Study in Finland

Understanding Education in Finland

Finnish higher education institutions are notably autonomous but largely funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which carefully oversees the quality of teaching — the top 10% of master's degree graduates are selected to become university teachers.

Students can choose between two types of institutions: universities (intense academic knowledge, focused on research) and polytechnics, called Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), which focus on the actual practice of a field. The most popular study fields are art and design, architecture, communications, environmental science, and technology. Institutions are internationally oriented, with study environments ranging from large urban campuses to ones close to nature. Most higher education courses are completely subsidised by the government, resulting in no tuition fee costs for a majority of students.

Life in Finland

Imagine experiencing a 19-hour day in summer but merely 6 hours of sunlight in winter — it happens only in Finland! For an international student, Finland is both exotic and safe. A global leader in information technology, Finland also boasts gender equality and low levels of corruption.

Teaching methods are quick to adapt to innovative studying methods and are far from authoritarian. Learning is based on discussion, working together, and students finding information for themselves. For Indian students this can be a refreshing change, allowing for self-exploration, rigorous research, and reflective learning.

Visa Requirements for Finland

Make sure you meet the requirements for the residence permit for studies. You need to be able to support yourself for the entire duration of your studies.

• You must have at least EUR 560 at your disposal every month for accommodation, food and other needs.
• You must have EUR 6,720 in your bank account when you submit the application (for one year of studies).
• If your studies take less than one year, you must have EUR 560 per month at your disposal.
• If you pay tuition at a later stage, the tuition money must be in your account when you submit the residence-permit application.
• You must have a study place at an institution where your studies lead to a vocational qualification or degree.
• You must take out private insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses, valid when you arrive in Finland.

Visa Documents for Finland — General Attachments

Make sure you have all the attachments needed — this speeds up processing. If necessary, have the attachments translated and legalised.

• A valid passport accepted by Finland — present it when you submit your application
• A passport photo complying with police photo guidelines, or a photograph retrieval code (no older than 6 months)
• A colour copy of the passport page containing your personal data
• If applicable, a document showing you are legally staying in the country where you submit your application
• Form MP_1 (if you are already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit)

Visa Documents for Finland — Application-Specific Attachments

• Certificate of acceptance / attendance from your educational institution in Finland
• Documentation of sufficient financial resources (e.g. a bank statement covering the past three months)
• Certificate of insurance
• Documentation of paid tuition fee or documentation of scholarship
• Earlier degree certificates (not required of degree and exchange students)
• If under 18: a birth certificate and your parent's or guardian's consent to move to Finland