Finnish universities require international applicants to prove English proficiency through recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or the Duolingo English Test, with minimum scores varying by degree level and program. Study in Finland helps Bangladeshi students identify the exact language requirement for their chosen university before they apply.
Quick Answer
Most Finnish universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 for Bachelor's programs and IELTS 6.5-7.0 for Master's programs, with TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo accepted as alternatives at many institutions. Some universities waive the test entirely for applicants with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or, in specific cases like University of Vaasa, for certain academic backgrounds.
The table below summarizes commonly accepted English proficiency tests and their typical minimum scores for Bachelor's and Master's programs in Finland.
| Test | Bachelor's Requirement | Master's Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0-6.5 | 6.5-7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 78-92+ | 90-100+ |
| PTE Academic | 54-62+ | 60-70+ |
| Duolingo English Test | 105-120+ (selected universities) | 105-120+ (selected universities) |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | Accepted by selected universities | Accepted by selected universities |
Exact requirements vary by university and program, competitive programs in business, technology, and research fields may set higher minimums than the general range shown above.
University of Vaasa waives the English test requirement for applicants with a science or business/commerce academic background. Applicants with an arts or humanities background are not covered by this waiver and must still submit a language test score. See the full University of Vaasa profile for tuition, living costs, and other admission details.
No, Finnish or Swedish is not required to study in Finland. Bachelor's and Master's programs taught in English do not require Finnish or Swedish language skills for admission or graduation. However, learning basic Finnish or Swedish can meaningfully improve daily life, part-time job opportunities, and integration into local communities during your studies.
Yes, in some cases. Some Finnish universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate confirming that previous education was conducted fully in English, in place of IELTS. Other approved English tests such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo may also serve as alternatives, depending on the university's specific policy. MOI acceptance is not universal, each Finnish university sets its own exemption policy, so IELTS Academic remains the safest and most widely accepted option for most applicants.
For the full document checklist required alongside your language proof, see our Finland eligibility guide →The table below outlines the structure of the IELTS Academic test most commonly required for Finland admission.
| Section | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | ~30 minutes | Four audio sections, varied question types |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Three passages, comprehension and analytical questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two writing tasks |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
While Finnish or Swedish is not required for admission, students who learn basic Finnish often find it easier to secure part-time work, build local social connections, and navigate daily life outside the university campus. Many Finnish universities and municipalities offer free or low-cost Finnish language courses specifically for international students, and this is a factor worth considering as part of your broader decision about why Finland fits your study and career goals.
Choosing the right test and hitting the right score is one of the most common bottlenecks in a Bangladeshi student's Finland application. Study in Finland helps by:
Most Finnish universities require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0-6.5 for Bachelor's programs and 6.5-7.0 for Master's programs, though exact requirements vary by university and program.
Yes, in some cases. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or alternative tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo instead of IELTS, depending on the university's specific policy.
No. English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programs do not require Finnish or Swedish language skills, though learning basic Finnish can help with part-time work and daily life.
Yes, by some universities and programs, typically with a score around 105-120+. Acceptance varies by institution, so applicants should confirm directly with their target university.
No. University of Vaasa waives the English test requirement for applicants with a science or business/commerce background. Arts and humanities-background applicants are not covered by this waiver and must still submit a test score.
Typical TOEFL iBT requirements are around 78-92+ for Bachelor's programs and 90-100+ for Master's programs, though this varies by university.
