Finances - Finland

Studies in Finland: Free Education and State Support for Students

For European Union citizens, studying at Finnish higher education institutions is completely free of charge.

Studying in Finland is attractive not only because of its high quality of education but also due to extremely favorable financial conditions. If you plan to study in Finland, you will not have to pay tuition fees, and by working during your studies, you can receive solid financial support from the Finnish government to help cover your living expenses.

State Financial Support for Working Students (Kela)

The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Kela, offers generous financial support. It is important to know that EU students can receive this support if they meet the employment requirements:

• You must be a full-time student;
• You must work at least 10 hours per week;
• The employment must last for at least 4 months. Support is paid only for the period during which you are working.

Kela financial support consists of three main parts:

• Study Grant (Opintoraha): Students living independently are granted approx. 279 EUR per month. This amount does not need to be repaid.
• Housing Supplement (Asumistuki): This supplement can cover up to 80% of your housing costs (up to a maximum limit set by Kela), depending on the rent price and your income.
• State-Guaranteed Student Loan (Opintolaina): You can borrow up to 850 EUR per month. This amount will need to be repaid 1–2 years after graduation, but the interest rates are very low.
  Important benefit: If you graduate within the target time, Kela will compensate 40% of your loan amount that exceeds 2,500 EUR!

Tip: There is no set minimum wage in Finland, but according to collective agreements, students usually earn 10–15 EUR per hour. By working 10–15 hours a week and receiving Kela support, it is entirely possible to independently cover all your living expenses.

First Steps After Arrival: How to Get Support and Discounts?

To enjoy all student privileges in Finland, you will need to complete a few important steps upon arrival:

1. Get a Finnish Personal Identity Code (Henkilötunnus): Register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). This code is essential for opening a bank account, signing an employment contract, and applying to Kela.
2. Register Your Residence: Register at the Finnish Immigration Service, Migri.
3. Pay the Healthcare Fee (YTHS): All students must pay about 71 EUR per year to Kela. This will give you the right to use free student healthcare services. (Do not forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card – EHIC).
4. Get a "Frank" Student Card: The free digital Frank card is your key to all transport and food discounts in Finland.
5. Apply for Kela Support: Once you find a job (min. 10 hours/week), submit your employment contract and other documents through Kela's online system.

Additional Subsidies and Discounts for Students

The Finnish government actively subsidizes student expenses, making living here much cheaper than it might seem at first glance:

• Subsidized Student Housing: Special student housing foundations (e.g., HOAS in Helsinki, TOAS in Tampere) offer accommodation significantly cheaper than on the open market. A room in a shared apartment can cost as little as 200–450 EUR per month, including utilities and internet.
• Extremely Cheap Food at Universities: Kela subsidizes student meals, so a hearty, healthy, and balanced lunch in the university cafeteria will cost you only about 3.10 EUR.
• Transport Discounts: With the "Frank" student card, you will get 40–50% discounts on local public transport, as well as on intercity trains (VR) and buses (Matkahuolto).
• Sports and Leisure: University sports centers offer memberships for a symbolic price (about 40–60 EUR per year), allowing you to attend gyms and group classes.

Estimated Living Costs in Finland

Although expenses depend heavily on the city (Helsinki is more expensive) and personal needs, on average, a student in Finland needs 800–1,200 EUR per month.

How much does food cost in Finnish grocery stores?
To save money, students often choose cheaper supermarket chains (e.g., "Prisma", "Lidl") and buy during promotions. Here are some estimated prices:

• Milk (1 l) – ~1.20 €
• Bread (500 g) – ~2.50 €
• Eggs (12 pcs) – ~3.00 €
• Rice (1 kg) – ~2.60 €
• Chicken breast (1 kg) – ~11.50 €
• Cheese (1 kg) – ~7.50 €