Opiskelu Suomessa
Foreigners are welcome to study in Finnish educational institutions. Foreign students require a residence permit for the duration of their studies if the period of study exceeds three months.
Applications for the first residence permit are usually lodged at a Finnish Embassy in the country of residence of the applicant. Information on the application procedure and the necessary documents is available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service (maahanmuuttovirasto). Applications for extending permits are dealt with by the local police.
EU nationals and people with equivalent nationalities do not require a residence permit. They must, however, register their rights of residency at the local police station in Finland if the stay exceeds three months.
Not all students qualify for a residence permit. Studies must usually be aimed towards a profession or a qualification. Information on the kinds of studies for which you can obtain a residence permit is available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
Further information about the granting of student residence permits can be obtained from the Finnish Immigration Service website in Finnish, Swedish, English, French and Russian.
Income in Finland
In most cases it is necessary to investigate the financial means of students who wish to study in Finland. For example, you may be asked to have some money in your bank account. More information on the topic is available in the section on”Income Requirement” on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto).
People who enter Finland to study are not considered Permanent Residents of Finland. Such people are thus not eligible for social security from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland Kela. Further details from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland Kela website in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Working as a student
If you wish, you can work during your studies, although the extent of work allowed is restricted. More information on the topic is available in the section on “Is a student allowed to work while studying” on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
Further information
Info Bank’s Education page includes information on the Finnish education system and various educational alternatives.
The website for the Finnish Immigration Service has more information on the topic in the following languages:
English
Finnish
Swedish