For European Union citizens, tuition at higher education institutions in Finland is free of charge.

Financial support for working students

The Finnish social insurance institution Kela offers financial support available to all working students from the European Union who meet certain requirements:

• You must be enrolled in full-time studies;
• You must work at least 10 hours per week;
• The job must be regular and legal.

The financial support consists of three main components:

A study grant (Opintoraha) of approximately 250 to 350 EUR per month. The exact amount depends on the student’s age and family situation. This grant does not need to be repaid.
A housing allowance (Asumistuki) that can cover up to 70% of housing costs, depending on the rental amount, income, and location.
A government-backed student loan (Opintolaina) of up to 650 EUR per month. This amount must be repaid after graduation in small monthly installments, along with low interest.

How to apply for financial support?

1. Register your place of residence: After arriving in Finland, you must register with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
2. Have regular employment: Make sure your job meets the minimum work hours requirement, meaning you work at least 10 hours per week.
3. Prepare the necessary documents: An identity card or passport, work contract or payslips, proof of university enrollment, and a registration certificate from Migri.
4. Submit your application: Send your application through Kela's online system or at a local Kela office.

Additional notes:

• Academic requirements: You must maintain a sufficient level of academic progress in your studies, as Kela reviews students’ academic performance annually.
• Income limit: If your annual income exceeds the limit set by Kela, your financial support may be reduced or discontinued. It is therefore important to monitor your yearly income carefully.
• Loan repayment: Repayment of the loan begins two years after graduation. Repayments are made in small monthly installments, along with low interest. However, if you complete your studies within the time frame set by Kela, part of the loan may be covered by Kela.

Additional financial benefits for students from the Finnish government

The Finnish government aims to ensure that students can cover their basic living expenses by offering various types of subsidies.

• Housing. The government subsidizes student housing, making it 35–55% cheaper than market rates. For example, student accommodation can cost as little as 270 euros per month, including utilities.
• University meals. University cafeterias are also subsidized, making meals 50–70% cheaper. A healthy and balanced meal can cost as little as 2.50 euros.
• Transport. Students in Finland receive about a 50% discount on public transport tickets, making daily travel more affordable.
• Sports and leisure. University sports facilities are offered at reduced prices, helping students stay active without high costs.
• Additional discounts. Many businesses in Finland also offer 10–15% student discounts, helping to further reduce daily expenses.

By reducing the main living expenses—housing, food, transport, and sports—the Finnish government ensures that students can focus on their studies without facing significant financial stress. Combined with additional discounts from local businesses, student life in Finland becomes not only affordable but also enriching, allowing students to enjoy their university years without worrying about their financial situation.

Overall expenses

Here are some tables to help you estimate the cost of living in Finland. Keep in mind that the amounts provided are approximate, and your actual expenses may differ. They depend on your personal needs, the city you live in, the type of accommodation you find, where you buy your groceries, and other factors.