However, Finnish universities are proud to offer post-graduate training at an internationally competitive level in several other areas as well. The development of both basic scientific research and applied research and development has been a priority of the Finnish government over the 1990s. Each university decides independently the eligibility of foreign students for postgraduate studies. Sources of funding Finnish higher education is normally free of charge, except for a small student union membership fee to cover health care, discount travel tickets, discount meals in student restaurants and other benefits. This annual fee is optional for postgraduate students who are, nevertheless, often advised to join this scheme, for they may otherwise be ineligible for public health care.
Some doctoral programmes charge tuition fees, which vary considerably in size.
Exchange students are usually exempted from paying fees. National student support is usually not granted to foreign students who come to Finland for the purpose of study. However, CIMO, the Academy of Finland and the universities offer some grants to foreigners. Private and public foundations provide funding for postgraduate studies to Finnish and foreign students. The National Union of Finnish Students and the universities publish information on this type of financial support.