International Students in Finland
A comprehensive 2026 guide for international students in Finland covering the residence permit, EUR 800/month means-of-support rule, insurance, tuition fees, average 30-hour work right, A/B permit types and post-graduation options.
1. Admission and a residence permit are separate matters
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals coming to Finland for studies longer than 90 days, admission alone is not enough; a residence permit for studies is generally required depending on the programme. A first student permit is normally applied for from abroad, with identity verification completed through a Finnish mission.
Programmes consisting mainly of distance learning that do not require presence in Finland may not qualify for a student residence permit. Before applying, check Migri's current study-place rules for degree, vocational or other accepted study grounds.
2. Do not base first-year finances on finding work after arrival
Under Migri's current 2026 rule, a student needs at least EUR 800 per month for living costs. For studies lasting one year or longer, the first application generally requires EUR 9,600 in the student's own bank account. Future employment in Finland cannot be used to satisfy the means-of-support requirement for the first student permit.
Official support from the educational institution can reduce the cash requirement, and scholarships can count depending on their terms. If tuition has not yet been paid, however, funds for tuition must be available separately from the EUR 9,600 reserved for living costs.
Checklist
- Admission letter
- Suitable bank statement covering the previous six months
- EUR 9,600 living-cost funds or the applicable amount for the study period
- Paid tuition / scholarship / exemption evidence
- Valid health insurance
3. Health-insurance coverage depends on the duration of studies
Private health insurance is a core student-permit requirement unless you already have accepted coverage such as a valid Kela card, EHIC or UK GHIC. The insurance must be valid when you arrive in Finland.
Under Migri's current guidance, studies lasting less than two years require at least EUR 120,000 coverage for medical expenses, while studies lasting at least two years require at least EUR 40,000 coverage for pharmaceutical expenses. Check the policy's actual coverage, geographic scope, validity and deductible rather than relying only on the product name.
4. Student work rights are based on an average of 30 hours per week
A student residence-permit holder may work in paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week over the year. Some weeks can be longer, including full-time work during holidays, as long as the annual average stays within the limit. Migri describes this as roughly 120 hours per month or 1,560 hours per year.
The general 30-hour restriction may not apply to degree work or internships that are an agreed part of the studies. Both the student and employer are responsible for respecting the work-right limit, so keeping your own working-hour record is prudent.
5. Distinguish A and B student permits
Students coming for a higher-education degree are generally granted an A, or continuous, residence permit. Students in non-higher-education degree programmes and exchange students are generally granted a B, or temporary, permit. This distinction can matter for municipality registration, later permits and permanent-residence planning.
The permit conditions must continue to be met throughout the studies. Migri can carry out post-decision monitoring of student permits, so failure to progress in studies, loss of insurance or other material changes can affect the permit.
6. Apply for an extended permit before the current permit expires
If studies continue, an extended permit can be applied for in Finland. Filing before the current permit expires matters for lawful stay and continued work rights. For an extended permit, employment income can contribute to the means-of-support assessment, so the financing analysis is not identical to the first permit.
Study progress, current finances, insurance and other permit conditions are reassessed for an extension. Prepare academic and financial evidence early rather than leaving the application to the final weeks.
7. Plan post-graduation job-search and permanent-residence routes separately
A person who completes studies in Finland can, if eligible, apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business for up to two years. Under Migri's current system, this permit can be requested within five years after the previous study or research permit expired.
Permanent residence is a separate assessment and, since 8 January 2026, has several application paths. Certain higher-education degrees completed in Finland can create a specific permanent-residence route; do not assess eligibility only by counting years spent on a student permit.
Common questions about this topic
How much money is required for a student permit in 2026?
Migri's current requirement is EUR 800 per month. For studies lasting one year or longer, the first application generally requires EUR 9,600 for living costs, with any unpaid tuition funded separately.
How many hours can I work as a student?
Paid work is limited to an average of 30 hours per week. Some weeks can be longer as long as the annual average remains within the limit. Degree-related internships and thesis work can be treated differently.
Can I rely on future part-time work for my first student permit?
No. Migri does not allow the first student permit's means of support to depend on future employment. The required resources must be demonstrated when the application is submitted.
Does every student need private insurance?
If you have accepted healthcare coverage such as a valid Kela card, EHIC or UK GHIC, separate private insurance may not be required. Otherwise suitable insurance is required for the student permit.
Must I leave Finland immediately after graduation?
No. If you meet the conditions, you can apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business. Plan the timing before your current permit expires.
Official sources
The following primary or public sources were checked for this guide. Current authority instructions always take precedence.
- Migri - Residence permit application for studies
- Migri - Income requirement for students
- Migri - Insurance
- Migri - Working and internships during studies
- Migri - Seeking work after graduation
- Study in Finland - Fees and cost of living
Prepared by: ENB Consulting Editorial Team · Reviewed by: ENB Consulting
Study in Finland
Support for students who need to understand residence permit documents, income evidence, insurance and practical next steps before moving to Finland.
This guide is general information. The related service is for a case-specific review of your circumstances and documents.
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