Join the Virtanen Cohort
Seeking Potential, Not Just Perfection
Admission to Virtanen International College is selective, but our criteria are broader than mere test scores. We are looking for “spiky” profiles—students who may have a jagged skill set but demonstrate exceptional passion or aptitude in a specific area. Whether you are a mathematician who struggles with poetry, or an artist who views the world through a lens of geometry, there is a place for you here, provided you possess intellectual curiosity and kindness.
The Application Process
- Stage One: The Dossier. We require academic transcripts from the previous three years, but more importantly, a “Personal Statement of Intent.” This should not be a list of achievements, but a reflective essay on a topic that keeps you awake at night.
- Stage Two: The Entrance Assessment. Candidates sit for bespoke papers in English and Mathematics. For those applying to the [ART-DES] or [CS-ADV] tracks, a portfolio review or coding challenge is mandatory. These tests are designed to assess teachability and logic rather than rote memorisation.
- Stage Three: The Interview. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the Principal or a Head of Department. This is a conversation, not an interrogation. We want to see how you think on your feet, how you defend your ideas, and how you listen.
International Candidates
As a boarding-focused institution, we are adept at welcoming students from abroad. We provide full visa sponsorship support for non-EU applicants. We strongly recommend that international families visit Turku during the winter months before applying, to ensure the student is prepared for the unique beauty and challenge of the Nordic climate.
Scholarships & Bursaries
Virtanen is committed to socio-economic diversity. We offer the “Aura Merit Scholarship” for academic excellence, which covers up to 50% of tuition fees. Additionally, means-tested bursaries are available for Finnish residents and EU citizens who demonstrate significant potential but lack financial resources. We do not believe financial barriers should prevent a brilliant mind from accessing world-class education.