡️ Share now with any friend or family member who needs a shot at an affordable, world-class education abroad.