Easy Step by Step Procedures to get Finland Student Visa

Having a lot of ‘International Students friendly’ Universities and Colleges, Finland is undoubtedly a place to study in. But before applying and obtaining admission to a Finnish higher Institution, it is appropriate to have a comprehensive understanding of the whole process.

One of these processes is obtaining a Finland Student Visa and it is offered after securing admission into your Finland school of choice.

I tell you if you really need to study in Finland and you want to get a Finland Student visa, this post is just for you.

So, in this post, we have carefully prepared an Easy Step by Step Procedures to get Finland Student Visa and other important information that I believe will help you in applying.

Types of Student Visa in Finland

A student who wants to live and study in Finland, but is not a citizen of Finland, will need either a student visa or a student residence permit. These are the two types of Finland student Visa.

Finland student visa is a temporary, short-term permit that is issued to an international student who wants to live and study in Finland for a maximum of 90 days (3 months). This is suitable for international students who intend to take a short-term language course in Finland or want to appear in an entrance examination

Finland student residence permit is issued to an international student to intends to stay and study in Finland for a duration of more than 90 days (3 months). Usually, Finland’s residence permits for students are given for one year at a time. This is suitable for those foreign students who have been admitted in full-term degree courses in Finland.

Nevertheless, citizens of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark) have the right to stay and study in Finland without applying for a residence permit. Though they will still have to register with the local authorities, particularly if their degree takes more than 90 days.

Usually, the student residence permit is valid for one year, so, if you intend to stay longer, you will have to apply for an extension at the local Police station.

Eligibility Criteria for Finland Student Visa or Residence Permit

You must fulfill the following conditions to be eligible for Finland Student Visa or Residence Permit:

Present the official letter of acceptance issued by your Finnish higher institution of choice.
A valid passport which must have a validity that transcends the duration of the visa or residence permit you are applying for by at least 3 months. Also, this passport must have been within the previous 10 years.
A copy of your completed and signed application form.
Provide evidence of your financial ability, enough to support you financially during your entire period of study in Finland and as well cater to your return transportation. Presently, a student’s cost of living in Finland stands at EUR 560 per month. This translates to a minimum of EUR 6720 per year.
Present a recent statement of your financial situation from your bank that shows you have at least EUR 6720 in your bank account. Students undertaking degree courses in Finland must have funds for one year at a time, while Exchange Students must have funds for the entire duration of their stay in Finland. If you do not have the above-mentioned amount in your account, you must provide written evidence of having received a stipend or scholarship or have been chosen for benefits to be provided by your educational institute.
Provide evidence of having received valid health and medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Finland.
Be in good physical and mental health and free from any kind of infectious disease.
I have no criminal record.
have not been previously refused entry into Finland.
Plan to leave Finland at the end of your authorized stay

Note: Bank statements of applicant’s parents or a shared or joint account will not be accepted for Finland’s student visa or residence permit.

Steps by Step Procedure to Getting Finland Student Residence Permit

For a start, you can apply for a residence permit at the embassy or representative office in your country. You can also apply online, but you will still require to visit the local embassy to confirm your identity and submit copies of other documents you might need during the application process.

If your home country doesn’t have a Finland embassy, you can always find the country’s agents using the link: http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeId=49572&contentlan=2&culture=en-US

You must apply for a student residence permit before you enter in Finland. Here are the basic steps to getting Finland Student Visa Requirements and Procedures

1. Get the residence permit application form

Your first step is to get the residence permit application form here using the link: http://www.migri.fi/download/15087_OLE_OPI_En.pdf?3a3e7bda7bdbd188. It is downloadable.

2: Fill up the residence permit application form

Fill out the details needed in the residence permit application form carefully. After filling, you can submit it electronically, here: https://e-asiointi.migri.fi/eServices/FrontPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2feServices&lang=en or take a printed copy to the Finland Embassy or Consulate in your home country for submission.

3: Gather the needed documents for residence permit application

Make a checklist of the documents you’ll submit along with your application form at the Finland Embassy or Consulate. Gather all the documents and keep them ready for submission.

4: Provide photograph for your residence permit application

You need a recent color photograph for the residence permit application. Make sure that your selected photograph matches or corresponds to all the specifications required for residence permit photographs.

Make sure that your photograph is not more than 6 months old. It is advisable to take a new photograph.

5: Check the residence permit application fee

Confirm the fees needed for processing your residence permit application and keep it ready along with your visa application form. The fee required for electronic submission is less than that charged for direct submission at the Finland embassy or consulate.

6: Submit your residence permit application form

Gather all the completed documents in the previous steps and submit them at the Finland Embassy or Consulate nearest to you. Make sure to submit your application during office hours and in person.

NOTE: Even if you have submitted your application electronically, you will have to still visit the Finland Embassy or Consulate nearest to you to confirm your identity and present the original copies of the documents needed for the application to be processed.

A Finland student residence permit application cannot be processed until the applicant visits the embassy, despite whether the application has been submitted electronically or at the embassy itself.

7: Provide your biometric data

At the Finnish Embassy or Consulate, you will be asked to provide your biometric data. This is personal data. Your fingerprints will be taken by the Embassy officials.

Also, this step is applicable for all applicants, regardless of whether they have submitted their residence permit application electronically or in person at the embassy.

8: Pay required residence permit application fee

Check with the Finland Embassy or Consulate about the current processing fee for the residence permit and the mode of payment accepted by them, then make your payment.

In the case of the electronic application, the processing fee will be charged via the electronic service.

9: Collect your residence permit card

After you get your residence permit, They will notify you regarding the issuance. You can collect your residence permit card in person or have it sent to you.

Required Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Students

Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Studies (for application on paper) – EUR 330
Fees for Finland Residence Permit for Studies (for electronic application) – EUR 300

Note:

Your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a residence permit is refused or rejected for any reason.
The visa application fee is subject to change at any time.

FAQs on Finland student visa

Is ielts required for Finland student visa?

The admissions requirements for most universities in Finland are an IELTS academic score of 6.0 or 6.5, or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 to 92.

Do I need Ielts for Finland?

A: Usually, the answer is – yes you do. The Finnish higher educations require official proof of their applicants’ English proficiency, and IELTS or TOEFL are the most commonly accepted options for this purpose. So, in most cases, you do need to have a valid IELTS/TOEFL test score to apply.

How much does it cost to study in Finland?

University tuition fees in Finland
They usually vary between 5,000 – 18,000 EUR/year depending on the degree and university you choose. Keep in mind that if you have to pay tuition fees, you can also apply for a scholarship programme.

Can international students work in Finland?

International exchange and degree students are allowed to work in Finland with certain restrictions. … Non-EU students can work within certain limits on a student residence permit if the work is practical training included in the degree or if the amount of part-time work does not exceed 25 hours a week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, any student who desires to stay and study in Finland, but is not a citizen of Finland, will need either a student visa or a student residence permit to fulfill this objective. However, the Finland student visa and the residence permit do not refer to the same document. Therefore, if you want to get a Finland Student visa to study in Finland, this post is just for you.

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