Exchange or Full Degree?

The Finnish and French university systems are relatively similar. The biggest difference resides in the lack of university entrance exams in France. This means that a high school diploma (baccaleauréat / ylioppilastodistus) is sufficient to qualify for admission to a French university (Some grandes écoles may require some kind of entrance exam though). Nevertheless, this results in constant competition during the first years of study: not everyone succeeds. Thus, you will have to work hard to maintain your status until the end of your bachelor's. Of course, you have the possibility of repeating a year if you need more time to better integrate the curriculum. It is also relatively straightforward to switch to a different field of studies if you so desire.

Pay attention to the type of diploma the degree you have selected issues. Some private establishments offer diplomas (certificat / diplôme d'établissement) that are not officially recognized by the French state: if this is the case, the Finnish state does not recognize them either. If in doubt, focus your research on public establishments or private institutions accredited by the state, such as universities and grandes écoles. Look for key words like licence, licence pro, and master ; on the other hand, avoid mastères spécialisés, also often are called mastères. While you can't find a complete list of accredited establishments, the degrees included in the National List of Professional Certificates (Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles, RNCP), are recognized by the government.

How about doing a master's degree? The right to study is given annually and at first only for a bachelor's degree. To start a master's, one must apply separately after having completed a bachelor's degree. This means that many French students switch fields after a bachelor's degree. With a Finnish bachelor's degree, you can join the applicants and do your master's degree in France! Here are a few examples of master's degrees - and even some bachelor's degrees - you can do completely, or partly, in France:

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), is a prestigious, integrated, international study programme, jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions.

European Universities

European Universities are transnational alliances that will become the universities of the future, promoting European values and identity, and revolutionizing the quality and competitiveness of European higher education.

EIT Master degrees

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an Agency of the European Union established in 2008 to strengthen Europe's ability to innovate by collaborating with business, education and research organizations. The EIT's actions are balanced between Innovation Communities (Knowledge and Innovation Communities – KICs) and each is dedicated to finding solutions to a specific global challenge.

Double degrees

A double degree program, sometimes called a dual degree, combined degree, conjoint degree, joint degree or double graduation program, involves a student's working for two university degrees in parallel and completing them in less time than it would have taken to earn them separately.

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

The Erasmus+ programme offers students with a possibility to discover a foreign university, company or organization. Students from all fields can take part in an exchange of 3 to 12 months, often with the support of an Erasmus grant. While on exchange, Finnish students receive a study grant from Finland with normal conditions, in addition to which they might receive a small grant to cover additional costs. Exchanges generally take place from the second year of bachelors' degrees on.

Almost all Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences do Erasmus exchanges with French higher education institutions (HEI). For more information on HEIs with which your university cooperates, please contact the international relations services of your university. Your university might also accept exchanges with other universities not included in the signed Erasmus agreement.

Some vocational schools run international project that may include student exchanges. Procedures take place through the school. These exchanges are normally of a few weeks and may include studies, apprenticeships, or both. The funding is arranged through programmes such as the Leonardo da Vinci programme.o da Vinci -ohjelman tuella.