If you want to study in Finland, you will need a Finland student visa to stay in the country for more than 90 days. This document has a long processing time, so you should plan to spend as much time as possible applying for a student visa to Finland. Of course, we want to enter Finland before our classes to make room for change in our new country.
Many international students enroll in Finnish courses each year and enjoy a balanced schedule and online courses, but there are some things you need to know about visas and all the bureaucratic tasks you will need to solve.
Who can study and work in Finland without visa?
Students from Sweden, Norway, Iceland or Denmark can live, study and work in Finland without restrictions, although they will still need to register with local authorities. EU / EEA citizens do not need to apply for a visa or residence permit before arriving in the country and can register to obtain a residence permit once in the country.
Citizens of non-EU / EEA countries may need to apply for a tourist visa and student residence permit at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate or online before arriving in Finland. If you are not sure if you need a visa to enter Finland, contact the nearest Finnish embassy.
Why do international students study in Finland a lot?
Finland has really set a benchmark for other countries by providing its citizens with higher incomes, a unique and world-renowned education system, and health care for all! It also attracts many international students from all over the world every year thanks to carefully designed courses, the best universities, academic freedom, and the economic cost of studying.
Student work is a valuable part and experience of student life before entering the labor market. Similarly, most universities allow students to work part-time either in the evenings or on weekends. Moreover, most students try to find work in the summer, from June to the end of August.
Can you work in Finland as an international student?
Students who are Nordic or EEA nationals do not need special permits to work in Finland. Other international students may work within certain limits on a residence permit provided for study, if the work is practical training included in the degree, or if the amount of part-time work does not exceed 25 hours per week.
To find the best job in the city where you will live, the best advice is to take the initiative and communicate. In addition, Finland may have different job search habits, and it is better to get to know it to have a better chance of finding a job.
Documents required to get Finland Student Visa
- You must have a valid passport at the time of application. Your passport is considered valid if it has been issued within the last 10 years and will not expire for another three months after leaving Finland.
- Identification picture. A recent face image should be part of the program. Follow the rules of the Schengen visa when taking photos.
- A copy of the biographical page of your passport. In recent years, Finland has now required applicants to attach a copy of the biographical page of their passport for any type of visa.
- Proof of enrollment. You need to provide proof that you have been accepted into the curriculum at the University of Finland.
- Medical Insurance. You must also provide international student health insurance, which covers all types of emergency care and is valid during your stay in Finland.
- Sufficient financial resources. You must have at least 560 euros per month in your personal bank account to cover your daily tuition costs.
- Confirmation of payment of tuition fees. You must include a certificate confirming that you have paid the tuition fee, if you have not done so, you need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to pay.
- Evidence of scholarship. If you are a beneficiary of a scholarship that covers tuition fees, you need to provide a certificate confirming that you will be financially supported by the scholarship.
- Civil status documents. This applies to documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, adoption certificates, etc.
- Previous diplomas. They are not required for students and exchange students.
How to Get Finland Student Visa
· Submit documents to the university
As a potential prospective student in Finland, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that is suitable for your study program. Once you have in mind the school, you should apply to the university. If you are not accepted, you will not receive a student visa. Proof of enrollment is required.
· Apply for a student visa
After receiving the letter of acceptance, you can apply for a student visa. In this case, you actually need a residence permit based on education. The application process for permission begins with creating a user account here. After creating an account, select the application form for a residence permit on the basis of the curriculum in the electronic service.
· Fill in the online application with the correct information and submit the application.
You must add scanned copies of the required documents (see above) to your application. If you happen to be unable to fill out an online application, you can visit your local embassy or consulate and fill out a paper application in person.
· Fill in the questionnaires with the necessary documents
To obtain a student visa to Finland, you must complete the application form in digital or paper form. If you choose digital, you can start your application on their WEBSITE. On the other hand, if you answer the form in paper form, you will apply with the attached documents and submit them to the Finnish Embassy nearby. The application form consists of six parts (SECTION A-F). Please fill in all the information and documents required by the Finnish Immigration Service.
· Make an appointment.
You need to make an appointment regardless of whether you are applying online or in paper form. The purpose of your visit is to confirm your identity. You can view, contact and book an appointment at your Finnish embassies HERE.
· Pay the application fee
After submitting the application form and registering for the meeting, you can now pay the fee for applying for a student visa to Finland. The amount has been mentioned before and you can pay it through online banking or cash if you apply in paper form.
· Attend the scheduled appointment
During the reception, be sure to come to the interview on time to avoid delays. They will check the information you provide and check the originals of the documents. In addition, biometric analysis will be performed.
· Wait for an answer
The usual processing time for an online residence permit is one to three months, while for a paper application it can be slower, ie two to three months. In addition, it is not advisable to go to Finland in anticipation of the results. If this happens, you need to re-apply in Finland, provide new documents and make new payments.
· Get results
After months of waiting, you can get the results of your application. The Embassy of Finland will send a call, text message or e-mail indicating the decision. If your application is satisfied, you will be able to fly to Finland with a residence permit. If the application for a residence permit is rejected, you can still appeal the new decision. Please note the instructions on how to file an appeal if your application is rejected. Usually the residence permit is denied because
· Flight to Finland
After all applications for a residence permit, you can book a flight and fly to Finland. Upon entering the country, present the necessary documents, such as a passport and residence permit. After graduation, here’s the good news: the Finnish government will extend the job search permit for one year.
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