Asylum seekers’ right to study

The Finnish aliens legislation does not restrict asylum seekers’ right to study. An asylum seeker may apply for and accept a study place if this is not against the rules and regulations of the educational institution in question.

However, receiving a study place does not automatically mean that an asylum seeker may stay in Finland. When we process an asylum application, we examine the asylum seeker’s right to receive international protection. A person who is in Finland as an asylum seeker cannot at the same time get a residence permit for studies, even if he or she meets the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for studies. If an asylum seeker wants to get a residence permit for studies, he or she must cancel the asylum application and instead apply for a residence permit for studies.

Read more at the page Work and study activities.