Finland Guide

Finland Student Residence Permit: Funds, Tuition and Work Rights

Finland grants student residence permits for the entire duration of a degree, allows meaningful part-time work, and offers a generous post-study job search permit. The trade-off is strict financial requirements: you must prove real, accessible funds for living costs, and tuition fees for non-EU students are substantial unless you win a scholarship.

Quick checklist

Secure admission first; the permit application needs your study place certificate.
Show living funds of at least around EUR 800 per month, roughly EUR 9,600 for a year, in your own name.
Show tuition paid or payable, or a scholarship letter covering it.
Funds must sit in an account you control; agent-arranged "show money" leads to refusals and bans.
Students can work up to 30 hours per week on average during the permit.
Plan around the post-study permit: graduates can stay to look for work.

Money: the make-or-break requirement

Finland expects students to hold at least around 800 euros per month for living costs, roughly 9,600 euros for a year, in an account in the student's own name, on top of first-year tuition paid or demonstrably available. Non-EU tuition at Finnish universities typically runs 6,000 to 18,000 euros per year, with scholarships of 50 to 100 percent common for strong applicants. Migri checks that funds are genuine and stable; borrowed money parked briefly in an account is the classic refusal pattern, and misrepresentation poisons future applications.

The whole-degree permit and working

Student permits are now granted for the full length of the degree rather than year by year, removing annual renewals, though you must still hold sufficient funds and insurance and make study progress. Students may work up to 30 hours per week on average, averaged over the year, so a heavy month is fine if the average holds. Part-time work in English exists in cities, cleaning, food delivery, restaurant and warehouse work, but is competitive; do not build your funding plan on finding a job quickly.

After graduation

Graduates of Finnish institutions can apply for a permit to look for work or start a business, usable for up to two years within five years of graduating, one of Europe's more generous post-study windows. Many South Asian graduates convert to specialist permits once hired. Note the residence-time rules for permanent residence changed in January 2026 (see the permanent residence topic in this guide), so factor the longer horizon into your settlement plans from the start.

Common questions

Student Permit FAQs

How much money must I show for a Finland student permit?

At least around 800 euros per month of your intended stay, so roughly 9,600 euros for a year, in your own account, plus tuition paid or covered by scholarship. Check migri.fi for the current figure before applying, as it is adjusted over time.

Can I work while studying in Finland?

Yes, up to an average of 30 hours per week, with no limit during periods when your institution has no teaching, such as summer. The average is assessed over the year. Income from part-time work helps but cannot replace the required proof of funds at application time.

Is studying in Finland free?

Not for non-EU students: bachelor's and master's programs taught in English charge tuition, typically 6,000 to 18,000 euros per year, though scholarships are widespread. Doctoral study is generally tuition-free. Finnish- or Swedish-taught degrees are also tuition-free, but require language skills few new arrivals have.

How to use this page

Read the checklist first to see what needs preparing.
Use the sections below for the reasoning behind each step.
Check the FAQs for common edge cases.
Confirm current Finnish rules on migri.fi and infofinland.fi before you act.