Finland · Master's
University of Helsinki
MA Global Education (Changing Education)
University of Helsinki
Course Overview
The University of Helsinki's MA in Global Education (the Changing Education track of the Master's in Education) draws on Finland's world-renowned education system — consistently among the global leaders in PISA and the model that education reformers worldwide study. The 2-year (120 ECTS) English-taught programme examines education policy, equity and inclusion, comparative and international education, curriculum reform, and the social foundations of learning, combining research training with practical engagement in Finnish schools and education organisations.
Sri Lankan applicants — teachers, education officers, NGO programme staff, and curriculum developers — choose Helsinki for: direct exposure to the Finnish model, 100% English-medium delivery, generous scholarships that often eliminate tuition, and Finland's strong post-study work pathway. The MA suits students aiming for education policy, international development and education NGOs, teacher education, research, or leadership roles in schools and ministries. Note: it is a research- and policy-oriented degree, not an initial teacher-licensing qualification for Finnish classrooms.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in Education, Social Sciences, or a closely-related discipline.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants with B.Ed degrees and BA / BSc graduates with teaching or education-sector experience are competitive.
- check_circle A motivation letter and a research-oriented statement aligned with the programme's focus.
- check_circle Application via the Finnish joint-application portal (Studyinfo / opintopolku.fi) within the January window.
- check_circle Certified, translated transcripts and degree certificates; relevant work experience strengthens the file.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 92 Overall.
- check_circle Programme is taught 100% in English — Finnish not required for the degree.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU) | €14,000 | Rs. 4,830,000 |
| Living Expenses in Helsinki (12 months) | €11,400 | Rs. 3,933,000 |
| Student Residence Permit & Health Insurance | €700 | Rs. 241,500 |
| Books & Materials | €500 | Rs. 172,500 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €26,600 | Rs. 9,177,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Graduates qualify for Finland's 2-year post-study residence permit to seek work. Global Education graduates work in education policy and research, international organisations (UNESCO, UNICEF, the OECD), education NGOs, teacher education, EdTech, and ministries. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Ministry of Education and National Institute of Education, international school leadership, education NGOs (UNICEF Sri Lanka, Save the Children), curriculum design, and university teaching.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.