The happiest country in the world in 2019? Yes, Finland, a Nordic country with more than 40 institutions of higher education and 20.000 international students will be a good atmosphere to continue your studies. Being one of the most innovative and modern EU countries, the education system has gained a world reputation. The social innovation, wise governance, and functional solutions in business sound like better employment opportunities after your course gets finished. If you have made up your mind to continue your education in Finland, you might need a Finland student visa. In this blog, we will explain whether you need a student visa to Finland or not, requirements, application, validity, fees, FAQs, etc.
Finland Student Visa
With a Finland student visa, you can study in this country for up to 90 days. If you want to study in Finland, the first point to know is the difference between:
- Finland student visa
- Finland student Residence permit
Finland student visa is a short-stay permit for foreigners who wish to study in Finland for up to 90 days. In case you want to take a short-term course in Finland, the student visa is for you.
International students who want to study in Finland for longer than 90 days have to apply for a Finland student residence permit. If you got accepted to a full-time course in the Netherlands, then a student residence permit is for you.
Who is eligible for a Finland student visa?
You need to fulfill the following requirements for a Finland student visa:
Acceptance letter
Providing the acceptance letter from the Finish university is essential. Bear in mind that each university has its own requirements, especially language requirements. See the section below to know more about Finish universities.
Financial independence
You must be able to pay your tuition fees and provide evidence for it. Bear in mind that you need to have enough money to cover your expenses in Finland.
Being healthy
The applicant must be healthy and pose no health threat to the public. Get a medical certificate from an authorized physician, and a chest x-ray is required.
Provide the supporting documents
There is a list of requirements for a Finland student visa. The applicant must provide all of them, such as a clean record certificate. See the section below and see if you are able to submit them or not.
Who Needs and Does not Need a Finland Student Visa?
The answer depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. It might seem a bit complicated. It becomes clear when we explain everything by your nationality.
Students of Nordic Countries
Students from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden can study and work in Finland without limitations. But they have to register with the local authorities.
Students from EU/EEA/Swiss
The students from the EU, EAA, and Switzerland can apply for a residence permit to study and work when they arrive in the Netherlands. They also have to register with the local authorities as well.
Non-EU/EEA students
If your nationality needs a Finland short-stay visa, then you NEED a student visa. It is true even if your course takes less than 90 days. You must get a Student Residence Permit when your course takes longer than 90 days.
In case your nationality does not require a Finland short-stay visa, you won’t need a Finland student visa when your course takes less than 90 days. But if your course takes longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a student residence permit.
The Requirements for Finland Student Visa
Application form
You can receive it from the Finish embassy, consulate, or visa center authorized to apply to.
Proof to have enough funds
You must have at least 560 EUR per month to study in Finland. You should provide a copy of your bank statements or bank records with enough funds for the duration of your stay. They must show you have enough funds available in your account. If you are an exchange student, you must have enough funds for the duration of your stay in your account.
If you have a tuition waiver or scholarship, you must provide the appropriate documents. Please note that the Finnish authorities won’t accept shared or joint accounts or bank statements from your parents.
Proof to have health insurance
The health insurance you purchase must cover all your medical expenses in Finland and all the other 26 Schengen states.
You should be in good mental and physical health conditions
The applicant couldn’t have any type of contagious disease.
A clean criminal record
You must prove that you will leave Finland when your studies get finished. If you have lived in a foreign country for longer than six months, you might have to provide a clean record from that country as well.
Previous qualifications
Provide university or education certificates.
Previous rejection
You must not have been refused entry into Finland previously.
Details of paid tuition fees or any scholarships
Two photos
If your documents are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English, you should have them translated by a certified translator.
Proof to have paid the processing fee:
- Paper application 330 EUR
- Electronic application 300 EUR
Cover letter. It is from you to the Finnish governments stating:
- The reason you want to study in Finland
- The number of institutions or universities you applied to
- The reason you have chosen a particular institute or university
Civil status proof
It can include the birth certificate of children, marriage certificate, etc.
Finland tuition fees for Ph.D
The Ph.D. courses in Finland are mostly research projects, and they contain income for the student, so you don’t have to pay any tuition for them.
You can apply for the Ph.D. positions offered by the university. Despite the Finland Parliament law 2016 to receive tuition from all non-EU students in Ph.D. positions from the 2017 fall term, currently, all the Ph.D. programs are offered free. You need to know that you will not be able to receive funds for living costs in the country over a Finland student visa. You have to cover your coast in Finland yourself and provide proof of it.
You might be able to find and convince a university professor to cover your expenses. However, there are a few cases of it.
Video description
Find the links and extra information explained in the video here.
You can see the pdf file related to the youtube video here:
https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/job-in-Finland.pdf
Finland tuition fees for Master’s programs
Finland universities receive tuition from non-EU students for positions lower than Ph.D. The tuition fees for courses provided in English are about 10.000-16.000 EUR but vary by the university and the course. The least tuition is 8.000 EUR for some majors at the University of Jyväskylä.
- Two photos.
- If your documents are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English, you should have them translated by a certified translator.
- Proof to have paid the processing fee:
- paper application 330 EUR
- electronic application 300 EUR
- Cover letter. It is from you to the Finish governments stating:
- The reason you want to study in Finland
- The number of institutions or universities you applied to
- The reason you have chosen a particular institute or university
- Civil status proof. It can include the birth certificate of children, marriage certificate, etc.
Language requirement
There is no language requirement for a Finland student visa. However, you need language proficiency for university application. Most of the university courses are in English, particularly at the Master’s programs. As an applicant, you need IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The least language requirement for a Master’s program is 6.5, and some universities require a special score or a skill score. For example, the University of Helsinki and Aalto University require a 6.5 IELTS score and a 6 score in writing. The same is true for TOEFL. The minimum requirement for a Finland student visa is a 90-92 overall score, and the two mentioned universities require a 20 score for each skill. You would better see the language requirement from the university you wish to apply to.
The Finland universities are strict over the language requirement. If your language score is below the minimum or you have provided your test score after the deadline, you might be rejected for a Finland student visa.
You can check the Pearsonpte.com website or the university website to see which universities accept the PTE test result for university application.
Application Process for a Finland Student Visa
Step 1. Acceptance letter
The first step to applying for a Finland student visa or residence permit is to get an official acceptance letter from a Finnish university or education center. Please note that if you have to get a Finland residence permit, you have to apply for it before you arrive in Finland.
Step 2. Application form
Based on the country you live in, you can apply at:
- Finish embassy or consulate
- A visa center authorized by the Finish government.
- If the two options are not available in your country, you can apply at a Finish embassy, consulate, or visa center in a neighboring country.
You should download the Finland student visa application form from the Finish embassy. Please note that the information you fill in must be the same as your documents. Concentrate on what you write. Then print, sign, and date it.
Step 3. Gathering the requirements
As we explained above, there are required documents for a Finland residence permit or student visa. Collect everything, and don’t take anything easy. Please note that the Finish authorities are strict with their immigration laws. Even one small fault could lead to a visa denial.
Step 4. Appointment
You have to schedule an appointment with the Finish embassy or consulate. When the time comes, you should attend it in person. It would be better to wear something a bit formal. Please don’t forget to bring the application, requirements, and application form. You should submit all of them to the Finish authorities.
Step 5. Pay fees
You should pa the fee for your application process. The fee for a Finland student visa is 300 EUR. But the fee is subject to change. You may have to pay less or more.
Step 6. Biometric
You should also provide your biometric data, fingerprints, and digital photo to the Finish officials during the appointment.
Step 7. Interview
In the end, you should go through an interview. The Finish visa officer will ask you a few questions about your background, education, family, the purpose of your visit to Finland, etc. Please try to be honest, friendly, and strong. The future of your visa depends on this interview.
Step 8. Wait for processing
Now is the time for patience. You should wait until your application gets processed. The processing time for a Finland student visa is different and subject to different factors.
If your application gets approved, they will send you the visa to your address. If it gets denied, the officials will send you a letter explaining the reason.
Please note that in some cases, when you apply for a Finland residence permit, you might get it when you arrive in Finland.
How Long is the Finland Student visa Valid For?
The Finland residence permit or student visa validity depends on your study course. If you get a short-stay student visa, it is valid for 90 days. The Finland residence permit is often valid for one or two years. If the validity is one year and your course takes longer, you have to extend it.
Finland Student Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Finland student visa depends on:
- Your case.
- Political circumstances of your country or region.
- The Finish embassy workload.
The processing time can take from 15 days to three months. So it’s wise to apply sooner. If your documents are complete and you have done everything carefully, the required time shouldn’t get long.
Extending Finland Student visa
If you want to know if you can extend a Finland student visa or not, the answer is YES. If your study course takes longer, you can extend it to complete your education.
Please note that if you want to extend your visa, you should be in Finland. If you apply from abroad, your application will be considered the first, and the officials will charge you a fee.
When your study course gets finished, you can extend your residence permit for a year to look for a job. But remember to do it before your current Finland residence permit expires. When you get a job in Finland, you can apply for a new residence permit based on your new status.
Can You Bring Your Dependents With a Finland student visa?
YES, but your children or spouse has to apply for their visa. You can submit your application together to save time and get processed as a family. Please note that you have to prove to have enough funds to cover your family expenses in Finland.
Can You Work Under a Finland Student visa?
When you enter the country with a Finland residence permit or student visa, you have the right to work for 25 hours per week. But your job mustn’t interfere with your studies. You have to make good progress in your studies to be able to stay in Finland. When your study course gets finished, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for a job or start a new business.
The following websites can help you to find a job in Finland:
1. te-palvelut.fi
It helps you with job-related matters. You can also find useful tips, tricks, and insights about the Finish job culture and labor market. The vacancies part is in Finish, but you can use “Translate to English” from Google. They share information for seasonal work, how to write CVs, and job applications, etc.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the important websites to find a job in Finland. You can also network with some business people to find a job.
3. FaceBook groups
There a number of FaceBook groups that help you find a job in Finland:
Jobs in Helsinki
- Find work in Finland
- English speaking jobs in Finland
- Volunteer in Finland
You can find some useful information and advice from these groups as well.
4. Jobs in Helsinki
This is part of the website Jobs in Network. You can upload your CV there as a Finland student visa residing in the country.
5. Eures
It’s a European job mobility portal. The insights and tips are useful for you.
6. Oikotie
It has different platforms for jobs, cars, and apartments. You can put keywords and job titles there as well.
7. Monster.FI
It’s a global employment service and is active in Finland. There are filter options, and you can upload your CV there.
8. Startus.cc
It’s a new platform for start-up stuff. They have the filter option for:
- Part-time
- Full time
- Internship
- Thesis positions
- Language
- Company
9. TheHub.FI
Useful to find a job in the start-up field in Finland.
10. Glassdoor.com
There are a bunch of filters you can use to find an English-speaking job.
Do You Have to Buy Health Insurance for a Finland student visa?
YES. You have to buy health insurance valid in Finland and the whole Schengen state. It must cover your medical expenses for 30.000 EUR.
Where should reserve tickets for?
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. The best way to get to your university is to fly to Helsinki and then get to your city by bus or train.
You can get a bus ticket through the following website:
- matkahuolto.fi/en
The following website provides bus from Helsinki to all Finland cities:
- onnibus.com/etusivu
To get a train ticket to move to your destined city, visit the following website:
- vr.fi/cs/vr/fi/etusivu
Note: Copy the link address and paste it into the Googe. You will find the website.
Finland student visa fee
Finland Residence Permit paper application, EUR 330 (INR 25,525.60)
Finland Residence Permit online application EUR 300 (INR 23,205.09)
Top Finish universities
Some of the top Finish universities and the World University Rankings (WUR) are as follows:
- University of Jyväskylä, WUR = 358
- University of Turku, WUR = 322
- LUT University, WUR = 414
- Aalto University, WUR = 112
- University of Vaasa, WUR = 1752
- Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, WUR = 1480
- Laurea University of Applied Sciences, WUR = 3742
Let’s sum up…
In this blog, we explained all you need to know about a Finland student visa or Finland residence permit.
We covered if you need a Finland student visa or not, requirements, application, fees, validity, costs, FAQs, etc.
You can find all the Finland visa information in the world here. To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. In addition, you can find all types of Finland visas in the left sidebar.
You can check the Visa Library to find more information about other countries’ visas.
In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.
FAQs
Do I need a Finland student visa to continue my education there?
Yes, if you are form a non-EU country and your course takes longer than 90 days.
Can you work beside your studies?
Yes, you may work while studying but only for limited hours.
How can you get PR through a student visa?
You need to get employment, and live there for a few years to receive PR.
Can I look for a job after graduation?
Yes, you will get a one year residence permit to look for a job.
560 Euros? God! it costs a fortune. I think I should work for 10 years to make that money. Thx 4 the neat info btw.
I want to go finland for study. What are the requirements? How many year gap is acceptable for applying student visa for bachelor level?
The list of visa requirements is explained in the article.
You need to apply to the university for a bachelor’s degree to find out if they accept it or not.
You can fill the gap with work experience.
I want to come to Freeland for study I like so much and I want to finish university please help with me I am from Iraq can I move with my mom and dad?
Hello dear Maria. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website.
You can definitely apply for a Finland student visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. You may come with your family, however, they should apply for their visas separately.
Hello there
As a student visa applicant, can I include my wife in my application and go with me to finland or should she apply later after I’ve arrived in finland for some months
Dear Babatunde Saheed
You can submit your application together but whether you can move to Finland together is up to the official’s decision. You would better ask Finish embassy in your home country.
So pls which is best option going with me or joining me in finland after some months
Dear Babatunde saheed
Ask the Finnish embassy in your home country whether they accept that your wife applies at the same time with you or if she needs to wait so you get to Finland. There is no clear data on this.
What if my wife gets a student residence permit and we are not ready to move with her and the kids immediately.am I allowed to join with our kids a few months after she arrives in school?
Yes, indeed. Your wife can move to Finland and you can apply a few months later as a dependant, however, she should be able to cover your expenses. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website.
hi! i already applied for student visa as single status but im planning to get married before going to finland in january. i just want to ask if there’s no issue in that case especially in processing my documents? one more thing, if i will take him soon, he can be able to work there?pls guide me. Thank you!
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. We are afraid you should reapply, as your marital status has changed. Good luck.
My daughter is 3 years old… Should I need to show same funds amount as spouse?
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. You should apply for a separate visa other than your spouse’s; however, he/she should be able to cover all your expenses while you both live in Finland. There is no need for you to prove financial capability, so to speak.
Do children of international student get access to free schooling? and spouse gets free work permit?
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. If you have an adolescent at home between 13-15 years, they can benefit from free high school. However, if they are older, they will have to pay to enter a secondary upper school. Furthermore, your dependents are not allowed to work under your visa, which includes your spouse as well.
Hi,
My name is Zakiunnisa. I have got admission in SEAMK university finland for september intake. I want to take my husband and my daughter with me, i have to show how much bank balance for my huband and my daughter 6 year old.
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. You must have at least 560 EUR per month to study in Finland, therefore you should prove enough bank statements for your duration of stay. If your husband and children come along as your dependents, you should be able to cover their expenses as well.
Hello and thank you for information
I want to know that can dependant work during his/her hasband or wife studying as a student in one of acceptable Finland universities?
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. The holder of a Finland student visa should prove enough funds to cover their family expenses in the first place, therefore you cannot work in Finland as your spouse’s dependent.
To give more education to my daughters one 12 years old and 8 years old
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. By applying for a Finland student visa your children can go to school for free, as Finland’s educational institutions require no expenses.
Hello, I have already applied for Student visa on Single status as I’m still unmarried, but now I’m planning to get married before I go to Finland for January Intake -2022. So my question is.. Then how can I take my spouse later to Finland on Students spouse visa? Kindly guide me.
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. You are able to bring dependents under your visa. However, they should apply for the visa on their own. Therefore, you should prove you have enough funds beforehand.
Hello, i got the student Visa just now. And i want to apply my husband as my dependents just now so what i have to do in this case? Can my husband can apply and show his funds only because i already got Visa?
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. If you want to bring dependents along to Finland, you have to show enough funds so that the government finds out you can support your husband financially. In other words, your husband is not allowed to work there.
Can dependent work during his wife studying as a student in Finland?
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. Your spouse should be able to cover your expenses, so you can’t work in Finland.
I am sorry to interrupt but the dependent is allowed to work full time in Finland and the student can work up to 25 hours per week.
Dear Karmila Shahi
Thank you for your information. Bets of luck with your life in Finland.
hi! i already applied for student visa as a single status but im planning to get married before going to finland for january intake..i just want to know if there will be no issue for that?one more thing is,if i take him in finland is it allowed for him to work there?Thanks!
Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. You can bring your spouse; however, you should be capable of covering his expenses, as he won’t be allowed to work.
My daughter applied for student visa.Is it posible that i can be her dependent and work as well?
Dear Bren.
You can apply for a Finland work visa if you have a job offer from a Finnish employer, that would be an easier way. Also, you can include yourself as your daughter’s dependent and move to Finland. However, check the rules with the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, check whether you can be your dependent in her application.
The page is good but I wish you had information about the general deadlines for university applications in Finland.
Dear John
The guidelines for each university and colleague are different and are up to that academic year. Also, It might lead to other confusion for students. You would better see the official university website for the exact dates. bear in mind that even each department might have a different deadline.
I want to study in Finland and I applied in many many universities , 2 months already have completed but I have not received any offer letter for admission. Please help me ,
Dear Fakeer Chand
Thank you for your comment.
You are kindly informed that Visa library is a website offering visa news and we are unable to help you with your university application. You need to contact the university and ask them how long does the processing takes so they inform you of whether you are accepted or not.
Best wishes
Hi there, I’m applying for a scholarship in Finland, and plan to go with my husband, who works remotely for Mexico, does he need any kind of permission or visa to be able to work from Finland for Mexico? Thanks in advance.
Wendy
Dear Windy
If your husband is receiving his income from Mexico as a freelancer or a remote job, you might have to inform the authorities. but he needs a visa to enter the country, but it is unlikely that he needs a work permit to work, yet you would better inform the authorities.
Applying for student visa with spouse and dependents for 4 years program. Main applicant passport is valid until 2028 but spouse and dependents passport is getting expire in 2025 and 2023 respectively. My concern is that I order to get the 4 years resident permit for my spouse and dependents of 4 years is it mandatory to have a passport with the validity of 4 years?
You’d better renew your spouse’s passport but if not, you may renew their passport and yours in Finland through your home country’s embassy if there is one available.
Hi there, I’m from pakistan.
I wanted to ask whether I can study in a university in Finland if I’m on spouse visa?
My spouse is also from Pakistan and he’s on student visa.
If you have been granted a residence permit on the basis of family ties, your right to work and study in Finland is not limited in any way.
Can my spouse apply for masters in finland if she is on spouse visa?
If you have been granted a residence permit on the basis of family ties, your right to work and study in Finland is not limited in any way.
For someone from an English-speaking country like Nigeria, is it mandatory to provide English proficiency document?
Hello dear FORTUNE CHUKWUDI ONYEMAECHI,
Non-EU Students must demonstrate their English language proficiency using an English test if English was not the language of instruction during their prior studies and they are not a student from another member country of the European Union or Economic Area.
Hello,
My wife wants to apply in Bachelor of Business in Finland. it is known to me that she can work up to 25 hours per week during educational period. I Just want to know if I can work full time if I apply for Spouse visa with her?
Hello,
If you have been granted a residence permit based on family relationships, your option to work and study in Finland is not limited in any way.
Team, im going to Finland with My wife student visa as spouse. can i have rights to work there , we are applying for my 6 yrs son also for get any scholarship for his study
You can only work part time.