Dr. Eva Nilsson, Deputy Consul General of Finland, 0
When selecting a destination for advanced studies, Finland has emerged as an appealing choice for students globally, including those from India. Renowned for its excellent education system, creative teaching approaches, and a high standard of living, Finland provides a distinct academic and cultural experience that is challenging to replicate. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Dr. Eva Nilsson, Deputy Consul General of Finland, shares her insights on factors that draw students to Finland as a study destination, scholarship opportunities and post-study work options available for students in Finland.
As a diplomat representing Finland in Mumbai, what strategies do you intend to implement to shape the career paths of Indian students in Finland?
Firstly, the education system is of excellent quality, which is advantageous for any prospective career path. There is a wide array of interesting programs offered in English, totaling around 600, covering various disciplines. However, among Indian students, the fields that have gained the most popularity are ICT, technology, engineering, and business studies. Many of our university programs are closely tied to industry needs, allowing students the chance to engage in internships or part-time jobs during their education. This, in turn, enhances their prospects for securing jobs and launching successful careers after graduation. Furthermore, Indian students studying in Finland have excellent and globally competitive options to remain in the country for employment or to start their own businesses post-studies.
In total, they can obtain a two-year residence permit to seek employment or establish a business after completing their education. Moreover, these two years can be utilized within a five-year timeframe. This flexibility means that after graduating, a student could spend for example six months looking for job opportunities in Finland, return to India, and then come back to Finland again. It's worth noting that the Indian community in Finland consists of about 30,000 individuals, providing perspective given our country has a population of just over 5 million, making this a significant diaspora. Many skilled professionals within this community are employed in the technology and engineering sectors, which have been the most favored both in academic pursuits and career opportunities.
What is making Indian students increasingly choose non-traditional study locations like Finland?
We have observed a notable rise in interest towards Finland, with nearly a 40 percent increase in Indian applications between 2023 and 2024. One of the factors that draws students to Finland as a study destination is its high-quality education. It is also relatively affordable compared to many traditional study locations. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on student well-being. Finland's society is quite non-hierarchical, and many Indian students who have studied in Finland have expressed surprise at how teachers and professors act more like colleagues, allowing for equal discussions in the classroom. This has been a pleasant revelation for many.
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Finland is recognized as a very safe country, especially for women, and it promotes gender equality. The calm environment and connection to nature are also appealing aspects for many students. We offer robust support systems for students, including affordable student housing and a dedicated healthcare system for students. Furthermore, students benefit from significantly reduced public transport fares. These various incentives contribute to making student life both affordable and enjoyable overall.
Tell us about the scholarship opportunities and post-study work options available to international students in Finland.
Scholarships are typically offered at the university level, meaning there is no universal government scholarship program. Instead, the availability of scholarships is contingent on individual universities. For students interested in studying in Finland, we maintain a single website that lists all 600 English-taught programs, along with links to the universities offering them; through these universities, one can access specific scholarship information.
These scholarships differ from one university to another. Regarding work opportunities, as previously mentioned, there is an option to remain for two years to either launch a business or seek employment. Additionally, it’s worth noting that we have internship and collaboration programs with the private sector, providing students with chances to build networks and gain initial experiences in the workforce.
Finnish universities also form alliances with numerous other European universities, facilitating exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives, allowing students to explore and connect with other European nations as well. We offer student counseling services, mentorship in various programs, and have student volunteers available to assist international students. Furthermore, given Finland's relatively small size, many Indians who have moved there report that it is straightforward to connect with the local Indian community, as smaller countries tend to make networking and relationship-building more manageable.
What is the key behind Finland's consistent high happiness ranking?
We often discuss the foundations of happiness. This is why we refer to it as the infrastructure of happiness. One element I'd like to highlight is the exceptionally high level of trust within society, which includes trust among individuals as well as in institutions. The quality of governance is high, leading to very low corruption levels. Effective governance and trust are fundamental aspects of our society, complemented by a robust welfare system. Individuals have equal opportunities in life, supported by a public education system and healthcare services. Consequently, regardless of one’s background or family, everyone has equal chances to pursue education, which is significantly impactful in life.
We are a people who cherish nature, which may contribute to the tranquillity that is part of happiness and life satisfaction; I would argue that nature is prevalent everywhere in Finland, even within urban areas, where you’re always close to greenery and forests. Additionally, we uphold equality in our society, which aligns with my previous point about equal opportunities in life, applicable to women and men, as well as all genders.
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Could you describe your leadership style?
The Finnish leadership style is generally non-hierarchical, meaning we treat everyone equally and engage with each person on the same level. We prioritize openness and trust in our interactions. We appreciate honesty and transparency, especially when there are work-related challenges or when someone needs help. We prefer a culture where individuals feel comfortable seeking assistance rather than struggling alone or concealing their issues; our focus is on collaborative discussions and supportive teamwork. Additionally, we place a high value on work-life balance. It is crucial for individuals to have their personal time to unwind and engage in activities they enjoy, allowing them to come to work rejuvenated and enthusiastic.
We believe it’s important that staff are not expected to be available at all times or work relentlessly, but instead maintain a healthy separation between their professional and personal lives. These principles reflect my beliefs and are characteristic of the Finnish work environment in general. Personally, I believe that good leadership also means facilitating your team members to grow and develop professionally, to learn new things and to become better at what they do.
Scholarships are typically offered at the university level, meaning there is no universal government scholarship program. Instead, the availability of scholarships is contingent on individual universities. For students interested in studying in Finland, we maintain a single website that lists all 600 English-taught programs, along with links to the universities offering them; through these universities, one can access specific scholarship information.
These scholarships differ from one university to another. Regarding work opportunities, as previously mentioned, there is an option to remain for two years to either launch a business or seek employment. Additionally, it’s worth noting that we have internship and collaboration programs with the private sector, providing students with chances to build networks and gain initial experiences in the workforce.
Finnish universities also form alliances with numerous other European universities, facilitating exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives, allowing students to explore and connect with other European nations as well. We offer student counseling services, mentorship in various programs, and have student volunteers available to assist international students. Furthermore, given Finland's relatively small size, many Indians who have moved there report that it is straightforward to connect with the local Indian community, as smaller countries tend to make networking and relationship-building more manageable.
I believe that good leadership also means facilitating your team members to grow and develop professionally, to learn new things and to become better at what they do
What is the key behind Finland's consistent high happiness ranking?
We often discuss the foundations of happiness. This is why we refer to it as the infrastructure of happiness. One element I'd like to highlight is the exceptionally high level of trust within society, which includes trust among individuals as well as in institutions. The quality of governance is high, leading to very low corruption levels. Effective governance and trust are fundamental aspects of our society, complemented by a robust welfare system. Individuals have equal opportunities in life, supported by a public education system and healthcare services. Consequently, regardless of one’s background or family, everyone has equal chances to pursue education, which is significantly impactful in life.
We are a people who cherish nature, which may contribute to the tranquillity that is part of happiness and life satisfaction; I would argue that nature is prevalent everywhere in Finland, even within urban areas, where you’re always close to greenery and forests. Additionally, we uphold equality in our society, which aligns with my previous point about equal opportunities in life, applicable to women and men, as well as all genders.
Also Read: A Study of Singapore's Leadership Strategy in Tourism in 2025
Could you describe your leadership style?
The Finnish leadership style is generally non-hierarchical, meaning we treat everyone equally and engage with each person on the same level. We prioritize openness and trust in our interactions. We appreciate honesty and transparency, especially when there are work-related challenges or when someone needs help. We prefer a culture where individuals feel comfortable seeking assistance rather than struggling alone or concealing their issues; our focus is on collaborative discussions and supportive teamwork. Additionally, we place a high value on work-life balance. It is crucial for individuals to have their personal time to unwind and engage in activities they enjoy, allowing them to come to work rejuvenated and enthusiastic.
We believe it’s important that staff are not expected to be available at all times or work relentlessly, but instead maintain a healthy separation between their professional and personal lives. These principles reflect my beliefs and are characteristic of the Finnish work environment in general. Personally, I believe that good leadership also means facilitating your team members to grow and develop professionally, to learn new things and to become better at what they do.