Admissions

Are you interested in applying to the Master's Programme in Neuroscience? Find out more about the programme to see if it is right for you, how to apply and other useful information for applicants.
Basic information
  • Degree level: Master of Science
     
  • Scope of studies and length: 120 ECTS credits, 2 years
     
  • Language: All teaching is in English, but exams, reports and the thesis can also be written in Finnish or Swedish.
     
  • Tuition fee per year (only non-EU/EEA citizens): 18 000 EUR
Application date

Please note that our International Master's Programmes only have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period. 

The applications for studies starting in autumn 2025 closed on 16 Jan 2025. Thanks to all our applicants!

As of 1 Jan 2025, non-EU/EEA citizens must pay an application fee when applying to programmes leading to a degree in higher education in Finland (excl. doctoral degrees and Erasmus Mundus programmes). 

The fee is a one-time national fee of 100 euros that covers all applications to studies beginning in the same academic term.

The fee is not collected from applicants who have:

  • a Finnish or EU citizenship,
  • a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen in Finland,
  • a European Union Blue Card,
  • a continuous residence permit in Finland granted on grounds other than studies,
  • a permanent Finnish residence permit, or
  • a long-term resident’s EU residence permit.

The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling out the application form at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo. The fee must be paid or you must upload a document proving the exempted category. Otherwise your application will not be processed. 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get an application fee waiver.

The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies.

Who can apply

The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience is for students who are interested in understanding how the nervous system, brain, and the complex regulatory networks of organisms work.

You are eligible to apply if you:

  1. have completed a first-cycle (bachelor's or equivalentdegree, or will do so by the given deadline.
  2. meet the degree language requirements. Find out more about proving your English language proficiency.
  3. have completed a sufficient amount of applicable studies. See the admission criteria at Studyinfo.fi for more details.

Applicable studies include many fields in the life sciences, e.g. biology, cell and molecular biosciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology or biomedicine, or psychology provided that your previous training included sufficient molecular and cell biological content. The applicability and sufficient scope of studies are assessed after applying. No preliminary assessments are made.

The full admission criteria can be found at the Finnish national education portal Studyinfo.fi.

Why apply

Understanding the emergence of life from complexity is key to making the right choices. To take care of life, we need to understand how it works. Also understanding the brain is key as it is the most central player in the physiology of the whole body.

In the interdisciplinary Master’s Programme in Neuroscience, you will: 

  • choose from two complementary study tracks: Cell and Systems Physiology or Neuroscience.
  • be able to direct your studies into areas that fascinate you.
  • learn to master the essentials of neuroscience and physiology, complementing each other, and gain deeper knowledge and skills in the subfields of your choice. 
  • get an understanding of the basic functions of the nervous system and the complex regulatory networks of organism, from genes and molecules to nerve cells, networks and systems level.
  • pursue studies in state-of-the-art facilities and in an inspiring research-oriented atmosphere.
  • be taught by scientists who will provide you with opportunities for practical training as well as integration into the stimulating neuroscience and cell and systems physiology community.

When graduating, you are prepared for PhD studies and a research career, or a career in the private or public sector, e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, education or public policy.

How to apply

This video gives a general overview of the application process for the International Master's Programmes at the University of Helsinki when applying from 2 to 16 Jan 2025.

Start preparing your application well in advance, make sure that you meet the admission criteria and language requirements, and always read the full instructions on our website.

Contact Admission Services

If you have any questions about admissions at the University of Helsinki, please contact our admission advisers for guidance.

Alumni and student testimonials

Who knows better than our own students what it is like to study in the Master's Programme in Neuroscience?

Meet some of our students and graduates to learn about their experiences with studies, life in Helsinki, career prospects and working life after graduation.

The programme is very flexible and extensive, offering courses in various fields of specialisation. It is made up of a warm and supportive group of people creating a non-stressful environment that still produces the highest quality of research.
Practicalities of student life in Helsinki

When choosing a university, it is important to get the location right too. What has Helsinki and Finland to offer when it comes to education and a way of life? What's the cost of living? Is it easy to find housing?

Did you know that students in Finland are entitled to lots of benefits, discounts and services? For example, affordable student housing, low-cost sports services, and student-priced meals. You also get numerous discounts, for example on public transport fees across the country.

About the University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki, the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, has since 1640 played a major role in the development of the Finnish cultural life and welfare state. Today, we seek solutions to problems that affect everyone.

As one of the world's top 1% research universities, we believe that the power of knowledge can change attitudes, people and society – for a better world.

More about the programme