How to Apply for Finland Student Visa

The Finnish higher education system is well regarded around the world. For EU/EEA students, education at universities or polytechnics (Universities of Applied Sciences – UAS) is free, and it also offers a lively student life.Numerous international students enrol in degree programmes in Finland each year, and while they appreciate the balanced schedule and interactive classes, there are a few things you should know about the Student Visa for Finland process and all the bureaucratic hurdles you will encounter.

How to Apply for a Student Visa for Finland?

Students who do not reside in an EU/EEA country must apply for a Finland Student Visa. The following are the steps to take if one wishes to apply for a resident permit in Finland. Applicants may apply both online and offline.

Step 1: The first step is to complete the Residence Permit application found on the Finland Immigration website. Complete the form completely and accurately. The application can be submitted online or in person at the Finnish Embassy in your country.

Step 2: You will be required to provide a series of supporting documents with your application. The following list summarises the documents that must be submitted with your application for a residence permit in Finland.

• Completed Application Form
• Letter of Acceptance from the University to which you have applied.
• Proof of financial resources is required (6270 euros for a year)
• A current passport and photographs
• Receipt for application costs (€330 for paper applications and €300 for internet applications)
• A legitimate proof of health insurance coverage for a period of at least one year

Step 3: During business hours, you must submit the application form and all relevant documentation to the nearest embassy. Even if a student applies for study in Finland and  Residence Permit electronically, the application cannot be processed until the student's documents are verified in person

Step 4: The next step is to provide the embassy with your biometric details. Biometrics include the candidate's fingerprints and photographs. Once again, regardless of the form of application, biometrics must be taken in person at the embassy.

Once all of the necessary documents are in order, the visa process takes 60 days. Once the Student Visa for Finland permit is obtained, the candidate is notified via email and can either pick it up at the embassy or have it mailed to them.

Suggestions for submitting an application for a Finnish resident permit

To begin, you can apply for a residence permit at your country's embassy or representative office. Additionally, you can apply online through the Finnish Immigration Service.

However, you must still visit your local embassy to verify your identity and submit copies of any other documents required during the application process.

Additionally, an online application for a Finnish residency permit provides the following benefits:

• The electronic application procedure takes around 2-3 months, while the paper application process takes approximately 3 months.
• The electronic application price is 350 EUR, while the paper application fee is 450 EUR.