Instructions for degree students without tuition fees

• If your application is approved, the residence permit is valid for two years, unless you apply for a shorter period. However, the residence permit is only valid for the duration of your studies, if your studies take less than two years.
• Acceptance letter from a Finnish education institution.
  • If your acceptance letter was sent to you by e-mail, include the forwarding email from the Studyinfo service (studyinfo.fi) or the school in Finland.

• If your studies in Finland last two years or more, your insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least 40,000 euros.
  • After arriving in Finland, apply for a home municipality at your local registry office to be entitled to public health care.
• If your studies last less than two years, your insurance must cover both sickness and accident related medical expenses up to at least 120,000 euros.
• Your insurance must be valid throughout your entire stay in Finland. If you plan to study in Finland for at least a year, take out the insurance for a minimum of one year.
• Your insurance must be valid when you arrive in Finland. 
• Make sure that there are no restrictions to the number of days within the period of validity. Please note that travel insurances are often valid for up to 90 days per trip and we do not accept these.
• Acquire an insurance document indicating the following information:
  • Your personal details
  • Period of validity of insurance
  • Geographical area in which your insurance is valid
  • Insurance coverage
  • Insured amounts
  • Amount of deductible, or a mention that there is no deductible
• Do not terminate your insurance! Otherwise you will be responsible for the costs yourself.
• Read more about insurance companies offering international health insurance to students.

Make sure that you have enough funds for the duration of your studies. You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs.

• Describe in your application how you intend to finance your stay in Finland during the first year of studies.
• If your educational institution supports your living in Finland, you do not necessarily need to have 800 euros per month at your disposal. Attach to your application documentation of the support provided by the educational institution. Read more about income requirements.
• A bank statement from your own bank account from the past 6 months: Make sure that the statement indicates you as the account owner. A shared account or a written guarantee of sponsorship from a private person is not accepted.
• A certificate of a scholarship granted by a state, an organisation or an educational institution. The certificate must indicate the recipient, amount and duration of the scholarship. A bank statement is not necessary if the scholarship fully covers the requirement.
   

• Please remember that you must have a passport that is valid. A residence permit can be granted for a longer period than the period of validity of your passport. If your passport expires while the residence permit is valid, remember to renew it early enough.