Finland’s internationally recognised universities and advanced learning environment give international students opportunities they will not find elsewhere. A Finnish student residence permit does more than let you study: you can work while you study, and there is a route from the permit to permanent residence. With an official lawyer overseeing your file, your study migration route stays safe and straightforward.
Available
IELTS or TOEFL
1 to 3 months
EUR 400
The Finland Start-up visa is one of the best routes to Finland. Offered as government support for business development, it invites entrepreneurs from outside the European Union to put their creative ideas into practice in the country.
Moving to Finland on a job offer from a Finnish employer, or on a Finnish work visa, is another of the quick routes into the country.
1Assessing your situation and choosing the right route
2Signing a formal agreement and opening your file
3Preparing and translating documents + booking your embassy appointment
4Visa issuance, plus arrival and settlement services
Yes. Many Finnish universities teach their programmes in English. For English-taught programmes (other than doctoral studies), a language certificate is required, such as Academic IELTS with a minimum score of 6 or the equivalent in TOEFL.
Yes. Students may work up to 25 hours a week, in jobs related to their studies.
Yes. A Finnish student residence permit also lets you travel to other Schengen and European Union member countries.
No. A Finnish student residence permit requires you to be physically in the country and to attend courses in person. If you take an online course, you do not need to be in Finland or to hold a permit.
Check your chances of a Finnish visa right now, free of charge. A careful review before you apply can prevent a refusal and the cost of starting over.
If you dream of studying in one of the most advanced European countries, Finland could be an excellent choice for your future studies. With its high quality of life, internationally renowned universities, the possibility of working while studying, and the possibility of converting a student visa into a residence permit, this country is a destination for many students from all over the world, including Iran, every year.
The first step is important to obtain a Finland study visa in 2025. Knowing the requirements, required documents, and steps to obtain this visa will help you begin your study immigration process without confusion or mistakes.
To obtain a Finnish student visa, you must prepare the following documents to present to the embassy, in addition to a valid passport and biometric photo:
Official documents such as identity and educational documents must be officially translated, but for documents such as motivation letters, letters of recommendation, or resumes, an accurate translation into English (without the need for an official stamp) is sufficient.
The student visa process usually takes between 1 and 3 months. It is recommended that you apply for your visa a few months before the start of the semester and begin the following steps:
After completing these steps, wait for the student visa to be issued. In some cases, the student may be interviewed or the embassy may request additional documents.
The cost of applying for a student visa is 350 euros for online applications and 450 euros for in-person applications. If you have a companion (spouse or children), a separate fee is charged for each person.
To obtain a student visa, you must prove your financial means. The minimum financial means for living and studying in different cities in Finland are as follows:
Minimum cost per person:
The Finnish government and universities offer a variety of scholarships to international students. These scholarships are for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees:
| Degree level | Scholarship amount (monthly or annual) | Universities offering the scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | EUR 4,000 to 15,000 | University of Helsinki, Turku and Åbo Akademi |
| Master’s | EUR 4,000 to 15,000 | University of Helsinki, Turku and Åbo Akademi |
| PhD | EUR 2,000 to 4,000 | University of Helsinki, Turku and Åbo Akademi |
| EUR 5,000 to 15,000 (annual) | Maskou State Foundation | |
| EUR 5,000 to 15,000 (annual) | Oulu State Foundation |
In total, the annual financial means for a student is about 9,600 euros, and the ability to pay must be proven through a letter of funding, having a sponsor, or providing financial documents.
It is mandatory for students to have health insurance. For periods of less than 2 years, students are offered SIP Integral insurance, which covers 472 euros per year. For periods of more than 2 years, SIP Compliment insurance is recommended, which covers 256 euros per year.
With a Finnish student visa, you can work legally in the country. If the job is related to your field of study, you can work without restrictions; otherwise, students can work part-time for up to 25 hours per week.
A Finnish student visa is usually valid for 2 years. If the course of study (e.g. Bachelor’s or PhD) is longer than 2 years, it is possible to extend the visa. Otherwise, you will have to leave the country or change your visa type after completing your studies.
After graduation, you can convert your student visa to the following visas:
Finally, you can apply for Finnish residency. To obtain residency, you must have been working continuously after graduation and have documents such as contracts and pay slips so that you can submit your application to the Immigration Office.
Studying in Finland is not just an educational experience, but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth and living in one of the most quality countries in Europe. From preparing documents to receiving scholarships, from finding accommodation to student work, every step of the way to obtain a Finnish student visa requires careful planning and attention to detail.
If you have any questions or need more detailed guidance, we at Visa Toronto are here to help you. Contact us now or fill out our free consultation form to take the first step towards building a more secure future in Finland.
