Finland is a popular educational hub as it offers a highly rewarding experience to international students seeking quality education, well-paid job opportunities, and a chance to explore a culturally rich country. Indian students will need a student visa to study in Finland. So, read this blog to understand some important aspects related to the study visa.

Key Highlights

• Student visa in Finland: An overview
• Finland study visa requirements
• How to apply for a Finnish student visa?
• Finland study visa processing time
• Finland study visa cost

Student visa in Finland: An overview

• You need a student visa, also called a residence permit, to pursue a course with a duration of more than 90 days. It remains valid for the entire duration of your course.
• You need a temporary or short visa, known as a Schengen visa, to study a course that lasts for less than 90 days.
• If you are willing to pursue a post-graduate study program after completing a master’s degree, a residence permit for scientific research is required.

Finland study visa requirements

You are eligible to apply for a Finland study visa if you meet the following general requirements:

• A study place: You can apply for a study visa if you have a study place, i.e., you have been accepted as a student by Finland’s educational institute offering a degree or a vocational qualification.  
• Sufficient financial resources: You must have sufficient funds to support your stay in the country. If the course duration is less than one year, you must have at least EUR 560 (∼INR 51,000) in a month at your disposal to pay for accommodation, food, and other needs.
• Insurance: You must have private insurance that will cover medical and pharmaceutical costs during emergencies.
• Valid passport
• You have not been prescribed a prohibition of entry.
• You do not pose a danger to public order, security, public health, and Finland’s international relations.
• Appear for English proficiency exams such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

After meeting these requirements, you can apply for a Finland student visa by submitting a visa application form along with documents like:

• Letter of acceptance from a Finnish higher educational institution
• Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
• Proof showing sufficient financial resources to pay tuition fees and support your stay in Finland
• One colour photograph
• Visa application fee receipt
• Insurance certificate

The visa authorities may ask you to submit additional documents, such as a letter capturing the purpose, duration of the visit, etc. Therefore, it is advised to check Finland’s official immigration website for accurate information about the documents needed to apply for a study visa.

How to apply for a Finnish student visa?

Apply for a Finnish student visa by following these steps:

• Once the university offers a letter of admission, apply for a student visa.
• Visit the official student visa website to apply online. Fill out a visa application form by attaching all necessary documents.
• Pay a visit to the Finnish embassy or service point to establish your identity and submit your fingerprints if you have filled out a paper application form.
• Pay the visa processing fee.
• You may be called for a personal interview.
• If you meet their requirements, your student visa will be issued.

Finland study visa processing time

Generally, students can expect a decision within 15-30 days. It may take longer if a detailed examination of the application is required. Hence, try to submit your application in advance but not more than 6 months before the date of the visit to Finland.

Finland study visa cost

Student visa fees will vary depending on whether the application is online or offline. Finland study visa fees for Indian students will be ∼INR 40,000 for offline applications and ∼INR 31,110 for online applications.

Hopefully, this information will help you to plan your academic journey to Finland. If rising education costs are bothering you, you can opt for a loan for abroad education. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer hyper-personalised education loans with multiple benefits. Get in touch with us to know about these benefits and education loan eligibility criteria!