The Complete Guide to Finland Study Visa Process
Planning to study in Finland? The country offers world-class education and a vibrant international student community. To embark on this exciting journey, you will need to apply for a Finland Study Visa, officially referred to as a Residence Permit for Studies. This guide will walk you through the process, eligibility, financial requirements, health insurance details, and more. Your JOURNEY to Finland starts only after you are accepted as a student at a higher education institution in Finland, pursuing a degree or vocational qualification. An offer letter to study at universities, universities of applied sciences, or vocational education institutions. Residence permit cannot be granted for studies consisting mainly of online distance learning.
Step-by-Step Process:
Necessary Documents for a Residence Permit for Studies
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-size photo - The photo must comply with the passport photo instructions issued by the police (pdf).
- Acceptance letter from your Finnish university or educational institution
- Proof of financial means, such as: Bank statements showing sufficient funds : Sponsorship letter with supporting financial documents : Check below for more detailed explanation.
- Proof of valid health insurance, meeting Finland’s coverage requirements. Check below for valid list of insurance providers.
- Completed application form for a residence permit (Apply here)
- Evidence of accommodation in Finland
Apply Online:
- Submit your application through the Finnish Immigration Service’s electronic system: Enter Finland Portal.
- Residence Permit for Student’s Family Members : You can also apply for - Spouse, Registered partner, or Child under 18 years of age. Click here for more details about Spouse Permit Types and Requirement.
- Pay for your application in the online service Enter Finland or at a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate).
Attend an Appointment and Wait for processing:
- Book an appointment at your nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate to submit biometrics and verify documents.
- Processing times typically range from 1 to 3 months. Track your application status via the Enter Finland portal.
PROOF OF FINANCIAL MEANS EXPLAINED BRIEFLY::
- Studies ≥1 year: €9,600 in your bank account. €800 per month of study.
- Grants/Scholarships: Provide proof, and subtract the amount from the required funds (e.g., €9,600 - €2,000 grant = €7,600 needed).
- TUITION FEES: If paid, attach proof of payment to your application. If unpaid, funds for both tuition and living expenses must be in your bank account at the time of application. Scholarships for tuition must be documented with a certificate.
- Proving Income:
- Bank statement for the past 6 months showing sufficient funds. Statement must include account holder name, bank name, and currency. Funds must be in your personal account and also accessible in Finland. You must be able to withdraw money from the account when you are in Finland.
- Sponsorships are not acceptable; funds must be in your account. However, If your funds come from a sponsor (e.g., parents or relatives), you may need to provide additional documents, such as a tax certificate or the sponsor's bank statement. Proof of financial support for the first year is mandatory.
Student Insurance Requirements for Residence Permit Explained Briefly:
- Attach to application: Certificate of insurance or copies of Kela card, EHIC, or GHIC.
- The insurance must Include: Personal details : Validity period :Coverage area : Insured amounts : Excess amount (if any)
- Students must cover their medical and drug expenses through private insurance.
- Exceptions: Valid Kela card, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
- Coverage & Validity:
- Maximum excess: €300.
- Short-term studies (<1 year): Insurance valid for the entire stay.
- Long-term studies (>1 year): Insurance valid without breaks for at least 1 year.
- Studies ≥2 years: Cover pharmaceutical expenses up to €40,000.
- Studies <2 years: Cover medical expenses up to €120,000.
- Must be valid upon arrival in Finland.
- Acceptable Insurance Providers:
- The French company Assurances Courtages et Services (ACS) (www.acs-ami.com)
- Aon Student Insurance, whose parent company is the US company Aon Corporation (https://www.aonstudentinsurance.com)
- The US company International Student Insurance (www.internationalstudentinsurance.com)
- The Swiss insurance company Swisscare – ESI Finland plan (https://swisscare.com/)
SIP Integral (https://www.sipinsurance.eu)
You can visit migri official website for more details. You can apply own your own . Put in comments for any further queries.
Follow us for more updates.