Student Visa for Finland: Eligibility, Procedure, & Application Fees

Topping the World Happiness Report for the 6th time in a row, Finland offers a unique and rewarding experience for international students seeking high-quality education, a safe and welcoming environment, and a chance to explore a beautiful and culturally rich country.

If you are planning to pursue your education in Finland, then wait no longer. The right time is Now. In this extensive guide, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the process of obtaining a student visa for Finland. We will cover essential information such as eligibility requirements, the application procedure, required documentation, processing time, and application fees. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the student visa application process in Finland. 

Types of Finland Visas

Before we delve deeper into the student visa for Finland, let’s understand the various types of visas offered by Finland.

• Schengen Category C Visa: The visa holders are allowed to travel temporarily for the short term. The duration of C visas is no more than 90 days over a period of 180 days. This visa can be obtained in the form of Single-entry, Double-entry, and Multiple-entry visas.
• Schengen Category A Visa: This is an airport transit visa that allows visa holders to be inside the airport to change a flight or a stopover. It does not allow the visa holders to leave the international airport area. 
• Schengen Category D Visa: This allows visa holders to travel in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days over a period of 180 days. If you plan to study, stay, or work in Finland, you will require this visa. With this, you need a residence permit that will allow you to stay, study, and work in Finland. Since we are explaining about the student visa in the country, we will explain this further in detail.
• Limited Territorial Validity Visas (VLTV): It allows visa holders to travel to more than one Schengen States mentioned in the visa.

Student Visa and Residence Permit

With a D visa, you will be granted a residence permit if you are applying for the following:

• Residence permit for a specialist
• EU Blue Card
• Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur
• Residence permit for a specialist or manager on the basis of intra-corporate transfer (ICT residence permit)
• Residence permit for work in the top or middle management of a company
• Residence permit for studies
• Residence permit for a researcher

Student Visa For Finland- Eligibility and Duration 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Finland study visa, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Enrollment at Finnish University
• No travel bans for the Schengen Area
• No criminal charges
• No threat to Finland or its interests
• Must have language proficiency
• Have the necessary financial resources to fund your education and stay
• Must have a valid passport
• Health insurance is a must

Duration

The duration of a student visa for Finland depends on the length of your study program. Generally, a student visa is granted for the duration of your studies, including any preparatory courses or language studies that may be required before your main program begins. The following are some essential considerations.

• Short-term Study Programs: If you are enrolled in a short-term study program that lasts for less than 90 days, you may be able to apply for a visa-free stay in Finland. However, it's important to check with the Finnish Immigration Service or the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate to determine if you need to apply for a visa.
• Long-term Study Programs: If you are pursuing a degree or participating in a long-term study program that lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit for your studies. The residence permit is typically granted for the duration of your studies, including any additional time required to complete your thesis or dissertation. It allows you to legally reside in Finland and study at the educational institution specified in your application.

Documents Required for Student Visa in Finland

When applying for your residence permit, it is necessary to provide either original documents or copies of the required paperwork. Therefore, the study visa requirements for Finland includes the following types of documents:

1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport
3. Letter of acceptance from a Finnish institution
4. Evidence of financial ability to pay for tuition and living costs
5. Health insurance coverage
6. Documentation of accommodation in Finland
7. Passport-size photographs
8. Language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
9. School certificates and official transcripts
10. Proof of paid tuition fees
11. Evidence of scholarship
12. Civil status documents
13. Copy of bio page of the passport

It's essential to check the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service or consult the nearest Finnish embassy

Finland Visa Requirements for Family Members

Once you are granted a residence permit for studying in Finland, your spouse, registered partner, or children under 18 years of age can come to you. They need to apply for a residence permit for Finland. Here are the Finland visa requirements for family members of Finland visa holders:

1. A valid and updated passport.
2. If you will be sponsored by someone in Finland, then they need to fill and submit the Form PK1 plus. 
3. A recent updated picture. 
4. Copy of your passport biopage.
5. Copy of your sponsor’s passport biopage.
6. Documental proof with birth and marriage certificates.
7. Residential proof.
8. Financial proof.
9. Employment proof.

How to Apply for Student Visa in Finland

There are various processes involved in the application process for a student visa in Finland. Here is a general description of what you should do:

• Research and Choose a Program: Explore the educational programs offered by Finnish universities and institutions.
• Check Visa Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific visa requirements set by the Finnish Immigration Service. 
• Financial Proof and Health Insurance: Demonstrate your financial capability to cover living expenses and tuition fees by providing evidence such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters.
• Apply for Admission: Submit an application for admission to your chosen Finnish educational institution. Follow their specific application process, which may involve submitting academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and any additional requirements.
• Complete the Visa Application: Obtain the student visa application form, available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service or at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate. It is important to know the Finland study visa requirements.
• Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee as specified by the Finnish Immigration Service. As evidence of your payment, keep the receipt.
• Submit the Application: Submit the completed visa application form and all supporting documents to the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country. Ensure that you meet the application deadline and provide all the necessary information.
• Attend an Interview (if required): In some cases, the Finnish Immigration Service may require you to attend an interview as part of the application process.
• Await the Decision: After submitting your application, wait for the decision on your student visa. The processing time may vary, so be patient during this period.
• Receive the Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit for your studies.

It's important to note that the application procedure may vary depending on your country of residence and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service.

Finland Study Visa Fee

The visa fees for Finland are determined primarily by the applicant's age and the type of visa being applied for. The Finland study visa cost for a student visa to study in Finland is €350 for online application and €450 for paperwork application. It can be paid with a card or cash at the time of application. The student visa is valid for the duration of two years. 

The Finland study visa fee can be paid either by cash or card. There may be any other service charges included depending on the country from which you are applying.

You can also apply for a refund for your visa application if you are rejected by the institution. The refund application should be submitted within 90 days of the application.

It is essential to note that the above costs are general considerations, and the specific costs can vary depending on individual circumstances and choices. It is highly recommended to research and budget accordingly based on your program, location, and personal needs. 

Finland Student Visa Processing Time

The Finnish Immigration Office prioritizes the evaluation of student applications, aiming to process them as quickly as possible. The processing time may vary, particularly if any documents are missing from your application, which may prompt the embassy to contact you for submission of the required materials. The processing time for a Finland study visa is different for paper applications and electronic applications. It takes two months for the electronic applications to receive the permit, while it takes three months for the paper applications to receive the permit. Please note that processing times and procedures may be subject to change, so it is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service or contact the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application processing times and collection of residence cards.

Where Should You Apply for Finland Study Visa

The specific application process for pursuing your studies in Finland will depend on your nationality and the country from which you are applying. You will typically be required to submit your visa application either to the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country or in the country where you currently reside. You can also submit your application online at enterFinland.fi.

It is important to gather the required documents and carefully follow the instructions provided by the Finnish embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth application process.