Studying in Finland
Useful Links
Studying in Turku
Guide for International Students
Studying at the University of Turku
Virtual orientation for international students
Finland does well in International Student Barometer
Funding the studies, Student Union and Health Care
At present, there are no tuition fees at the Finnish Universities. However, students are expected to finance their housing and living expenses by themselves since the university itself cannot offer financial assistance or scholarships for students. Living costs in Finland are approximately 700€/month for students. The Turku Student Village Foundation (TYS) offers inexpensive housing (200€/month) for the domestic and international students. For more information, please also see: http://www.utu.fi/en/studying/studies/information_guide/res_in_turku.html
By the Finnish law, students studying for a basic University degree must be members of the Student Union, the annual fee of which is approximately 85 €/year. The members of the Student Union get several benefits, e.g. student discounts, and they are also entitled to student health care at the Finnish Student Health Care Services (YTHS). Please note that, even though the students are entitled to student health care, foreign students should take a travel insurance at their home country before coming to Finland! The travel insurance should cover costs for health care when student health care is not available, eg. during evenings, weekends and holidays.
See also:International Students of Turku Universities – ISTU
More information on financing the studies.
ERASMUS Mundus mobility grants.
Visa and residence permit
If the studies in Finland last for longer than three months, a residence permit is usually needed for foreign students. Students accepted to degree studies at a Finnish university will be issued a visa/residence permit after showing that their own funds or a scholarship will cover living expenses in Finland. According to the Directorate of Immigration the needed sum is 6 000 euros before arrival in Finland. This deposit will be at the student's disposal while studying in Finland. A new deposit is required at the beginning of each new academic year. More information: Finnish Immigration Service and Info Bank.Health insurance
According to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of the Interior, students coming to Finland from non-EU/EEA countries after 1 September 2007 must have valid health insurance. More information: http://www.utu.fi/en/studying/students/health_insurance.html.
Please see the following links for further information about studying and living in Turku/Finland:
The Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY)
Just Landed - information to people moving to a new country
Info Bank - information on living in Finland
Centre for International Mobility (CIMO)
Virtual Finland - all kinds of information about Finland
The Friendship Program for international visitors and students
International Summer School in Turku