Finland Student Visa 2027
If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and plan to study in Finland for more than three months, you need a residence permit for studies Finland doesn’t have a separate “student visa” for long stays, so the permit is what you apply for.
This guide explains the steps in plain language, based on Migri’s own pages and Helsinki University’s guidance.
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Before you apply
You can only apply once you have a confirmed study place. You will need your certificate of acceptance from the Finnish institution.
If your programme charges tuition, you must pay before you arrive and attach proof to your application. If you pay later, Migri says you must already hold the money in your bank account when you apply.
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Money you need to show
Migri’s main student permit page says you need at least EUR 800 per month for living costs. For a one-year permit, that means EUR 9,600 in your account when you submit your application. Your institution’s financial support may replace this requirement.
Note that some older Migri checklist pages still show EUR 6,720 for a year (EUR 560 per month). They appear to be outdated, so use the higher figures and check the current Migri page before you apply.
The money must be in your own account or shown by a scholarship certificate from an official body. Sponsorship guarantees and statements from private individuals are not accepted.
Health insurance
You need private insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical costs, valid when you arrive. A Kela card, EHIC, or UK GHIC means you don’t need separate insurance.
For studies of a year or more, your insurance and passport must be valid for at least a year from arrival.
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How to apply, step by step
- Get your study place and acceptance certificate.
- Create an account on Enter Finland and fill in the form, entering details exactly as in your passport.
- Attach only the documents the instructions ask for, plus your planned arrival date.
- Pay the fee online by credit card or Finnish online banking. Online costs less than paper.
- Book an appointment at a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity and give fingerprints. Processing doesn’t start until your fingerprints are taken.
- Track your application in Enter Finland. Updates and requests for more information come by email.
You can apply on paper using form OLE_OPI if you can’t apply online but paper applications take longer to reach the Immigration Service.
Fee and processing time
We couldn’t find the fee amount on the pages we read. Check Migri’s official fee page. Migri’s stated maximum is 90 days, but Helsinki University warns it can take several months, especially if your application is incomplete.
Applications are processed in order, and contacting Migri doesn’t speed things up. After approval, the card takes a few weeks to be produced and mailed.
Work rights
Students can work an average of 30 hours per week, about 1,560 hours per year. You may work full-time during holidays if your yearly average stays within the limit. Internships or diploma work required by your degree don’t count if agreed in advance and credited.
FAQs
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Do I need a visa to study in Finland?
For more than three months, you need a residence permit for studies. Finland doesn’t use a separate long-stay student visa.
How much money do I need?
EUR 800 per month, or EUR 9,600 for a one-year permit, per Migri’s main student page.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, an average of 30 hours per week.
How long does it take?
Migri’s maximum is 90 days, but it can take several months in practice.
Do I have to give fingerprints?
Yes, at a Finnish embassy or consulate. Other countries’ missions can’t take them.
What is the application fee?
Not specified in the pages we checked. Check Migri’s fee page.