Finland Study Visa Support

Admission runs on entrance examinations

Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences select international applicants substantially through entrance examinations, often delivered online with supervised elements, sometimes through a shared national admissions round.

This is good news for a strong candidate from a less famous university, because performance on the examination counts for more than institutional reputation. It is bad news for anyone who applies without preparing for it.

Funds and insurance

• A set amount per year must be available to you, in your own account, for living costs — scholarships covering living costs can count where documented.
• Insurance requirements have specific minimum cover levels, and the level required depends on how long your studies last.
• For courses under two years the cover requirement is higher, because you do not enter the municipal system.
• A policy that does not meet the stated threshold is a straightforward refusal, and it is a common one.

The application

Applications go to Migri, the Finnish Immigration Service, online, followed by an appointment to prove identity. The permit issued is a residence permit for studies, granted for the duration of the programme where the funds support it.

Processing has a published service standard, and applications from students with complete documentation move noticeably faster than average — the delays are almost always missing evidence rather than queue length.

Language and cost

English-taught programmes are widespread at both Bachelor's and Master's level. Non-EU students pay tuition, with scholarships commonly reducing it substantially for good candidates. Finnish is not needed for study but matters a great deal for working during or after it.