Finland is known to have one of the best education systems in the world. Almost half of its population has a higher degree. And it’s no surprise as it offers a variety of study programs and the tuition fee for its residents and for students from the EU is free.

Even for international students, the tuition fee is very affordable and third-country nationals can enjoy the same rights as any student due to Finland’s equal opportunities policy. However, as a third-country national you will most likely need a Finland student visa in order to study there.

Finland Student Visa Requirements

These are the required documents you need to attach to your visa application:

• You must have a valid passport at the time of your application. Your passport is considered valid if it was issued during the last 10 years and it won’t expire for another three months after you depart Finland.
• Identity picture. A recent identity picture must be part of the application. Follow the Schengen visa photo rules when you take the picture.
• Copy of your passport’s bio page. In recent years Finland now requires applicants for any type of visa to attach a copy of their passport’s bio page.
• Proof of enrollment. You need to provide proof that you were accepted for a study program at a university in Finland.
• Health insurance. You must also provide international student health insurance that covers all kinds of medical emergencies and is valid during your stay in Finland.
• Sufficient financial means. You must have at least €560 in your personal bank account per month that covers everyday expenses during your studies.
• Proof of paid tuition fee. You must include a certificate proving that you have paid your tuition fee, if you haven’t done so then you need to provide evidence that you have enough financial means to pay the fee.
• Evidence of scholarship. If you are the beneficiary of a scholarship that covers your tuition fee then you need to provide a certificate proving that you will be supported financially by the scholarship.
• Civil status documents. This refers to documents such as your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, adoption paper, etc.
• Previous certificate degrees. These are not required for degree students and exchange students.