Finland

For studying in Finland, international students need to meet specific requirements for obtaining a student visa . The exact requirements can vary depending on whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, but the basic steps and criteria are similar. Below is a general overview of the requirements for both Bachelor’s and Master’s students:

1. General Requirements for a Finland Study Visa

• Admission to a Finnish Educational Institution:
  You must first be admitted to a recognized Finnish university or university of applied sciences for a full-time study program (Bachelor's or Master's).

• Valid Passport:A passport that is valid for at least 12 months beyond the date of your intended arrival in Finland.

• Sufficient Funds:You need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your studies in Finland. The minimum amount is around €700 per month. This can be demonstrated through

  
  

• Health Insurance:You must have comprehensive health insurance that covers your entire stay in Finland. Some Finnish universities offer their own insurance packages, or you can provide proof of private insurance that meets Finnish requirements.

• Language Proficiency:
  For Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught in English, proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) minimun 6 bands

Additional Specific Requirements for Bachelor’s Students

1. Admission to a Bachelor's Program:

   • You must have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma in your home country (secondary education) before applying.
   • You will need to provide a high school diploma and transcripts. Some programs may require additional entrance exams or interviews.
     

2. Proof of Funds:
   For Bachelor’s students, the required funds for supporting yourself in Finland are typically calculated as €700 per month, or around €8,400 per year.

3. Entrance Exam:
   Some universities may require you to pass an entrance exam or meet other academic requirements specific to the Bachelor's program.

Additional Specific Requirements for Master’s Students

1. Admission to a Master's Program:

   • You must hold a completed Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a recognized institution.
   • You will need to submit your Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts. Some programs may require additional documents such as a motivation letter, CV, or reference letters.
   • Some programs may also require you to meet a minimum GPA or score in your previous studies.

2. Proof of Funds:Master’s students are also required to show proof of €700 per month for the duration of their studies, similar to Bachelor’s students.

3. Language Proficiency:
   Most Master’s programs in Finland are taught in English, so you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Application Process Overview

1. Apply to Finnish Universities:

   Apply through the official Study in Finland portal or directly to the university where you wish to study. You must meet the academic and language requirements of the specific program.

2. Receive the Offer Letter:
   After being accepted, the university will send you an official offer letter or acceptance letter, which you will use to apply for your student visa (residence permit).

3. Submit Residence Permit Application:
   Apply for a student residence permit through the Migri online portal (or through the Finnish embassy/consulate if you are applying from outside your home country).

4. Required Documents:
   Submit the following documents with your visa application:

   • Acceptance letter from the university
   • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.)
   • Health insurance coverage
   • Proof of language proficiency (if required)
   • Any other specific documents requested by the university or immigration authorities.

5. Valid passport

6. Residence Permit Decision:
   Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision from the Finnish Immigration Service. If approved, you will receive a residence permit card allowing you to study and live in Finland.