Things to know before Studying in Finland

Did you know that Finland is one of the best countries for international students to study in Europe? Well, now you do. With awesome student’s policy and affordable cost of living, this article shares important information you need before you make your decision to study in Finland, or before you embark on your journey to study in Finland.

Financial Obligation

Before you even submit your application form, you should be aware of your financial possibilities. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Finland will be required to pay tuition fees that vary from €1,500 (US$1,800) to €20,000 (US$24,500) each year, depending on the degree and course of study. Tuition costs differ per program at the University of Eastern Finland. Check to see whether the university provides tuition exemptions or scholarships while considering your financial alternatives. Some universities offer from 50 to 70% tuition fee waiver.

Even so, there is still reason to be optimistic. Tuition exemptions are available to all students, and there are various scholarship opportunities in Finland. Taking care of the university tuition information is just half of the financial issue; you must also consider living expenses:

Accommodation costs vary from €160 and €800 per month, depending on the city and kind of house.
Expenses for food: €200-€30 each month.

I will advise you to budget about €800-€1,100 per month for all living expenditures, including fun gatherings and transportation.

You can check out Numbeo to estimate the cost of living in Finland.

Learn Finnish

You will need to learn Finnish because when it is widely spoken in Finland, and you would need to communicate with the locals. Because you need to speak with people and comprehend interactions, learning Finnish would be beneficial. Most schools offer English-language classes, but it is beneficial to learn Finnish as well, particularly the fundamentals.

It is possible to work while studying

Part-time jobs are a wonderful way to supplement your income while you study. This will surely ease up the stress of thinking of where to get money to fund your stay in Finland, you may also be able to save from there, depending on your lifestyle. They can also help you acquire talents that your degree may not be able to teach you. During the academic year, you can work part-time if it is related to your degree and does not exceed 25 hours per week. During school breaks, you can work as many hours as you want. Click here to learn more about working while studying abroad.

Upon finishing your education, you can apply for an extended residence visa that will allow you to look for a job for up to a year after graduation. But make sure you do it before your student housing permit runs out. You can apply for a new residence permit based on your new work placement after you find a job as a graduate.

It is important to note that getting a job without a strong command of the Finnish language is quite difficult.

Top Universities in Finland

It would be futile to discuss this without including the top universities in Finland where you should consider your studies’ furtherance. Here is a list of the top ten universities in Finland you should consider.

Health and Travel Insurance

It’s important to plan your travel and health insurance as soon as possible. Not only will you have one less thing to worry about, but your insurance will cover you if something happens that prevents you from going. It’s also crucial to keep your vaccinations up to date.

You will have to pay the Student Union membership fee once you are in Finland. This grants you access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), which provides preventative healthcare, medical care, and dental treatment. The cost of consultations for students at FSHS is relatively low, and consultations with a nurse or general practitioner are free.

Weather Condition

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter are the four different seasons of Finland. During the summer, the maximum daily temperature in eastern Finland occasionally exceeds 25°C (degrees Celsius). Temperatures of -20°C are typical during the winter months, especially in January and February. However, due to low humidity, Finland’s climate is not as chilly as temperature readings suggest.

The first snowfalls in eastern Finland in late October or early November, and the landscape is generally blanketed in snow by December. The first indications of spring appear in March, and the snow gradually melts away in April. Even at the beginning of May, there may be some snow remained.

It is tricky to know what to pack. Take some warm clothes with you like scarves and gloves, these are very necessary. You do not have to over-pack, just take the necessary things because you would need to buy some more clothes over there. Not to worry, n Finland, secondhand stores are as popular as cafés, bars, and restaurants, so it’s simple to buy basic clothes that you need at student-friendly prices.

Move around with your Documents

Always have your identity documents on you. At all times, carry a photocopy of your valid passport, visa, and student ID card. When asked for identification, you don’t want to be stymied by a barrage of inquiries. Always be prepared to use legal measures to establish that you are there for study. Do not be afraid, this is just a means of identification especially if you are in an unlikely situation, your ID can get you out of a rabbit hole!

Scholarship and Fellowships Opportunity

International students can apply for fully financed scholarships and fellowships each year. If you are or prove to be an exceptional student, you do not need to worry about financial obligations since you may apply for one or more of the available scholarships for overseas students.

All you have to do now is choose one that fits your qualifications and apply! It’s as easy as that. If you do this and are accepted, the scholarship or fellowship will pay your tuition and housing, if the university offers it. Scholarships make it easier to obtain a study visa.

Residence Permit

Before arriving in Finland, non-EU/non-EEA individuals must get a residence permit from the nearest Finnish diplomatic mission. Students can also enter the country without a visa if their stay is less than three months (if needed). Non-EU/EEA students (non-EU/EEA students) must demonstrate that they have a monthly income of at least €560 (€6720 a year) when applying.

Student Visa to study in Finland

Before traveling to Finland to study, international students must get a student visa. Only individuals who are citizens of a European nation are free from the visa requirement. The following are the documents you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in Finland:

Passport must be valid for international travel
A recognized Finnish Institution Proof of Admission
Insurance proof
Your prospective institution’s acceptance letter
Proof that you have enough money (This is to ensure that you do not get stranded or become stranded during your studies.)
Proof of prior research
Language skills (for courses in which German is the teaching language)

Adhere to Rules and Regulations

It is important to become familiar with the country’s rules and regulations. There may be restrictions that differ from those in your hometown. To avoid getting into trouble, learn the rules and follow them. Once you are there for your studies, you don’t want to get into any problems. Be open to asking questions and learning the rules.

I hope this article has helped you know what to expect if you plan or hope to study in Finland. Not to worry, the Finnish are hospitable and accommodating people, you have nothing to worry about as you would blend in no time. Also, do not miss the opportunities that come with studying in Finland, take them as they come.