Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to study in Finland? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

You must obtain a residence permit if you intend to study in Finland for over 90 days.

To study in Finland, you must be accepted as a student at a Finnish educational institution. The studies must lead to a degree or vocational qualification and must be carried out in higher education institutions such as universities and universities of applied sciences, upper secondary schools, and vocational education institutions. Your studies can also be exchange studies at any of these educational institutions.

The residence permit for studies is valid for two years, unless you apply for it for a shorter period. However, the residence permit is only valid for the duration of your studies if your studies take less than two years. You will be granted a temporary residence permit.

The residence permit for studies enables you to work without restrictions if your work is related to your degree. This means practical training and thesis work. You also have a right to have other jobs, but the following restrictions apply:

• You may only work for an average of 25 hours per week during the academic terms.
• The number of working hours is not restricted on a weekly level. This means that you can adjust your weekly working hours during the academic term, as long as you work for 25 hours a week on average.
• You can work without restrictions at the times when your educational institution offers no instruction.