Student Visa In Finland: Requirements & Application Process

When it comes to top-quality education, Finland is one of the first countries that come to mind. So if you are thinking about studying in Finland, we will talk in this article about the student visa once you are accepted at a Finnish University.

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Types of student visas in Finland

Short time student visa

If you consider studying in Finland for less than 3 months, then it is sufficient to obtain a student visa for a short time only.

However, please note that a 3-month student visa is suitable for students who are planning to take language courses in Finland. They are also for students who need to take an entrance exam in one of the universities.

Student Residence Permit

In case you intend to stay for more than three months, you will need a residence visa for studies in Finland. A residence visa is suitable for students who are accepted to study a full degree of study program at a university in Finland.

Also, it is for students whose exchange study period in Finland is scheduled to last for a period of more than 3 months. Moreover, students who come to Finland to pursue doctoral studies or research have to apply for a residence permit for scientific research instead of the usual residence permit.

Steps to follow to get a student visa or residence permit in Finland

Upon receiving notification of admission to a university in Finland, you have to apply for a student visa by applying at the Finnish embassy or the consulate in your country and through the visa application website in Finland.

The first step is to download the visa application form through the visa application website in Finland.
Fill out all the information required carefully, you can either fill it to submit electronically or print after filling it to submit it at the Embassy of Finland or the consulate in your country.
Gather all necessary and required documents in the visa application.
Pay the application fees of the Student visa. Also, be aware of the fact that the fee for electronic submission is less than the fee required for direct submission at the Finland embassy or consulate.
Submit your completed residence permit application form and all the required documentation, including the required photographs, at the Finland Embassy or Consulate nearest to you. You have to submit the application during office hours. You will have to submit the application in person. Applying online on the official website of the application does not contradict with visiting the Embassy or the consulate to confirm the application process.
Paying the processing fees of your residence permit at the time of submitting the application form. Check with the embassy of Finland or the consulate about the fees of the residence permit and the method of payment. Note that in case of submission of an electronic application, the processing fee will be charged via the electronic service.
In case the visa is issued, students will be contacted to receive it.

Requirements for a student visa in Finland

The following documents arerequired:

The official acceptance letter issued by the university.
Valid passport.
The passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years.
The student should sign the application form, which needs to include all the required information.
Present an official document as proof of the student’s income to fund studies and housing costs. The student’s income should be more than 560 euros per month or a total of 6,720 euros per year.
Health insurance covers the entire duration of your stay at the university in Finland.
The student must be in good health and be free from any diseases.
Certificate of good conduct.
Recent personal photographs of the student.

Processing time for a Finland student visa

Online application for a study visa usually takes between 2 and 3 months to process. In person applications on the other hand have 3 months of processing time.

For online procedures, you may still need to visit your Finnish local embassy to verify your identity. Moreover, the Finnish Immigration Service gives priority to student visa applications. So international students might not need to wait too long to hear from them after they submit their visa request.

Working hours with a student visa in Finland

It can happen that your first student residence permit will be granted to you for the entire duration of your studies, as long as your passport is valid throughout that period. Moreover, this type of student visa allows international students to work up to 30 hours per week in Finland.

International students can also work full time during holidays with a resident permit. And if your work area is related to your studies, the 30-hour restriction does not apply.

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