Grants awarded at Uniarts Helsinki

Published 30.11.2022 | Updated 4.3.2026

Graduation schol­ar­ship

Graduation schol­ar­ship is awarded automatically to Master’s graduates who complete their degree within the target time, based on information obtained from the study register. At the Sibelius Academy, the grant is also paid to Bachelor’s graduates. Check the target duration of your own degree, that is, the period within which it is recommended that you complete your studies.

The Foundation’s Board awards the graduation scholarships twice a year, in June and December. There is no need to apply for the graduation grant, as it is awarded automatically. Recipients of the scholarship will receive an invitation to submit their payment details in the Aspicore grant system.

The scholarship is considered taxable income, which should be taken into account when indicating the preferred payment date.

The support foundations of Uniarts Helsinki and the Sibelius Academy award grants. Read more about the support foundations (uniarts.fi).

Academy of Fine Arts’ grants

As a student at the Academy of Fine Arts, you can apply for the Uniarts Helsinki Foundation’s grants, a materials grant, thesis grant or student grant.

Materials grant

Attending bachelor’s and master’s degree students and exchange students can apply for this grant. You can apply for a materials grant for the following purposes: bachelor-level or master-level students’ independent artistic work. Read more about the materials grant.

Bachelor’s and master’s thesis grants

One can apply for the Academy of Fine Arts’ bachelor’s and master’s thesis grant to cover costs arising from creating the thesis. One cannot use the thesis grant to cover general living expenses. Grants are paid two times a year, in the autumn and in the spring. Applying periods will be informed via e-mail separately. Read more about the thesis grant.

Student grant

The University of the Arts Helsinki Foundation provides grants to support students in advancing their studies. The application period is annually in December–January, and the start of the application period is announced on Students’ uniarts. Read more about the student grant for Academy of Fine Arts students.

Sibelius Academy’s grants

For Sibelius Academy students, the awarding body is usually the Sibelius Academy Foundation. There are three application periods per year: a student grant application and a project grant application

Project grant

The Sibelius Academy Foundation awards grants to promote strategic projects of Sibelius Academy students and teaching staff. With the grants, the Foundation wishes to increase the effectiveness and recognition of the Sibelius Academy’s activities nationally and internationally. The application period is annually in May and in November–December, and the start of the application period will be announced in Students’ uniarts. Read more about the project grant.

Student grant

The Sibelius Academy Foundation awards grants to Sibelius Academy students to help them progress in their studies. One can apply for a grant for master courses and summer courses, travelling to competitions, seminar expenses and the maintenance of your instruments, among other things. The aim of the grants is to support students in graduating on schedule. The application period is annually in December and January, and the start of the application period is announced in Students’ uniarts. Read more about the student grant.

Theatre Academy’s student grant

The Theatre Academy’s student grant is meant for activities promoting progression in your studies. You should be an attending bachelor’s and master’s degree student or a doctoral student. You can apply for a grant either as a private person or as part of a group. Read more about the student grant for Theatre Academy students.

Grants databases

Links to grants databases:  

•  Research Funding Database Aurora  
•  FYRK (in Swedish)  
•  SYL Grants Database  
•  Finnish Cultural Foundation  
•  Association of Finnish Foundations  
• Svenska Kulturfonden (in Swedish)  

Student exchange funding

You may receive student financial aid for studies abroad that are part of your degree programme.  
If you are pursuing a course related to your studies (e.g., exchange studies) abroad, you may be eligible for a housing supplement for those studying abroad. Read more about student financial aid abroad.

Erasmus+ and Nordplus grants 

Those leaving for a student exchange through the Erasmus+ and Nordplus programmes will be awarded a grant. The amount of the grant will be based on the duration and the destination of the exchange. 

Ask your academy’s planning officer of international affairs about the Erasmus+ and Nordplus grants.  

Information about parties supporting international mobility  

•  Finnish National Agency for Education’s international service (in Finnish and in Swedish)   
•  Fulbright Center (studying in the USA and Canada)   
• European Cultural Foundation   
•  Nordic Council of Ministers   

Research funding

Research services will provide you with information on applying for research funding, application periods and Uniarts Helsinki’s guidelines. Read more about research funding.

Tuition fee waivers

Uniarts Helsinki has a scholarship programme for students who are liable for payment in the form of tuition fee waivers. In principle, waivers can be awarded within the target graduation times. The programme only applies to students starting before 1.8.2026. The validity of the scholarship programme ends no later than 31.7.2030. Read more about tuition fee waivers.