Finland Study Visa 2025 – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The Finland Study Visa (Residence Permit) is your ticket to study in Finland for more than 90 days. It’s available to international students who have been admitted to a Finnish university. Here’s how to apply:

Benefits

• Allows you to live and study full-time in Finland.
• Lets you work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) during your studies and full-time during official holidays.
• After graduation, you can stay for up to 2 years to look for work or start your career in Finland. Plus, your study time counts toward permanent residency eligibility

Eligibility & Requirements

You must be a non-EU/EEA student, already accepted by a Finnish university or applied sciences institution.

You’ll need:

• A valid passport (usually valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay)
• Proof of sufficient funds — around €800/month (€9,600/year) to cover living costs. Bank statements or scholarship proofs accepted
• Health insurance, valid for your stay:
  • If studies < 2 years → at least €120,000 coverage.
  • If ≥ 2 years → at least €40,000 for pharmaceuticals.
• Proof of tuition fee payment or scholarship letter. Living fund cannot be used for fee.
• Passport photo, acceptance letter, and other personal documents.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) may be needed depending on your program.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

1. Get your acceptance letter from a recognized Finnish university.
2. Use Enter Finland portal to apply online. Fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee (~€350 online, €450 paper).
3. Visit Finnish embassy or VFS center to confirm your identity, submit original documents, and give fingerprints.
4. Wait for the decision—online applications usually process in 1–2 months, while paper may take 2–3 months.
5. If approved, you may get a D-visa for quick entry. Later, collect your residence permit card in Finland.

Processing Time & Tips

• Most applications are decided within 1–3 months. Online ones are faster.
• Start early—3–6 months before your program begins is ideal.
• Make sure your documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
• On Reddit, one user noted: “All applications are processed individually… please wait patiently…

Summary Table — Quick Overview

Step	What You Need
Get Accepted	University acceptance letter in Finland
Apply Online	Use Enter Finland portal, upload docs, pay fee (~€350)
Visit Embassy	Identity confirmation, document verification, biometrics (at VFS, etc.)
Wait for Decision	Takes 1–3 months; track via portal
D-Visa & Permit Card	If approved, get D-visa, then collect residence permit once in Finland
After Studies	Stay up to 2 years for job search; study time counts toward permanent residency

In Short

The Finland Study Visa—officially a “student residence permit”—lets admitted international students live, study, and work part-time in Finland. It requires proof of funds, health insurance, acceptance by a Finnish university, and a valid passport. Apply early via the Enter Finland portal, expect processing in 1–3 months, and get ready for exciting study and post-study opportunities in Finland!