Your guide to obtaining Finland’s student visa in 5 easy steps!

About Finland’s student visa

Finland is popular for having one of the world’s most effective education systems. Almost half of the population holds an educational degree. 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 will almost certainly require Finland’s student visa to study there.

Who requires a visa to study in Finland?

Third-country nationals must obtain a visa to study in Finland. 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.

Students can only study in Finland without a visa for 90 days; if their program lasts longer, they must register as temporary residents in Finland until they complete their studies. Students whose studies will last up to 90 days should apply for a Schengen study visa.

Finland’s student visa requirements

You must include the following documents for your visa application-

• You must have a valid passport at the time of the application. The officials will consider it valid if your passport was issued within the last ten years and will not expire for another three months after you leave Finland.
• Photograph of your identity- The application must include a recent identity photograph. When taking the photo, adhere to the Schengen visa photo guidelines.
• A copy of the bio page from the passport- In recent years, Finland has required all visa applicants to submit a copy of their passport’s bio page.
• Enrollment documentation- You must submit documentation that you have been accepted into a study program at a Finnish institution.
• Health coverage- You must also furnish foreign student health insurance covering all types of medical emergencies, valid for your stay in Finland.
• Sufficient financial resources- You must have at least €560 in your bank account per month to pay your living expenses while studying.
• 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.
• Scholarship documents- If you receive a scholarship that pays your tuition, you must present a document demonstrating that the scholarship will financially support you.
• Documents proving one’s civil status- These must include paperwork like your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, adoption papers, and so on.

Eligibility

You must meet the following eligibility requirements-

• You must have enrollment at a Finnish university, so you must apply for your study program before applying for your visa.
• You must not have any travel restrictions for the Schengen Area.
• You must be free of all criminal charges.
• You must not endanger Finland or its interests. 

Please remember that the Finnish authorities reserve the right to request additional documentation.

How to apply for Finland’s student visa?

Look at five easy steps to apply for Finland’s student visa-

Step 1- Apply for university

As a potential student in Finland, the first step is identifying a university that fits your study program. You should apply to the university as soon as you have decided on a school. They will grant you a student visa once you get your admission letter. Proof of enrolment is necessary.

Step 2- Apply for a student visa

You can apply for a student visa once the university sends your admission letter. In this instance, you will want a residence permit solely to study. After creating an account, go to the e-service and complete the application form for a residence permit on the basis of a study program.

Fill out the online application form with the necessary information and submit it. You must attach scanned copies of the documents (listed above) to your application.

If you are unable to complete an online application, you may visit a local embassy or consulate and complete a paper application in person.

Step 3- Go to a local Finnish mission

After submitting your application via the e-service, 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.

If you apply in person, you must also provide your fingerprints and pay a fee. They may also request you to attend an interview. The interview aims to understand your personality and why you desire to study in Finland.

Step 4- Wait for an answer

After submitting your application, you must wait patiently for a response. The Finnish Immigration Office prioritizes student applications. Thus, the processing period will be as short as feasible.

When your application is approved, the Finnish Immigration Office will deliver your residence card to the embassy, where you can pick it up and depart for Finland.

Step 5- Go to Finland

Once the officials process your application, you will receive an answer regarding your visa.

You can travel to Finland once your student visa application has been approved. You can register with a local Immigration Office when you arrive in Finland to have your temporary status as an international student registered.

Finland’ss student visa cost

The fee will differ depending on whether you apply online or in person-

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

Processing time

The time it takes to process a Finnish visa depends on whether you apply online or in person.

Although you will still need to visit your local embassy to verify your identity and present supporting papers, you can start by filling out an initial application form on the Finnish Immigration Service website.

Online applications typically take 2-3 months to process, whereas paper applications take 3 months.

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. While attending your program, you can work up to 25 hours a week and full-time during summer breaks.

What to do if the officials reject your permit?

Receiving a visa refusal letter is never pleasant, 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.

Key takeaways

• International students can enjoy a warm and welcoming environment in Finland, along with an exceptional education system of excellent quality. 
• To apply for a student visa, prospective students must have been accepted into a recognized Finnish educational institution.
• The application process for a student visa involves submitting necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of admission, financial statements, and insurance coverage.
• Health insurance coverage is also required for the duration of the studies.
• It is usually permissible for students to work part-time while they are studying.

Immerse yourself in Finland’s innovative and inclusive education system while experiencing the captivating beauty of its landscapes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in studying abroad and want information on international universities.

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FAQs

Q1. What is Finland’s student visa success rate?

Answer- Approximately 95% of students receive a positive response to their residency permit decision.

Q2. Can you extend your student visa to Finland?

Answer- Extending your student visa in Finland is possible if your studies require additional time. To avoid any immigration issues, it is important to submit an extension request before your present visa expires. The extension will typically be granted if you can demonstrate that you are still enrolled in an educational institution and meet the financial requirements for your extended stay.

Q3. How much income is required for Finland’s student visa?

Answer- To obtain a student visa in Finland for a master’s or bachelor’s degree, you must have a minimum of 560 euros per month or 6,720 euros per year. It is necessary to have at least 6,720 Euros in your bank account at the time of your visa application.