Finland Student Visa in 2024: Complete Guide

As a popular destination for studying abroad, Finland offers its students a unique opportunity to pursue high-quality education in an engaging environment. The Finland student visa success rate 2024 is estimated to be 95%. The recently hired Finland’s new Minister of Education, Andres Adlercreutz, was himself a study abroad student who studied in Portugal in 1987 and has been hosting international students on their student exchange journeys to Finland. Let’s dive into Finland’s student visa requirements, how to apply, and what to do if the officials reject your permit.

About Finland’s Student Visa

Half of Finland’s population holds an educational degree, and it has one of the world’s most effective education systems. It’s no wonder, given that it has various study programs and has no tuition fees for its inhabitants or students from the EU.

Even for international students, tuition is quite reasonable, and under Finland’s equal chances legislation, third-country nationals have the same rights as other students. However, as a third-country national, you must fulfill Finland visa requirements for a student visa to study there.

Who Requires a Visa to Study in Finland?

If you are a third-country national, you must obtain a Finland study visa. Who is a third-country national? 

A third-country national is someone who is not from one of the countries listed below:

• The Schengen Zone or the European Economic Area/EU.
• The countries with a visa agreement with Finland do not require a visa to study in the nation. Some countries include the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

You can study in Finland without a visa for 90 days; if your programs last longer then you must register as a temporary resident in Finland until you complete your studies. 

If you are a student whose studies last up to 90 days, you should apply for a Schengen study visa instead.

Finland’s Student Visa Requirements

The following are the documents required for your Finland student visa application:

Finland’s Student Visa Requirements	Explanation
A valid passport	You must have a valid passport at the time of your application.
Recent Photograph	You must include a recent photograph in your application for identification according to Schengen visa photo guidelines.
Enrollment Documentation	You must submit documentation that you have been accepted into a study program at a Finnish institution.
Health Insurance	You must also furnish foreign student health insurance covering all types of medical emergencies, valid for your stay in Finland.
Sufficient Finacial resource	You must have at least €560 in your bank account per month to pay your living expenses while studying.
Scholarship Documents	If you have received a scholarship that pays your tuition fees, you must present a document demonstrating that the scholarship will financially support you.
Proof of tuition payment	You must include a document demonstrating that you have paid your tuition charge; if you still need to, you must offer evidence that you have sufficient financial means to pay the fee.

Finland Student Visa Eligibility

To procure your student visa, you must meet the following Finland visa requirements:

Finland Student Visa Eligibility	Explanation
Enrollment at Finnish university	You must apply for a study program before applying for a visa, as you will be required to show enrollment at a Finnish university
Travel Restrictions for the Schengen Area	You must not have any travel restrictions for the Schengen area
No Criminal Charges	You must not have any criminal charges or a criminal background

How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa

To apply for a Finland Student Visa, you need to follow the following five steps:

Apply for a Finland Student Visa	Explanation
Apply for University	Your first step should be identifying a university that fits in  your study program as showing proof of enrolment is necessary because, on the basis of your admission letter, you will be granted a student visa
Gather Required Documents	Gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. The essential documents are: A valid passport Acceptance letter from a Finnish university Proof of tuition fee payment Proof of financial resources ( 560 euros each month for living expenses)
Go to Local Finnish Submission	You must visit the embassy to establish your identity and submit your fingerprints. Bring all the documentation you submitted through the online service. You must also pay the application cost at the embassy/consulate. They may also request that you attend an interview. The interview aims to understand your personality and why you desire to study in Finland.
Wait for a feedback	You must wait patiently for a response, After submitting your application. The processing period will be as short as feasible because the Finnish Immigration Office prioritizes student applications.

Finland Student Visa Cost

The fee differs depending on whether you apply online or offline.

• The online application fee is €350. 
• The fee for submitting a paper application is €450.

Finland Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time depends on whether you submitted your application online or offline. 

• The online application typically takes 2-3 months to process.
• Whereas the paper application takes 3 months to process.

Working With a Finnish Student Residence Permit

If you are an international student with a residence permit in Finland, you can work as long as the job relates to your course of study. Besides,  in the year 2023, Finland approved a total of 34,557 work-based permits. Moreover, Finland approved 80.5% of applications from Indian nationals, which increases Finland work visa success rate for Indians. (link for stats shown)

• Hours: You can work up to 30 hours per week on average.
  
• Field of Study: You can work in any field related to your field of study.
  
• Research or Doctoral Studies: Students in research and doctoral programs need a separate residence permit for scientific research, which will be valid for up to 2 years.

Related Blogs:

• Finland study visa: Quick guide to residency and process
• Study in Finland for International Students in 2024
• Study in Finland | 5 Things you need to know before studying here!
• Study in Finland for Indian students | A comprehensive guide

What to Do if the Officials Reject Your Permit?

Receiving a visa refusal letter is never pleasant and can be devastating too, but it does not have to mean the end of your study abroad ambitions.

• Residence permit applications are typically denied because students lack sufficient financial documentation. If you need help showing your funds, contact your nearest Consulate or Embassy for assistance.
• If they give you an adverse decision, you will be told how to appeal. Officials include further instructions in the rejection letter.
• Once the Administrative Court receives your appeal, they will either reject it or send it back to the Finnish Immigration Service for further processing.

Summary

Finland offers an excellent opportunity for international students to experience world-class education in a serene and happy environment. If you’re a third-country national, you’ll need to obtain a student visa to study there. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to securing a Finland student visa in 2024. Key steps include enrolling in a Finnish university, gathering the necessary documents (e.g., passport, proof of finances, health insurance), and applying either online or offline. The Finland visa processing time can vary from 2-3 months, and the visa costs range from €350 to €450. As to be noted, Finland visa success rate 2024  is 95%. Additionally, students with a residence permit can work up to 30 hours per week, provided the job is related to their field of study. In the case of visa rejection, an appeals process is available.

FAQs

Ques: Who needs a student visa to study in Finland?

Ans: Any third-country national (non-EU/EEA) who plans to study in Finland for longer than 90 days will need a student visa or residence permit need a student visa to study in Finland.

Ques: What are the requirements for a Finland student visa?

You need a:

• valid passport
•  proof of enrollment at a Finnish university
• proof of health insurance
• evidence of financial resources (€560 per month)
•  document confirming tuition fee payment

Ques: How much does a Finland student visa cost?

Ans: The cost depends on the mode of application you choose to apply for a Finland student visa. The online visa application fee is €350, while the fee for a paper application is €450.

Ques: How long does it take to process a Finland student visa?

Ans: The processing time depends on the mode you choose to submit your student visa application. If it is an online application, the processing time is 2-3 months. For paper applications, it takes approximately 3 months.

Ques: Can I work while studying with a Finland student visa?

Ans: Yes, international students can work up to 30 hours per week, provided the work is related to their field of study.

Ques: What if my studies last less than 90 days?

Ans: If your study program is less than 90 days, you may apply for a Schengen study visa instead of a student residence permit.