Finland stands out as an excellent destination for international students seeking quality education. The country warmly welcomes non-EU or EEA students to apply for a student visa to pursue various academic programs, including graduate, postgraduate, and master’s courses.
For shorter courses lasting less than 3 months, students can apply for a short-term student visa. However, for long-term studies extending beyond 1 year, such as degree programs, students are granted a student residence permit valid for one year. This permit can be renewed as needed, depending on the duration of the course.
Finland Student Visa Requirements
Third-country nationals require a visa to study in Finland, excluding individuals from:
The Schengen Area or the EEA/EU.
Countries such as the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and others with a visa agreement with Finland.
Students eligible to study in Finland without a visa can do so for up to 90 days. For longer study programs, registration as temporary residents in Finland is necessary until studies are completed.
International students needing a visa can apply for either a Schengen visa or a long-term student visa.
Finland Student Visa Requirements:
Essential documents required for your visa application:
- Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid for the next three months beyond your planned departure from Finland.
- Identity Picture:
Provide a recent identity picture adhering to Schengen visa photo guidelines.
- Passport Bio Page:
Attach a copy of your passport’s bio page.
- Proof of Enrollment:
Provide evidence of acceptance into a study program at a Finnish university.
- Health Insurance:
Obtain international student health insurance covering all medical emergencies during your stay.
- Financial Means:
Demonstrate financial capability with a minimum of €560 per month in your bank account.
- Paid Tuition Fee:
Include a certificate confirming payment of tuition fees or proof of financial means to cover them.
- Scholarship Evidence:
If supported by a scholarship, provide a certificate confirming financial support.
- Civil Status Documents:
Birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, or adoption papers.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for a student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled at a Finnish university.
- No travel bans for the Schengen Area.
- No criminal charges.
- Not a danger to Finland and its interests.
How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa?
Follow these steps to apply for a Finland Student Visa:
Apply for University:
Choose and apply to a Finnish university offering your desired study program.
Apply for Student Visa:
Upon acceptance, apply for a student visa/residence permit based on studying.
Visit Finnish Mission:
Visit a local Finnish embassy to prove identity, submit fingerprints, and pay the application fee.
Wait for Response:
Await a decision on your visa application.
Travel to Finland:
Once approved, travel to Finland to commence your studies.
Application Procedure:
Apply to a university first.
After acceptance, apply for a student visa/residence permit.
Fill the online application or visit a local embassy/consulate.
Provide necessary documents, fingerprints, and pay the fee.
Attend an interview if required, to discuss your study intentions.
Residence Permit Processing Time in Finland
- Duration: The processing of your application may take between 1 to 5 months.
- Collection: You can collect your residence permit upon your arrival in Finland.
Working with a Residence Permit
- Eligibility: International students holding a residence permit.
- Work Hours: Students are allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during the program and full-time during vacation breaks, provided the work is related to their course.
Working in Finland while Studying
- Eligibility: International students with a residence permit.
- Work Hours: During the program, students can work 25 hours per week and full-time during summer breaks if the work is relevant to their course.
Finland Dependent Visa
- Eligibility: Spouse and children of a student with a residence permit.
- Application: Spouse and children must independently apply for a permit.
- Processing: Finnish immigration authorities will endeavor to process applications together.
- Financial Requirement: Proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in Finland is necessary.
Finland Student Visa Cost
- Long-term Resident Permit: Online applications cost between 350 to 500 Euros, while offline applications cost between 450 to 550 Euros.
- Short-term Visa (up to 90 days): Costs approximately 80 to 100 Euros.
Finland Student Visa Processing Time
- Online Application: Typically takes 2 to 4 months.
- Offline Application: Generally takes 3 to 5 months.
- Course Options: Finland encourages international students to pursue graduate, postgraduate, and master’s courses.
