The Finnish higher education system is well-known worldwide. Finland offers a variety of programs and free tuition fees for its residents as well as students from the EU. The fee is even affordable for students from third-country nationals due to its equal opportunities policy. Up to 400 degree programs are offered for international students in English. Learn more about the seamless process to get Finland student visa.

The top universities of Finland are as follows:

If you are from a third-country national opting to avail study opportunities you are likely to need a Finland study visa. Individuals who are not citizens of the listed countries are third-country nationals:

There are two types of study visas depending on the duration of the study program in Finland institutions.

Only non-EU/EEA students need to apply for a Schengen visa or a residence permit.

Finland student visa is valid for two years however, if your study program lasts less than two years it will be valid according to the duration of your study program. In case if program takes more than two years students can extend their student permit until the study program ends. 

Students can study in Finland without a visa if their program lasts for less than 90 days, while if their study program lasts longer they are likely to register as temporary residents in Finland until they finish their studies. While international students who do not need to apply for a visa/residence permit still need to register with the local authorities, especially, if their study program lasts for more than 90 days to finish.

The documents required to be attached to the visa application include:

The documents required to be attached to the visa application include:

The Finland residence permit takes 1-2 months to process if submitted online while a paper application takes 2-3 months.

A Schengen visit visa takes up to 10-15 days to process depending upon the applicant’s nationality, the Finnish Embassy in the particular region, the number of applicants, and sometimes specific requirements of the applicant’s case.