Study in Finland

If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and your programme lasts longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit for studies from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). You apply once you have been admitted, and you will need to show that your studies are funded and that you have health insurance.

A first residence permit for studies is normally granted for the full planned length of your degree, up to a maximum of two years at a time, and is extended as long as you are making progress.

You can work alongside your studies for an average of 30 hours a week across the year, which works out at 1,560 hours in a calendar year. The limit is an average rather than a weekly cap, so a quiet term can be balanced against a busy summer.

After you graduate you can apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business, which is granted for two years and can be used in instalments within five years of your degree.

Residence Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Granted for the planned length of your studies, up to two years at a time, and extendable while you continue to make progress.
• Work rights: An average of 30 hours a week over the year, equal to 1,560 hours a calendar year. Work connected to your degree, such as a thesis placement, is not limited.
• Eligibility: You need an offer from a Finnish higher education institution, proof of sufficient funds, and valid health insurance for the whole period.
• Financial requirement: At least EUR 800 a month, which comes to EUR 9,600 for a first year.
• Health insurance: Required for the length of the permit. If your degree is two years or longer you may be covered by the Finnish public system once you register as a resident.

Post-Study Permit Key Facts

• Duration: Two years to look for work or start a business, which you can take in separate periods within five years of graduating.
• Work rights: Unrestricted, so you can take any job while you search for a role in your field.
• Eligibility: You must have completed a degree in Finland and apply while your student permit is still valid, or within five years of graduating.
• What happens next: Once you have a job that meets the income requirement you can move onto a residence permit for an employed person.

Immigration rules, fees and funding thresholds are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current requirements with Migri before you apply.