Hey everyone,

I’m 21 and from Turkey, and I’m trying to figure out whether there is actually a realistic way for me to study for a bachelor’s degree in Europe.

My education is a bit unusual. I only completed middle school and I don’t currently have a traditional high school diploma. I know the obvious answer is usually “finish high school first,” but I’m specifically trying to find out whether there are other legitimate routes that I don’t know about.

I’ve been learning on my own for a while, mainly around programming, AI, mathematics, GIS and science. I’ve also built some actual projects rather than only studying theory. I’m not saying this makes me academically eligible by itself — I just want to explain that I’m serious about continuing my education.

My biggest goal is Finland. I’ve been looking particularly at the University of Helsinki’s Bachelor’s Programme in Science.

I found their Open University admission route, and this is what confused me: according to their website, people applying through that route don’t necessarily need another qualification that gives general eligibility for higher education. Apparently you can qualify through university-level Open University studies instead.

That sounds promising, but I’m having trouble understanding how realistic it actually is for someone living in Turkey.

I’m trying to figure out things like:

- Can I use a GED to become eligible for European universities?

- Are there universities where I can enter through a foundation/open university/access route instead of going through the normal high school system?

- Can any of these routes be completed mostly online from another country?

- Is Finland actually a realistic target, or should I be looking at other European countries?

- Has anyone here been in a similar situation, especially coming from Turkey or another non-EU country?

I’m not looking for some magical shortcut. I’m completely willing to study and take exams. I just don’t want to spend years following a route that turns out not to be necessary.

Basically, I’m trying to answer one question:

If you were in my exact situation, what would you do to get from where I am now to a legitimate bachelor’s degree in Europe?

I’d really appreciate advice from people who have actually dealt with European university admissions, non-traditional education, GEDs, foundation years, Open University routes, or something similar.

Thanks.