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Finland Short Course Fully Funded

Finnish Dinner Date 2027 | All-Expenses-Paid Culinary Experience Finland

The Finnish Dinner Date 2027 offers 16 single travelers an all-expenses-paid 4-day culinary experience in Finland's Helsinki region or Lakeland. Participants join blind group dates featuring official Finnish tasting menus, with applications requiring a creative video and online form.

November 4, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: 6 days left

Quick Overview

Host CountryFinland
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyCulinary Arts, Cultural Exchange, Tourism
DeadlineNovember 10, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Finnish Dinner Date is a unique cultural exchange program inviting single travelers to discover Finland through its cuisine. In February 2027, 16 selected participants will experience one of two official Finnish tasting menus—either in Helsinki or Tampere—on a blind group date with fellow international travelers and local Finnish singles.

This initiative addresses a genuine gap: most global travelers cannot name a single Finnish dish. By transforming dining into an immersive cultural experience, Visit Finland aims to introduce Europe’s “last undiscovered cuisine” to the world.

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What the Experience Includes

Selected participants receive comprehensive support for their journey:

  • All-expenses-paid 4-day trip to Finland (destination revealed upon selection)
  • Full hosted itinerary of activities and dining throughout the stay
  • Culminating group dinner date featuring an official Finnish tasting menu
  • Two local Finnish singles joining each dinner date group
  • Travel arrangements handled by the organizers

The experiences take place between February 9 and 19, 2027. Eight winners are selected for each location—Helsinki and Tampere—creating intimate groups of ten (eight international travelers plus two Finnish locals) per dinner date.

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Eligibility Requirements

The program is designed for solo travelers seeking authentic connections. Key requirements include:

  • Must be single (relationship status verified by organizers)
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must complete application in English
  • Must have public social media profile (Instagram/TikTok) or upload to YouTube (public or unlisted)
  • Open to applicants worldwide, including African and SADC region nationals
  • Applicants with disabilities and special dietary requirements are explicitly welcome to apply

Sexual orientation is not a barrier—all applicants are welcome regardless of orientation. The program does not permit paired applications; each applicant must apply individually.

Application Process

The two-step application requires creativity and attention to detail:

Step 1: Complete the Social Media Challenge

Create a video answering: “What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?”

  • Post on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
  • Include hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate
  • Tag official accounts: @ourfinland (Instagram), @visitfinland.com (TikTok), or @VisitFinland (YouTube)
  • Ensure Instagram/TikTok profiles are public; YouTube videos may be unlisted

Step 2: Submit the Website Application Form

Complete the online application form and include the link to your social media video.

Selection Timeline

  • Application deadline: November 10, 2026, 11:59 AM EET (UTC+2)
  • Personal notification: Selected applicants contacted individually before public announcement
  • Public announcement: December 1, 2026 via Visit Finland’s Instagram and TikTok channels
  • Experience dates: February 9–19, 2027

Late applications are not considered under any circumstances.

Practical Considerations for African Applicants

For applicants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the broader SADC region:

  • Visa requirements: Finnish Schengen visas are required; organizers typically assist selected participants with documentation
  • Time zone: EET is UTC+2 (same as South Africa Standard Time, one hour ahead of Zimbabwe/CAT during standard time)
  • Climate preparation: February in Finland averages -5°C to -15°C; winter clothing will be essential
  • English proficiency: All activities conducted in English; no Finnish language requirement

What Happens If Selected

Chosen participants receive comprehensive pre-departure information. If illness or unforeseen circumstances prevent participation, organizers request immediate communication—replacement selection policies are not publicly detailed but good faith communication is expected.

Participants cannot choose their preferred destination (Helsinki or Tampere); this becomes their “first surprise match” revealed upon confirmation.

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Official scholarship page: https://www.visitfinland.com/en/have-some-finnish/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

All-expenses-paid 4-day trip including flights, accommodation, hosted itinerary of activities and dining, culminating group dinner date experience

Eligibility Criteria

Single adults 18+ worldwide; must apply individually; open to all sexual orientations; applicants with disabilities and dietary requirements welcome

Required Documents

Creative video answering application question; completed online application form with video link

Application Process

1) Create and post video with #FinnishDinnerDate and official tags, 2) Complete website application form with video link
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Being single is a mandatory requirement. The organizers verify participants' relationship status, and the experience is designed as a blind group date with potential for romantic connections.
No. The trip is fully funded, covering all travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and the hosted itinerary. Selected participants pay nothing for the 4-day experience.
Applications close on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:59 AM Finnish time (EET, UTC+2). Late submissions are not considered.
No. Applications must be submitted individually. The program is designed for solo travelers, and paired applications are not permitted.
You need two things: (1) a video posted to Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube answering "What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?" with #FinnishDinnerDate and official tags, and (2) a completed website application form including your video link.
Only 16 participants are selected worldwide (8 for Helsinki, 8 for Tampere), making this highly competitive. Selection is based on creative quality of your video and overall application strength. There is no published selection rate.

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