Finlandia Foundation National Scholarships

About This Scholarship

Finlandia Foundation National, the leading Finnish American cultural organization in the U.S., has awarded scholarships since the 1950s, when its first grants went to music students at the Sibelius Academy and The Juilliard School. Today the program is open to students in every academic discipline, with individual awards of $1,000 to $3,000.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are at least in their sophomore year, studying at an accredited school in the U.S. or Finland, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You need U.S. or Finnish citizenship, but you do not have to be of Finnish descent; the foundation gives special consideration to students whose studies relate to Finnish culture.

The number of awards depends on donor funds each year. Past recipients can reapply, but not in back-to-back years. The application opens October 15, 2026, and decisions are mailed in mid-April.

Eligibility

• U.S. or Finnish citizen
• High school graduate enrolled full time at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Finland
• Sophomore year or beyond (undergraduate) or graduate student, any discipline
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Special consideration for subjects related to Finnish culture
• Not a relative of an FFN Board of Trustees member
• Students cannot receive two consecutive FFN awards

How To Apply

• Visit the Finlandia Foundation National scholarships page once the application opens October 15, 2026, and click Apply now
• Complete the online application
• Upload your latest college or university transcript
• Arrange two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university faculty member on letterhead
• Submit by 11:59 p.m. PST on January 17, 2027; status letters are mailed in mid-April

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions