🇫🇮 Finland · Study Abroad
How to study in Finland as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Finland you apply to the university, then, once admitted, apply for a student residence permit through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), proving funds and insurance. EU/EEA students study tuition-free; non-EU/EEA students pay tuition but can seek the Finland Scholarship. Many programs are in English. Explore Study in Finland and apply by the deadline.
International students apply to Finnish institutions, then non-EU/EEA students generally apply to Migri for a residence permit for studies. Finland is an EU/Schengen country, so admission, tuition, insurance and permit timing should be planned together.
- Studyinfo.fi is the official application portal for many higher-education programmes.
- Non-EU/EEA students normally need Migri residence-permit approval for longer studies.
- Student permits can include work rights, but hours and conditions must be checked on the current Migri page.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your program and apply to the university; many programs are in English. Explore Study in Finland.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
Apply for a student residence permit through Migri, proving funds and insurance; non-EU/EEA students pay tuition but can seek the Finland Scholarship.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study in Finland
Official country study portal.
- Migri — studying in Finland
Official study-residence-permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Migri?
The Finnish Immigration Service, which processes student residence permits and other immigration applications.
Do I pay tuition in Finland?
EU/EEA students study free; non-EU/EEA students pay tuition but can apply for the Finland Scholarship, which waives first-year fees.
Are programs in English?
Yes — Finland offers many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs; check the language of instruction for each.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.