Step By Step Guide To Obtaining A Finland Student Visa

Finland is regarded for having one of the world’s greatest education systems. Almost half of the population has a higher education. It’s no wonder, given that it offers a wide range of academic programs and has no tuition fees for its inhabitants or students from the EU.

Even for international students, tuition is quite reasonable, and pursuant to Finland’s equal chances legislation, third-country nationals have the same rights as any other student. However, as a third-country national, you will almost certainly require a Finland student visa to study there.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Finland?

Third-country nationals need a visa to study in Finland. Anyone who is not from the countries listed below is a third-country national:

• The Schengen Area or the EEA/EU.
• The US., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, and any other country that has a visa agreement with Finland.

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. International students who want a visa to study in the United States can apply for either a Schengen visa or a long-term student visa. Students whose studies will last no more than 90 days should apply for a Schengen study visa.

Finland Student Visa Requirements

These are the required documents you need to attach to your visa application:

• You must have a valid passport at the time of your application. Your passport is considered valid if it was issued during the last 10 years and it won’t expire for another three months after you depart Finland.
• Identity picture. A recent identity picture must be part of the application. Follow the Schengen visa photo rules when you take the picture.
• Copy of your passport’s bio page. In recent years Finland now requires applicants for any type of visa to attach a copy of their passport’s bio page.
• Proof of enrollment. You need to provide proof that you were accepted for a study program at a university in Finland.
• Health insurance. You must also provide international student health insurance that covers all kinds of medical emergencies and is valid during your stay in Finland.
• Sufficient financial means. You must have at least €560 in your personal bank account per month that covers everyday expenses during your studies.
• Proof of paid tuition fee. You must include a certificate proving that you have paid your tuition fee, if you haven’t done so then you need to provide evidence that you have enough financial means to pay the fee.
• Evidence of scholarship. If you are the beneficiary of a scholarship that covers your tuition fee then you need to provide a certificate proving that you will be supported financially by the scholarship.
• Civil status documents. This refers to documents such as your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, adoption paper, etc.
• Previous certificate degrees. These are not required for degree students and exchange students.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for a student visa you must also meet these criteria:

• You must be enrolled at a university in Finland, which means you must apply for your study program before you apply for your visa.
• You must have no travel bans for the Schengen Area.
• You must have no criminal charges.
• You must not be a danger to Finland and its interests.

*Please note that the Finnish authorities reserve the right to ask for any extra required documents.

How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa?

This is how you apply for a Finland Student Visa:

• Apply for university.
• Apply for a student visa.
• Go to a local Finnish mission.
• Wait for an answer.
• Go to Finland

Apply for university

As a potential future student in Finland, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that suits your study program. As soon as you have a school in mind then you should apply at the university. If you are not accepted, you won’t receive a student visa. Proof of enrollment is obligatory.

Apply for a student visa

After receiving your admission letter, apply for a student visa. In this scenario, studying requires a residence authorization. Create a user account here to apply for the permit. After creating an account, select the e-service’s “residence permit on the grounds of a study program” application form.

Fill out the online application correctly and submit it. You must submit scanned copies of the above papers with your application. You can submit a paper application at a local embassy or consulate if you can’t apply online.

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 of 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 will also be required to provide your fingerprints and pay a fee. You may also be requested to attend an interview. The purpose of the interview is to obtain a sense of your personality and the reasons you desire to study in Finland.

Wait for an answer

You must wait for a response after applying. The Finnish Immigration Office prioritizes student applications, so processing is fast.

The duration will vary if the embassy calls you to submit missing documents, but the average period to consider an application is 1–3 months. After your application is approved, the Finnish Immigration Office will mail your residence card to the embassy, where you can pick it up and travel for Finland.

Go to Finland

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

How Much Does a Finland Student Visa Cost?

The cost of the fee will depend on whether you apply through the e-service or in person.

• The fee for the online application: €350
• The fee for the paper application: €450

How Long Is a Finland Student Visa Valid?

A Finland student visa is valid for two years. If your study program lasts less than two years then the visa will be valid only for the duration of your study program.

Extending the Finland Student Visa

Your visa is valid for the duration of your program, if for some reason your study program is taking longer then you can extend your student permit until your studies are finished.

Can I Bring My Family Members With Me?

Yes, you can. Your family can apply for a residence permit on the basis of family ties. Afterward, they can switch to a resident permit on the basis of work if they are employed.

Can I Work With a Finland Student Visa?

You can freely work with a student visa if your work is related to your degree, however, if you work other jobs, you’re allowed to work only 25 hours per week during your semester.

Can I Stay After I Graduate?

Yes, you can. There are several options available for international students who want to stay in Finland after their study program is finished.

• Work visa – If you find a job after you graduate then you can apply for a work visa and continue living in Finland with a permit on the basis of employment.
• Job-seekers visa – If you don’t have a job but you wish to stay and work in Finland, then you can apply for a visa that lets you stay for one year in Finland as you look for a job. Once you have a job you must apply for a regular work permit.
• Researcher visa – If you wish to work within a research project or at a research center you can apply for a researcher visa. This visa allows you to work only in this field.

Switching From Student Visa to a Work Visa

If you manage to secure a job in Finland then you can switch your student visa to a work visa, or a researcher visa, depending on where your interest lay. The work visa is usually valid for a year but it can be extended as long as you have a job.

Can I Get Permanent Residency via a Student Visa?

The student visa expires after your studies are completed. To obtain permanent residency, you must have been a regular resident of Finland for at least 5 years. A student visa is only valid for two years.

If you want to apply for permanent residency, you must have a job, internship, research project, etc., lined up for you after graduation so that you may transition from a student visa to a work visa. After 5 years in Finland on a work visa, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.