Complete guide to obtaining a Finland student visa
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.
Documents for obtaining a Finland student visa
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 acceptance letter from the university
- Identity documents (ID card, national ID card)
- End of service card (for male applicants only)
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Previous academic qualifications (transcripts and transcripts)
- Police clearance certificate.
- Certificate of financial means
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter
- Resume (CV)
- University tuition payment slip
- Visa fee payment receipt
- English language certificate (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Proof of residence in Finland
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.
Steps to obtain a Finland student visa
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:
- Starting correspondence with desired universities
- Receive admission from the desired university
- Official translation of required documents
- Submit a visa application through this website
- Embassy appointment booking
- Visa fee payment
- Performing biometric procedures
- Attending the embassy and submitting documents
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.
Finland student visa fee
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.
Financial means required to obtain a visa
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:
- 800 euros per month for students
- 610 euros per month for an accompanying adult
- 480 euros per month for the second child
- 360 euros per month for the third child onwards
Finland Scholarship
The Finnish government and universities offer a variety of scholarships to international students. These scholarships are for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees:
| مقطع تحصیلی | مبلغ بورسیه ماهانه یا سالانه | دانشگاههای ارائهدهنده بورسیه |
|---|---|---|
| کارشناسی | 4000 تا 15000 یورو | دانشگاه هلسینکی- تورکو و اوبینو |
| کارشناسی ارشد | 4000 تا 15000 یورو | دانشگاه هلسینکی- تورکو و اوبینو |
| دکتری | 2000 تا 4000 یورو | دانشگاه هلسینکی- تورکو و اوبینو |
| بین 5000 تا 15000 یورو بین 5000 تا 15000 یورو (سالانه) | بنیاد دولتی ماسکو | |
| بین 5000 تا 15000 یورو (سالانه) | بنیاد دولتی اولو |
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.
Health insurance for international students in Finland
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.
Possibility of working with a student visa
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.
Student visa extension
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:
- Finland Job Offer Visa (one-year stay and possibility of converting to a work visa)
- Finland Research Visa
- Finland work visa (renewable up to 5 years)
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.
Finland Student Visa, a Bridge to a Bright Future
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, many Finnish universities offer their courses in English. For English courses (except for PhDs), a language certificate such as IELTS Academic with a score of at least 6 or equivalent in TOEFL is required.
Yes, students can work up to 25 hours per week in jobs related to their studies.
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen and EU member countries with a Finnish student visa.
No, to obtain a Finland study visa, you must be physically present in the country and participate in in-person courses. If you want to take an online course, you do not need to be physically present in the country or obtain a visa.