Up to 500 Ukrainians have studied in Finland over the past three years, with more than 200 attending the University of Helsinki.
Free courses for Ukrainians were initially set to end in March 2025, but the university has decided to extend the programme as the war continues, according to Esko Koponen, from the University of Helsinki.
Among the Ukrainians is 20-year-old Oleksandra Kotok, a sociology student in her second semester at the university. She arrived in Finland from Kyiv in January this year.
"I study more independently in Helsinki than I did in Kyiv. There is a lot of focus on writing essays here. I've learned how to do research and feel I've become part of the European academic community. Independent thinking is also freer here," Kotok said.
Kaisa Kuurne, a professor of sociology and the supervising teacher for the Ukrainian students, told Yle that Ukrainians have arrived in Finland in three waves since the war began.
"The first group, which arrived after the war broke out, experienced a bit of a shock. It was quite difficult for them to adapt to the new circumstances," Kuurne said.
University's proactive response
After the war started, the University of Helsinki sought ways to support Ukrainian students.
Students from countries outside of the European Union or European Economic Area generally have to pay tuition to study at Finnish universities. When the war broke out, the university decided to waive tuition fees for students.
Eeva Luhtakallio, head of the sociology department, reached out to universities in Ukraine, including Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. The idea for an exchange programme also emerged from those discussions.
Kotok, a fourth-year sociology student at Kyiv University, said she was thrilled to be selected for the study exchange in Helsinki. She hopes her studies will help her rebuild Ukraine.
"I want to help veterans and those who've lost their homes in Ukraine. I also want to conduct research in sociology and improve social structures in our country. I'm interested in politics as well," Kotok said.
