When it comes to education, Finland is known for being among the top nations. It has a fascinating and diversified culture that places a great value on education. Finland boasts the largest percentage of students who choose to pursue higher education globally, and its unique educational system has served as a model for other countries all over the world.

Why Go To Universities In Finland?

In Finland, all instructors are expected to hold a Master's degree, and they are chosen from the top 10% of graduates. This demonstrates the importance that Finland places on education. In the top 500 of the 2022 QS World University Rankings are seven of the nation's universities.

One of the most effective higher education systems in the world is that of Finland. In 2017, it welcomed more than 23,000 foreign students who picked Finland. Finland is the ideal location for international students because of its close ties to the rest of Europe. This gives you the ability to travel and see different cultures while you're studying.

About Finland

Finland, a country with a population of more than 5.5 million people, is situated in Northern Europe and borders Russia, Norway, and Sweden. Due to the severe weather in the north, the bulk of people reside in the southern part of the country. As a result, it is the EU member state with the lowest population density.

Finland proclaimed its independence following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and in 1918 it became a republic. Finland was repeatedly attempted to be occupied during World War II, but it was never successful. The nation developed a formal neutrality stance once it joined the UN in 1955.

The short, pleasant summers and long, icy winters that characterise Finland's climate are well-known. The north and south of the country experience slightly different climatic conditions. Finnish winters typically last 100 days, and the inland is frequently covered with snow at all times. Finland has very harsh winters, but the stunning countryside is even more wonderful when covered in snow, so enjoy it while you can!

The Price Of Living And Studying In Finland

There is a possibility that you might be eligible to receive free education in Finland. You do not need to pay tuition if you are a student from an EU/EEA nation or Switzerland. This also holds true for Ph.D. students, exchange students, and students who have a permanent address in the EU/EEA. A minor charge, usually around €40, may still be required for you to join the university's student union.

You must pay tuition if you wish to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree and are from a nation outside of the EU/EEA. While the price of education varies amongst universities, it typically falls between €6,000 and €18,000. Contact your preferred college to learn more details about your course expenses. Prior to starting your studies, your costs must be paid. Once they are completed, you can begin the process of obtaining a residence permit. In the event that you must pay tuition, you might be qualified for a scholarship; to learn more, get in touch with the school of your choice.

In Finland, you have two options for finding housing: either work with your institution or the foundation that manages student housing, or choose private renting. The less expensive option will be some type of student housing. Your living expenses will be more than they would be in a smaller town or city if you decide to study there.

It is advised that you set up between €700 and €900 each month for your living expenses. This includes lodging, transportation, meals, and course materials. Additionally, you must ensure that you have current health insurance, and having a little emergency fund is usually helpful. You are free to work a part-time job while you are a student as long as you are from an EU/EEA nation or Switzerland. However, you must make sure that your studies come first. It is not advised that you rely on a part-time job to pay for your education. You may work as an international student during the academic year, but only for up to 25 hours per week. Outside of school hours, there are no time restrictions on employment. You should not, however, depend on a salary to pay for your education. It would be advantageous to speak a little Finnish if you wanted to get a job. Health insurance is a further expenditure to take into account. If you have an EHIC card, you can receive the same medical care as other Finns without having to buy health insurance. To study in Finland, you must obtain health insurance if you do not already have an EHIC card. Your insurance must adhere to a number of regulations. For instance, if your studies will take less than 2 years, your insurance must cover medical costs up to €100,000, and if they will take more than 2 years, your insurance must cover medical costs up to €30,000. Your insurance deductible also cannot be higher than €300. It is acceptable for you to obtain health insurance from a domestic insurer or an overseas insurer. 

Student Visas For Finland

To live and study in Finland, you might need to apply for a student residency permit, depending on your country.

For your studies, you won't require a visa or residence permit if you're an EU/EEA student. However, you must register your residency with Migri if you plan to study for more than 90 days. You must also register in the Finnish population system if your studies will last more than a year. You will then receive a Finnish Personal Identity Code, which local government entities, financial institutions, and employers might require. After entering the country, you can register in the population database. The same is true for students who are Nordic citizens, however if you plan to stay in Finland for longer than six months, you must register your address with the local registry office.

In order to study in Finland, non-EU/EEA nationals must acquire a renewable student residency permit. You'll need a number of documents to apply for this permission. These consist of an official letter of acceptance from the university, proof of health insurance, and financial support documentation. You can begin this application by travelling to Finland or at the Finnish consulate or embassy in your native country.