Immerse yourself in Finland's daily life by attending high school there for a year or a semester and seeing one of Europe's most fascinating nations. As keen readers of both newspapers and library books, Finns frequently have a high level of education, making this a gratifying setting for a distinctive high school experience. One of the best educational systems in the world is known to exist in Finland. Nearly half of its people have a higher education. It should come as no surprise given the wide range of academic options available and the fact that EU students and residents pay no tuition there.
Due to Finland's equal opportunity policy, even for international students, the tuition is quite reasonable, and third-country citizens can enjoy the same rights as other students. However, you will probably require a Finland student visa to study in Finland. Every year, many international students enroll in degree programs in Finland and benefit from a balanced schedule and engaging courses. However, there are a few things you should be aware of regarding the visa and all the administrative issues you will have to deal with.
Steps to Get a Finland Student Visa
Students outside EU/EEA countries must apply for a student visa in Finland. Here are the steps to follow if one is seeking to obtain a residence permit in Finland. Applicants can apply online or offline, both.
Step 1: First, fill out the Residence Permit form from the Finland Immigration website. Fill up the form as instructed and carefully. The form can be submitted digitally or offline at the Finnish Embassy in your country.
Step 2: There will be a set of supporting documents you must submit with the application. Here are the documents you must submit alongside the Finland residence permit application.
- Filled up the Application Form
- Acceptance Letter from the University you have Applied.
- Proof of monetary funds required (6270 euros for a year)
- A valid passport and photos
- Receipt of Application fees paid (€330 for paper-based application and €300 for online)
- A valid Health Insurance coverage proof, at least one year
Step 3: You must submit the application form and all the required documents to the nearest embassy during working hours. Even if the student has applied for a Finland Residence Permit electronically, document verification is necessary in person for the application to proceed further.
Step 4: The next step is to submit your biometrics data to the embassy. The biometrics include the fingerprints of the candidate and photographs. Again, regardless of the application mode, the biometrics has to be in person at the embassy.
Once everything is in place, the visa process takes 60 days. The candidate is sent a mail once the Finland Student permit is issued, and it can be collected at the embassy or sent to the candidate.
Documents Required for the Student Visa Application
These are some of the general documents that apply to all non-EU/EEA citizens:
1. Completed application form
2. Certificate of acceptance from a Finnish higher education institution
3. Proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies. You only need 560 EUR/month (6,720 EUR/year).
4. A valid passport and a passport photo
5. If the attached documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, you will also need official translations
6. Proof that you paid the processing fee of 450 EUR (paper application)/350 EUR (electronic application)
7. International student health insurance
Who can Apply for the Finland Residence Permit for Studies?
Non-EU/EEA students studying in Finland for over three months will need a residence permit to join their program. An application costs up to 360 euros, and renewal fees also apply. Postgraduate students will need a residence permit for scientific research. If you are an EU national, you do not need to apply for a residence permit, but you will need to register your right of residence in Finland, which will cost 54 euros
Types of Finland Residence Permits
Your residence permit can be either an A permit or a B permit.
1. You will be granted an A Permit if you are coming for a higher education degree such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
2. You will be granted a B permit besides a higher education degree.
Benefits of A Permit
1. You can apply for a permanent residence permit after graduating and living in Finland with an A permit for four years.
2. Your family members can be granted an A permit.
3. You can complete some of your studies in another EU Member State.
Benefits of B Permit
1. Your family members can be granted a B permit.
2. Your permit does not give you the right to study in any other EU Member State.
3. You can change the B permit to the A permit.
Requirements for Finland Residence Permit for Studies
1. You need to be able to support in Finland for the entire duration of your studies. You must have at least 560 EUR in your bank account every month.
2. You must show proof of payment in your bank account on how you will finance your stay in Finland during the first year of your studies.
3. You must have 6,720 euros in your bank account when you apply.
4. If you have been granted a scholarship or your educational institution will support your living in Finland, you do not necessarily need to have 560 euros per month at your disposal.
Documents for Residence Permit
1. A valid passport
2. Passport Photo
3. Color copy of the passport page containing your data
4. Acceptance letter from Finland Educational Institute.
5. Bank statement covering the past three months
6. Insurance Certificate
7. Earlier degree certificates
8. Potential certificates of employment if you have done any work previously.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much bank balance is required for a Finland student visa in 2023?
At least 6,720 Euros
2. Is the study gap accepted in Finland?
There is no such restriction for a study gap in Finland, as it accepts students globally.
3. Does Finland need IELTS?
You do not necessarily have to take a test like IELTS or TOEFL.
4. How many hours a student can work in Finland?
Thirty hours per week on average.
5. How much international students can earn in Finland?
Finland has an approval rate of 98.3%.
6. How many study intakes are there in Finland?
Two.
Conclusion
Studying in Finland offers a unique and high-quality educational experience. The country's renowned education system and its equal opportunity policy for international students make it an attractive destination. To obtain a student visa and residence permit, non-EU/EEA students need to follow specific steps and provide essential documents, including proof of financial support. The type of permit granted depends on the level and type of education pursued. For those considering Finland as their study destination, staying informed about the latest requirements and processes is crucial for a successful application.