Scholarships & funding for studies in Finland
Scholarships & funding overview
Understanding the financial side of studying in Finland is essential for planning your education. EU/EEA students enjoy tuition-free education at all Finnish universities and UAS, while non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees ranging from about €8,000 to €20,000 per year for English-taught programs. However, numerous scholarships, grants, and financial support systems make Finland accessible to students from all backgrounds. Kela student benefits, part-time work opportunities, and careful budgeting can help you manage your finances effectively throughout your studies.
- EU/EEA students study tuition-free in Finland
- Scholarships available for non-EU/EEA students
- Kela student benefits support living costs
Tuition fees in Finland
Understanding tuition fee structures for different student groups in Finland.
- EU/EEA citizens pay no tuition fees at any Finnish university
- Non-EU/EEA tuition is typically about €8,000 to €20,000 per year, plus a €100 application fee
- Finnish and Swedish-language programs are free for everyone
- Doctoral programs are tuition-free for all nationalities
Scholarships for international students
Major scholarship programs available for students in Finland.
- EDUFI (Finnish National Agency for Education) fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral research
- University-specific tuition fee waivers covering 50–100% of fees
- Finland Scholarship program for non-EU/EEA Bachelor's and Master's students
- Erasmus+ grants for exchange students from EU partner universities
Financial aid and grants
Government and institutional financial support for students.
- Finnish government grants through the CIMO/EDUFI program
- Research grants from the Research Council of Finland for doctoral students
- Foundation grants such as the Fulbright Finland Foundation
- Need-based institutional grants offered by individual universities
Kela student benefits
Social benefits available to students registered in Finland.
- Study grant (opintoraha) of about €280 per month for higher education students living independently (less if living with parents) for those who qualify; students who move to Finland only to study, including most non-EU/EEA students, are generally not eligible for Kela student financial aid
- Student housing supplement (opiskelijoiden asumislisä) for rented housing; it replaced the general housing allowance for students on 1 August 2025
- Student loan guarantee (opintolaina) with government-backed low interest
- Meal subsidy (ateriatuki) for discounted meals at student restaurants
Working while studying
Earning income alongside your studies in Finland.
- Students can work 30 hours per week on average (calculated over the year)
- The 30-hour average applies during holidays too; work that is part of your degree is not counted
- Average student wages range from €10 to €15 per hour
- Campus jobs, tutoring, and research assistant positions are widely available
Budgeting tips for students
Practical advice for managing your finances as a student in Finland.
- Estimated monthly living costs in Finland: €700–€1,200 depending on the city
- Use the Frank student discount app for savings on food, transport, and services
- Student housing through HOAS, TYS, or PSOAS is significantly cheaper than private rentals
- Cook at home and use student restaurants where a subsidised lunch costs €3.10 with ateriatuki (2026)
Important considerations
Key points to keep in mind when planning your study finances.
- Apply for scholarships early — most deadlines are in January–February
- Non-EU/EEA students must show €800 per month (€9,600 for studies lasting a year or longer) for the residence permit
- Kela benefits require registration as a permanent resident in Finland
- Plan your budget before arriving — first months can be expensive