Finland Student Visa 2027: Costs, Rules and Steps

Why Study in Finland

Finland has one of the best education systems in the world, hundreds of English-taught programmes, safe cities and a famously high quality of life. If you come from outside the EU or EEA, you don’t apply for a simple student visa: you apply for a residence permit for studies from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Getting a study place is only the first step, because you must also meet the permit requirements, especially the money rules. Students on a higher education degree get a continuous permit, which makes it easier to stay and work in Finland after graduating.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland usually pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, typically between EUR 9,000 and EUR 20,000 a year, while doctoral programmes are free. Many universities offer scholarships or tuition fee waivers, but they are competitive and usually cover tuition only, not living costs. The university decides who gets a scholarship or exemption, so ask the admissions office and request a written certificate for your permit application. For your permit, you must show that your tuition is paid, that you can pay it, or that you are exempt or have a scholarship.

How Much Money You Need

Migri requires you to have at least EUR 800 per month for your whole study period. For studies of a year or longer, you must have EUR 9,600 in your bank account when you apply, and this money cannot also be used to pay your tuition. Sponsorship letters from relatives, friends or employers are not accepted as proof of funds, so the money should be in your own account. If you get a scholarship for living costs, it counts toward this amount, and in real life, Study in Finland estimates living costs at about EUR 900 to EUR 1,200 a month.

How to Apply Step by Step

First, apply as soon as you receive your study place, using Migri’s online service Enter Finland, and upload your study place confirmation, proof of tuition or scholarship, bank statements, passport and health insurance. Next, pay the processing fee by card when you submit, or later at the embassy; the online fee is lower than for a paper application. Then book an appointment at the Finnish embassy, consulate or visa centre that serves your country, and go there to prove your identity and give your fingerprints. Migri only starts processing your application after this visit, so book your appointment as early as possible. Finally, follow your case online: many students get a decision within about a month, your residence permit card is then sent to the embassy you visited, and you can also apply for a 100-day D visa at the same time if you need to travel before your card arrives.

Working During and After Your Studies

With a student residence permit, you can work an average of 30 hours a week over the year. But when you first apply, you cannot count future work income as proof of funds. After graduating, you can get a residence permit to look for work for up to two years, and you can apply right after graduation or within five years. Finding a job is easier if you also learn some Finnish or Swedish.

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