Finland Study Visa Requirements & Living Cost 2027 Guide

Finland study visa requirements, bank balance, fees, and monthly living costs explained for international students. Plan your budget with Vision International.

Finland Study Visa Requirements and Cost of Living for International Students 2027 Finland is known for high-quality education, safe cities, and a calm student lifestyle. It is also a relatively expensive country, and your money plan matters as much as your admission letter. When you review the Finland study visa requirements , one theme appears again and again: you must prove that you can pay for your stay. This guide explains how much it costs to live in Finland as an international student. It also shows how those costs connect to the finances you must prove for your residence permit. If you want to study in Finland without financial surprises, read it from start to finish. Figures are based on official sources and were checked in October 2026, but always confirm them before applying. Finland Study Visa Requirements: The Basics Finland does not issue a typical long-stay "student visa" for degree studies. Non-EU/EEA students who plan to study for more than 90 days apply for a student residence permit . It is commonly called a student visa, and this article uses both terms. Here is the key information at a glance. Requirement What You Need to Know Permit type Residence permit for studies Who needs it Non-EU/EEA students studying for more than 90 days When to apply After you receive an acceptance letter from a Finnish institution Where to apply Online through the Enter Finland portal Identity check Visit the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate Financial proof At least €800 per month (€9,600 for a year or more) Insurance Valid private health insurance, unless exempt Study type Studies must lead to a degree or vocational qualification Processing fee €600 online, €750 on paper (2026) The permit can be granted for the full length of your studies. After admission, apply as early as you can, so the decision arrives well before your programme starts. Why Living Cost Matters for Your Finland Student Visa Finnish authorities want to be sure you will not struggle financially. In Finland, you are responsible for supporting yourself, and finding a job is difficult for many students. The permit decision therefore depends heavily on your money. Two figures are involved: The official minimum. This is what the immigration authority requires you to show. The realistic budget. This is what students actually spend, and it is usually higher. Treat the official minimum as the amount that gets your application approved. Treat the realistic budget as the amount that keeps you co