How to move to Finland for studies? Finnish student visa

If you've been accepted into a study program at a Finnish educational institution such as professional school (ammatti, ammattikorkeakoulu) or university (yliopisto); obtaining a student visa is the initial step for entering the country.

Studying in all Finnish institutions is free if you choose programs in Finnish language. Also you may apply for scholarship and free accommodation in some universities.

For entering Finnish educational institution sometimes you only need initial level of language like A2 usually for ammatti or universities in small cities and you do not need any exam or certification, you have to pass interview in Finnish in Finland or even online.

Other Finnish educational institutions may require you to have official YKI exam certificate and pass university exams the same as Finnish native speakers, what requires higher levels of Finnish language knowledge.

In our school we have specific programs for preparing for YKI-testi and interviews in ammatti and universities. You may have private 1:1 classes with tutor or group classes. If you are going to pass YKI we recommend an intensive course and reserve a private class with a tutor which make a simulation of interview with you. They will help you to make points to speak confident and look fluent in Finnish give you some hints and more.

If you desire to study in Swedish or English education costs €500-5000 semestre, it depends on educational institution and chosen program. Some Master degree programs in English are free and you may apply for them with no Finnish language knowledge, these programs as well are valid for student visa.

Student visa is issued valid for 2 years and could be extended to continue education in Finland. As well with student visa you're permitted to work for a maximum of 30 hours each week. Additionally, student visa allows you to bring your family members along with you to Finland.

Usually there is no help with visa applications for students in Finland because governmental institutions provide more budget for educational programs and student aids etc. Nevertheless some private institutions may help you with this process, sometimes even in your language (mostly in English, Spanish, Russian or French). It is very likely you will be applying for student visa by yourself. You may consult list of documents you need here on official Finnish Migration Service website.

When you successfully complete your studies in Finland you may apply for Job seeker's visa in Finland for a year or for working residence permit if you have a job contract already. Having Finnish degree makes you equal as jobseeker in Finland and you may apply for a job with Finnish job seeking service as Finnish people. These services secure that you find a job in Finland in a year while your 1-year job seeker's visa is valid. As well as Finnish degrees are automatically valid in all European countries you have a right to apply for a job in different European country as well.