How to Get a Student Visa for Finland In 2024

Are you trying to get a student visa for Finland? If yes then this is the right article for you. Finland is known as the happiest country in the world. It is a top choice for students worldwide because of its great education system, low study costs, and plenty of job opportunities.

To study in Finland, you need a Finland student visa. If your studies last more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. For shorter courses, you will need a short-term visa. 

In this article, we will explain how to get a student visa for Finland, what you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes. Let’s get started. 

Key Takeaways

• There are different types of Finland visas: single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry.
• To be eligible for a student visa, you must first be accepted into a Finnish university and have a clean record with no travel bans or criminal charges.
• Applying for a Finland student visa involves checking eligibility, gathering documents, applying online or in person, and waiting for approval.
• The cost of a student visa for Finland varies based on the application method, either online or in person.
• Processing time for a Finland student visa ranges from 1-3 months.
• Family members of students can also get permits to live in Finland. This can be renewed for up to 4 years.
• With a Finland student visa, you can work part-time during your studies and switch to a work visa after graduation if you find a job.
• After finishing studies, you can stay in Finland by getting a job, applying for a jobseeker’s visa, or doing research.
• Permanent residency in Finland requires living in the country for about 5 years.
• If your student visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision and seek assistance from the Consulate or Embassy.

Why Should You Study in Finland?

If you want to study in Finland it costs less than in the USA, Australia, Canada, and other countries. 

Depending on your course, you might spend around 8000 to 15000 Euros. Living expenses are also cheaper for international students.  

Here are some benefits of studying in Finland:

• Great universities
• Excellent education quality
• Clean environment
• Affordable education
• Low cost of living
• Opportunity to work while studying
• Safe studying environment
• Multicultural and friendly vibe

Do You Need a Student Visa for Finland?

If you are from specific countries or areas like the Schengen Area, the EEA/EU, the US, Japan, and others, you do not need a visa to study in Finland. But if you are not from those places, you are called a third-country national, and you will need a visa for Finland. 

For those who can study without a visa, they can only stay for up to 90 days. If your studies last longer, you must become a temporary resident in Finland until you finish your studies.

Now, if you need a visa, you can apply for either a Schengen visa or a long-term student visa. If your program lasts only 90 days, go for the Schengen study visa.

Types of Finland Visas

In this section, we will talk about the different types of visas for Finland:

• A single-entry visa lets you come into Finland once and stay for up to 90 days in 180 days.
• With the double-entry visa. With this one, you can enter Finland twice. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180 days, just like the single-entry visa.
• Lastly, there is the multiple-entry visa. This visa lets you visit the Schengen area many times in a row. You cannot stay for more than the number of days written on the visa sticker. This type of visa is valid for up to 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements of a Finland Student Visa

To get a student visa, here are the simple criteria that you must fulfill: 

• You must first apply and get accepted into a Finnish university. Make sure you do this before applying for your visa. 
• You cannot have any bans that stop you from traveling to the Schengen Area. 
• You must also have a clean record with no criminal charges, and you cannot pose a threat to Finland or its interests. 

How To Apply for a Finland Student Visa?

Here are the simple steps to get your student visa for Finland:

1. You should check if you can apply for the Finland Visa.
2. Make sure you have all the documents you need
3. Apply for the Finland visa online.
4. After that, wait to see if your visa gets approved.
5. When everything is ready, you can fly to Finland for your studies.

How To Get a Finnish Residence Permit?

Here is how you can get a Finnish residence permit in simple and easy steps:

1. Gather all the documents you need for your application.
2. Fill out your application online or on paper and submit the required documents.
3. Schedule an appointment at a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity.
4. After that, pay for your application either online or at the Finnish Immigration Service office.
5. Attend your appointment and bring the original documents you uploaded.
6. Wait for the Finnish authorities to process your application, which usually takes 1 to 3 months.
7. Once approved, you will receive your residence permit, which you may need to collect when you arrive in Finland.

Documents Required To Get a Student Visa for Finland?

Here is what you need for your visa application:

1. Make sure your passport is valid. It should be issued in the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after you leave Finland.
2. Take a recent photo of yourself following the Schengen visa photo rules.
3. Attach a copy of the main page of your passport.
4. Provide proof that you are enrolled in a study program in Finland.
5. Get international student health insurance that covers emergencies during your stay.
6. Show you have enough money for everyday expenses by having at least €560 in your bank account each month.
7. If you have not paid your tuition fee yet, prove you have enough money to pay it.
8. If you have a scholarship, include proof that it covers your tuition fee.
9. Include documents about your civil status like birth certificates or marriage licenses.
10. You do not need to include certificates for previous degrees unless you are a degree student or an exchange student.

How Much Does a Student Visa for Finland Cost?

The cost of applying for a visa depends on how you do it. If you apply online, it costs €350. If you go in person, it’s €450.

Type of Student Visa	Application Fee	Processing Time
Electronic application fee	€350	1-2 months
Paper application fee	€450	2-3 months

What Is The Processing Time of Student Visa for Finland?

When you apply for a Finnish visa, the time it takes to process depends on whether you do it online or in person.

If you apply online, you can fill out the initial form on the Finnish Immigration Service website. Then, you will need to visit your local embassy to verify your identity and give them the necessary documents.

Online applications usually take about 2-3 months to process. If you apply on paper, it might take around 3 months. The Finnish Immigration Service gives priority to student visa applications.

List of Some of the Best Finland Universities

Finland offers e­xcellent universitie­s. These schools provide outstanding e­ducation and resources. Their quality is top-notch. 

The­ cost of attending a university varies base­d on your chosen program and institution in Finland. 

Here­ are some of Finland’s leading unive­rsities, along with their tuition fee­s:

Name of the University	Tuition Fees (€) Per Year
Aalto University	14,000 – 25,000
University of Helsinki	13,000 – 20,000
Helsinki Metropolia UAS	10,000 – 15,000
University of Oulu	10,000 – 16,000
Åbo Akademi University	8,000 – 16,000
Arcada University of Applied Sciences	6,000 – 12,000
University of Eastern Finland	8,000 – 20,000
Tampere University	8,000 – 16,000
University of Turku	8,000 – 20,000

Course Fee in Finland

Courses	Bachelors Fee ($)	Masters Fee ($)
Engineering	5,000-16,000	9,000-18,000
Medicine	5,000-20,000	8,000-18,000
MBA	5,000-18,000	8,000-22,000
IT	5,000-18,000	9,000-18,000
Arts	8,000-18,000	9,000-16,000
Law	12,000-18,000	10,000-16,500

Scholarships in Finland

Name of the Scholarship	Amount (Per Year)
University of Helsinki Scholarships	13,000–18,000 Euros
Aalto University Scholarship Program	12,000–15,000 Euros
University of Oulu International Scholarships	9,000 – 11,000 Euros
University of Vaasa Scholarships	5,000 – 6,000 Euros
University of Turku Scholarships	4,000 – 11,000 Euros
Tampere University of Applied Sciences Scholarship for International Students	8,000 and 12,000 Euros
UNU-WIDER Visiting Ph.D. Fellowship for International Researchers	18,000 – 21,000 Euros
LUT University Early Bird Scholarship for International Students	6000 Euros
The University of Eastern Finland Tuition Scholarship for International Students	13,000 – 15,000 Euros
University of Jyväskylä Scholarships at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science	5000 Euros

Finland Visa Requirements for Family Members

If you are studying in Finland and you have a residence permit, your family, your spouse and kids, can also get a permit to live with you. They can have it for up to 1 year at first, and then they can renew it for up to 4 years.

If you are studying for a higher education degree, your family can get a longer permit, called an A permit. It can last for 1 year at first and then be extended for up to 4 years.

Can You Work With a Finland Student Visa?

If you have a residence permit for studying in Finland, you can work part-time during your studies. You can do practical training or work on your diploma project related to your degree. 

You are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week, but remember, the average should stay around 30 hours per week over the year. After you finish your studies, if you haven’t found a job yet, you can apply for a permit to search for work. 

You can do this right after graduation or within five years after. This permit allows you to look for a job for up to two years. But if you already have a job lined up after finishing your degree, you can apply for a work permit based on your completed studies in Finland.

How Can You Switch From a Student Visa to a Work Visa?

If you find a job in Finland, you can change your student visa to a work visa or a researcher visa, depending on what you prefer. The work visa usually lasts for a year. But you can renew it if you still have a job.

Can You Stay in Finland After You Graduate?

After finishing your studies in Finland, there are different options for you to stay:

1. If you get a job, you can apply for a work visa. This allows you to keep living in Finland while working.
2. If you do not have a job but want to stay and find work, you can apply for a jobseeker’s visa. This lets you stay in Finland for a year while you search for a job. Once you find one, you need to apply for a regular work permit.
3. If you are interested in doing research, you can apply for a researcher visa. This allows you to work on research projects or at research centers.

Can You Get Permanent Residency via a Student Visa?

When you finish your studies, your student visa ends. To become a permanent resident, you need to live in Finland for about 5 years. A student visa only lasts for two.

If you want to stay in Finland permanently, you need a job or another plan lined up after graduation. This will let you switch from a student visa to a work visa. After spending 5 years in Finland with a work visa, you can apply for permanent residency.

What If Your Student Visa for Finland Is Rejected?

Getting a visa refusal letter can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still study abroad.

• If your residence permit application is rejected, it is often because you did not show enough money to support yourself. 
• If you are not sure how to prove your funds, ask your nearest Consulate or Embassy for help.
• If your application is rejected, the letter will explain how to appeal. Just follow the instructions in the letter.
• When you appeal, the Administrative Court will either say no or send your case back to the Finnish Immigration Service for another look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To get a student visa for Finland, you must be accepted by a Finnish school or a university or vocational institution. But if your studies are online and you do not need to be in Finland, you would not get a permit.

Without a residence permit, you can only study in Finland for up to 90 days. Even if you stay for less time, you still need a visa for a short visit.

If you finish a master’s degree and want to study more in Finland, you will need a permit for scientific research. But if you are doing another degree, you will get a continuous permit, called an A permit.

If you are from a country outside of Europe and plan to study in Finland for more than three months, you will need to get a special permit to study. This permit costs about €360 to apply for, and you will also have to pay again when you renew it.

But if you are from a European country, you do not need a special permit to live and study in Finland. But, you do need to register your stay in Finland. It will cost you around €54.