Selecting the desired programme the way ahead

For me, it was about finding the right balance between what I had studied and what I wanted to learn further- Education and Globalisation. It can seem like an impossible task. We often accept that we do not need to get the right course or study programmes because those are something that we eventually grow to like, but that is not the case.

With a few simple steps, you can find what you wish to study, be it a particular course or, if you are lucky, a programme of your liking.

Studyinfo is your best friend throughout the process, from selecting a course to applying. You can search keywords for the programmes that hold your interest and other options for narrowing it down. As someone who spent a lot of time searching, I assure you, there will be plenty of options to choose from.

The website is user friendly and informs you about the application period, duration, language of instruction and even detailed descriptions of the programmes. Once you find a couple of programmes you like, you can check them out on the university website. You can find detailed descriptions of courses within the programmes.

The university websites will guide you to relevant course contents, alumni, future career, application requirements, faculty members and research centres if that holds your interests. This is very helpful; not only will it help you choose your course, but familiarizing yourself with the work and activities of the university also comes in handy while writing your letter of motivation. It will also provide you with an idea for extracurricular or other electives you may wish to choose.

If you were able to narrow down the university or a faculty, you can follow them on social media or get in touch with alumni/ambassadors on LinkedIn and other platforms. This was helpful personally for me as it provides a wide range of information and normalizes the place as somewhere you can get to study and live.

It is very important that you search for courses beforehand and have plenty of time to apply. The application period for most universities in Finland opens annually, so it is best to remember which term is important for which programme.

A helpful tip is to subscribe to a newsletter or follow the university on social media so that you get constant updates. Keep in mind that the deadlines for submitting educational documents, identification proofs, the letter of motivation, and research proposals might differ.

Be sure to read up the requirements carefully.

As most of the applicants are completing their bachelors when the master’s application period begins, be sure to send the interim transcript.

The best thing about the application period is that it does not work on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you can take your time to apply as long as it is within the period. Be sure to adhere to the specific requirements stated on the website, and templates may be available for motivation letters. But it is important to follow the word limit or format if they have been stated.

The website or the university also often contain a detailed table describing the application evaluation methods and the weightage to each criterion. The application process is free of cost, and there are no fees for submitting the application, so it is a good idea to apply to more than one course in one term.

Good luck with your application! :)