Study in Finland

How to get admission to a Finnish higher education institute?

Please contact the Finnish Centre for International Mobility CIMO or the institution you are interested in. There are 17 universities and 29 polytechnics in Finland.

CIMO
Universities in Finland
Polytechnics in Finland

How to get funding for studying in Finland?

Non-citizens of Finland can get financial aid for studies in Finland if they live in Finland on a permanent basis for a purpose other than studying. This requires that they are registered as a permanent resident in the Finnish population register system. The purpose of residence in Finland is determined by reference to such matters as the residence permit, registration or acceptance to an educational institution.

If you come to Finland solely for the purpose of attending a school, you cannot get Finnish student financial aid.

Many students in Finland finance their studies with part-time jobs. For vacancies and tips for job hunting contact the recruitment services of your university or consult the webpages of the Ministry of Labour.

KELA - student financial aid
Scholarships on the CIMO webpage
Scholarships on the SYL webpage
Ministry of labour - job search (in Finnish)

How can I get a flat in Finland during my studies?

Every student that studies in a Finnish higher education institution is eligible for a student flat. For more information contact the relevant housing foundation.

How about student health care and insurance?

University students that are members of a student union can get health services through the student health care foundation, FSHS. Please remember that FSHS only provides basic health care services and do not e.g. perform extensive medical operations. FSHS is also closed during the weekends and public holidays.

Having a good medical insurance is not required but strongly recommended!

FSHS (YTHS in Finnish)

Will there be anyone to guide me during my first days of study?

Student unions and/or universities take a good care of their international students. Many student unions are also members of the Erasmus Student Network. To find out what kind of services are available to you, please contact your respective institution or student union (ylioppilaskunta in Finnish).

Can I join a Student Union?

Exchange and foreign degree students are entitled to join the student union if they study in Finland for more than 3 months, if the purpose of their study is reaching a basic university degree (BA or MA) and their studies in Finland are free of any tuition fees. All major student discounts and student health care are linked with the membership of a student union.

Can I get a student card?

As a member of the student union you get a student card that entitles you to various student discounts and health care.

I want to know more about Finland!

Discover Finland
Virtual Finland
Suomi.fi