A Finnish student visa is the first and most important step for you to start your study journey in the Nordic country with the world's leading education system. Finland is not only famous for its quality of education but also attractive for its clear, transparent and friendly visa policy for international students.
I. Is it difficult to get a Finnish student visa?
The question “Is it difficult to get a Finnish student visa?” is the top concern of many young people who intend to study in this Nordic country. In fact,Finland student visa is not too difficult to apply forif you prepare complete and honest documents and meet the basic conditions required by the Embassy of Finland.
- Transparent process
Finland has a transparent visa approval system that strictly follows European Union (EU) standards. Information on conditions, required documents, fees and processing times are published specifically on official websites such as Migri.fi or VFS Global.
- No mandatory interview required
Another advantage is that Finland does not require all students to attend a visa interview. Most applications are assessed on paper, especially if you submit a clear, logical application that demonstrates your specific study goals. Only in exceptional cases will you be required to attend an interview to clarify certain information.
- Fast processing time
Normally, a Finnish student visa application will be processed within about 15 to 30 working days. In some cases, if submitted during peak season or if additional information is required, the time may be extended to 45-60 days. However, with the digitization of the process and the use of an online application platform, the processing time is still fast and stable compared to many other countries.
- Support from schools and counseling agencies
A big plus for making the visa process easier is the support that Finnish universities provide. Many universities provide detailed guidance to international students on the visa application process, the required documents, and important timelines. If you work with a reputable study abroad consultancy, you can reduce the risk of visa rejection.
II. The role of Finnish student visa
- Enter and live legally in Finland
Unlike a short-term Schengen visa which only allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days, a student visa (residence permit) allows you to stay legally in Finland for the duration of your studies. If you are studying for a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, your stay can be extended for several years and can be extended continuously while you are studying.
- Enjoy international student benefits
With a Finnish student visa, you can access most of the public services and utilities necessary for international students such as opening a bank account, renting a house, registering for health insurance, and especially working part-time according to regulations. In addition, you can also register for a Personal Identity Code (PIC), which helps you easily use medical, tax and administrative services.
- Free movement within the Schengen area
Another significant advantage is that a Finnish student visa gives you the right to travel throughout the entire Schengen area of 26 European countries – for a maximum of 90 days in each 180-day period. This is very convenient if you want to travel, visit relatives or attend international conferences in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, etc. without having to apply for a separate visa.
- Paving the way for settlement or employment opportunities after graduation
A student visa is not just a temporary permit, but also an important stepping stone for a long-term future. After graduation, you can switch to a job-seeking visa or apply for a work residence permit. If you work and live legally for a certain period of time (usually 4 years), you may be eligible to apply for long-term residence or permanent residence.
III. 2 common types of Finnish student visas and residence permits
1. Short-term Schengen visa (visa C)
Short-term Schengen visa, also known as display C, is the type of visa that allows you to maximum stay 90 days within 180 days within the Schengen area, including Finland. However, the C visa is not suitable for long-term study purposes.
This type of visa is usually issued to people who come to Finland to attend short courses, seminars, or take entrance exams at universities. If you are planning to study a full-time bachelor's or master's degree, a C visa is not enough, and you will need to apply for the appropriate residence permit.
2. Long-term residence permit (visa D)
In case of long-term study abroad, international students need to apply for long term residence permit for study purposes in Finland, commonly known as view D (Although according to Finnish law, this is a residence permit, not a “visa” in the traditional sense.) This is the most important type of Finnish student visa that you need to prepare if you are participating in a study program that lasts longer than 90 days.
This residence permit is usually valid for the duration of your course, and can be renewed for each academic year. With a residence permit, you will be able to live legally in Finland, work part-time within permitted limits, and access services for international students.
IV. Conditions for applying for a Finnish student visa
1. Valid letter of admission
One of the mandatory conditions for applying for a Finnish student visa is that you must have an official letter of admission from a university, institute or other legal educational institution in Finland. This letter must clearly state that you have been accepted into a specific study program, the duration of the study, the level of training and the school information.
2. Academic & Language Requirements
Finland requires international students to have the appropriate educational qualifications for the program they are applying for, such as a high school diploma for a bachelor’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree for a master’s degree. You will also need to demonstrate your language skills – usually English, through certificates such as IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT).
3. Financial proof
Another important requirement when applying for a Finnish student visa is to prove that you have enough money to live and study here. According to current regulations, students need to prove that they have at least 560 EUR/month, equivalent to about 6,720 EUR/year. This amount must be deposited in a bank account in your name and can be checked.
4. Health insurance
When applying for a Finnish student visa, you are required to have appropriate international health insurance that covers medical and accident costs for the duration of your stay. For courses of less than 2 years, you will need insurance with a minimum coverage of 120,000 EUR. For longer programmes, the minimum coverage is 40,000 EUR.
5. Profile & Resume
In addition to the above documents, you will need to prepare a clear personal profile and a clean background. This includes a valid passport, a standard passport photo, copies of your degrees, transcripts, motivation letter, and resume. If you have a history of illegal residence, your visa application may be subject to further scrutiny or rejection.
V. Procedures for applying for a student visa to Finland
Step 1: Receive an admission letter from a university in Finland
Before applying for a Finnish student visa, you must receive an official letter of admission from a Finnish university. This is a prerequisite for starting the residence permit application process. The letter of admission must clearly state the study program, duration and level of study, and must be a valid letter issued by the university.
Step 2: Prepare complete visa application documents
Once you have received your invitation letter, you will need to start collecting and preparing all the necessary documents for your visa application. The main documents include: valid passport, passport photo, admission letter, diploma and transcript, proof of financial resources (approximately 8,400 EUR/year), health insurance, motivation letter, and residence permit application.
Step 3: Create an account and fill out a profile on Enter Finland
Next, you need to access the Finnish Immigration Service's Enter Finland system at https://enterfinland.fi. Here, you will create a personal account, select the “Student Residence Permit” section and start filling in the necessary information. This is the official online application portal, where you can upload documents, track progress and receive results.
Step 4: Pay the application processing fee
When you complete your application on the system, you will be asked to pay a processing fee. If you submit your application via Enter Finland, the fee is 350 EUR (applicable from 2025). Payment is online via international card. Successful payment is a condition for the system to officially accept your application for residency.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment and submit biometrics
You will need to make an appointment at the application centre (VFS Global) or the Finnish Embassy/Consulate to submit your biometrics including fingerprints, digital photo and original documents. This is a mandatory step to verify your identity, activate your application and help the immigration authorities start the processing.
Step 6: Track the application processing progress
After completing your biometrics, you will need to log in to Enter Finland regularly to monitor the progress of your application. During this process, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) may request additional documents or clarification of certain information. Processing times are often long 15-30 business days, may take longer if it is peak season or there is a problem with the application.
Step 7: Receive visa results and residence card
If your application is approved, you will receive an official notification on the system. After that, the residence permit card will be printed and sent to the reception center or the Embassy. You need to come and receive it directly and check the information on the card carefully.
Step 8: Prepare to enter and go to Finland
Once you have received your residence permit, you can book your flight, pack your bags and enter Finland. Make sure you have your residence permit, valid passport, study documents, financial documents and insurance with you to present if required upon entry.
VI. Fees & processing time for Finland student visa application
- Online application fee
From 2025, the fee for applying for a residence permit for international students if paid via Enter Finland system is 350 EUR. This is the most popular and recommended form of submission because it saves costs, can be paid online and has quick status updates. In addition, the system also allows you to easily supplement documents or respond to immigration requests.
- Paper application fee
If you do not use the online system, you can submit your application in person at a VFS Global centre or the Finnish Embassy, with a fee of450 EUR. This form is often applied when there is a system or technical problem or there is no ability to access Enter Finland.
- Average processing time
Most Finland student visa applications are processed within 15-30 working days, from the time you complete all the paperwork and biometrics. During peak season (May–August), this may take longer. If there are missing documents, unclear finances, or additional verification is needed, the wait time can be up to 60 days.
- Appropriate time to submit application
To ensure timely admission, you should start applying for a visa 2 to 3 months before the start of the school year. For fall semesters (August–September), students should complete their visa application in May or early June. Submitting your application early will give you more time to handle any unexpected situations, receive your visa results, and proactively book flights and rent accommodation.
VII. Update the latest policy of Finland student visa 2025
- Tighten transparency of records
From 2025, Migri (Finnish Immigration Service) requires that visa applications be carefully prepared, logical and supported by sufficient evidence. This includes clearly demonstrating the motivation for studying, career path, purpose of stay in Finland and legality of financial resources. Applications found to contain false information, inconsistent information or lacking logical connections will be rejected outright.
- Update financial requirements
The level of financial proof remains the same.700 EUR/month, equivalent to 8,400 EUR/year, however the immigration authorities now require more specific and reliable supporting documents, for example: student's savings book, red-stamped bank statement, or official scholarship contract of equivalent value.
- Post-graduation residency support
Under the new policy, international students graduating from universities in Finland can stay up to 2 yearsto find a job or start a business, by applying for a residence permit under the “job seeker” or “entrepreneur” categories.
- Priority for online application
Migri is currently optimizing the system Enter Finlandand prioritize processing for online applications. This not only reduces pressure on embassies but also helps students save time, manage their applications more conveniently, and quickly update the review progress.
VIII. Tips to increase the success rate of Finnish student visa
- Prepare clear and logical documents
A well-organized application, presented in accordance with Migri’s requirements and without any contradictions between sections of information will help the review process go more quickly. You should organize your application according to the official checklist and attach full documents proving your study purpose, reasons for choosing Finland and a clear study path.
- Proof of reliable financial resources
The financial resources must be clear, easily verifiable and demonstrate the ability to cover all living expenses in Finland during the entire period of study. It is best to use a bank account in your own name, with a balance of 8,400 EUR or more and a statement for the last 3 months. If you have a guarantor, you must attach legal documents proving the relationship and financial capacity of that person.
- Write a convincing motivation letter
Motivation letter is not just a “self-introduction” part, but also a place where you can express yourself.serious learning goals, reasons for choosing your major and future career plans. A genuine, concise and well-prepared letter will make a good impression on the reviewer and increase the credibility of the entire application.
- Take advantage of school & expert support
If you are unsure about the process, pleaseTake advantage of support from the Finnish university you have been admitted to, or reputable study abroad consulting units. These units often have experience updating the latest policies, helping you prepare the correct documents, avoid small errors and receive specific instructions in each step.
IX. Frequently asked questions when applying for a Finnish student visa (FAQs)
1. Can I extend my Finnish student visa?
Yes, you can extend your residence permit for the purpose of studying in Finland if you continue your current study programme or transfer to another valid study programme. Before your current permit expires, you need to apply for an extension via the Enter Finland system and provide supporting documents.
2. Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes, international students with a Finnish student residence permit are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week (averaged over a year) during the main semester. During breaks such as summer or winter break, you can work full-time with no limit on hours.
3. Visa for travel to other Schengen countries?
Yes, when you hold a residence permit (visa D) for the purpose of studying in Finland, you have the right to move freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in every 180-day period. This means you can travel, attend conferences, or visit relatives in other Schengen countries such as Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, etc.
Conclusion
A Finnish student visa is not only an entry permit but also a foundation to help you live, study and develop your career in one of the most livable countries in Europe. Understanding the latest regulations and changes in 2025 and preparing your application carefully will help you save time and increase your chances of getting a visa.
