Finland is a much preferred study abroad destination owing to the high quality but affordable education that it provides. Finnish healthcare and education are at par with global standards. Besides, the country allows excellent living conditions in terms of affordable lifestyle and sees an influx of eager students each year. However, while the entire application process for study abroad can be time-consuming, getting your student visa for Finland can be an equally arduous task. You need to get a visa appointment, prepare your documents, and submit your application for approval. Hence, it would be best if you started preparing for visa application early.
If you are going for an academic program shorter than three months, you need to apply for a Short-term Student Visa.
You can apply for your first student residence permit if you are going for any undergraduate or postgraduate program in Finland. You may apply for the same if you have been accepted to any exchange programs. Remember, that you can apply for the student residence permit if your program needs you to travel to and stay in Finland and is of a duration of 90 days or more. This visa will remain valid for the entirety of the program. However, ensure that your passport is also valid for the said duration or your visa will expire. With this permit, you are also entitled to 30 hours of work per week. Besides, if your work pertains to your degree (thesis work or practical training, for instance), you will be exempt from this 30-hour work restriction. If you are going for any Doctoral or research program, you will have to apply for a residence permit for scientific research instead.
If you have an official letter of acceptance from your university, hold a valid passport, can present sufficient proof of financial support, and have no criminal record, you are eligible to apply for a study visa in Finland. However, there are certain visa conditions that you must abide by. You must always check the same before starting your study visa application for Finland.
The following documents are mandatory for your student visa application for Finland:
While these are the mandatory document requirements for applying for your student visa for Finland, each visa type may have additional requirements. It is mandatory to always check the same before starting your visa application process. You can connect with the experienced advisors at Manya – The Princeton Review to navigate this extremely nuanced and critical process.
To apply for a visa, you need to complete the application form, gather all the necessary documents and submit the same through the e-service portal. The submission of your application will require you to pay the processing fee. You will also need to visit the Finnish Embassy or Consulate. At the Finnish Immigration Service, you need to prove your identity. Moreover, they will record your fingerprints. Remember to carry the original of all the documents that you have submitted with your application. This is needed for verification.
You may need to appear for an interview for visa processing for Finland. You need to submit all your documents and forms either online or via post and await the decision. It usually takes two to three months for a visa decision. However, if you are asked to attend an interview, be prepared to justify if your intent to visit the country is only for academic purposes, that you will be returning to your home country upon completion of the program, the fit of the program to your academic and professional background, how the program will help you meet your career goals, your reasons for selecting the particular country and the university to further your academic journey, and your financial background.
English language proficiency is not a mandatory requirement to be approved for a Student Visa for Finland.
Your student residence permit will remain valid for the duration of your program and an additional three months. Thus, you will have ample flexibility to apply for an extension and/or to plan your next move once you complete your education in Finland.
The entire process of studying abroad from shortlisting schools, writing essays, preparing documents, completing applications, getting a visa, and completing other official formalities can seem overwhelming. Hence, the admission experts at Manya – The Princeton Review are here to guide you every step of the way. Their rich experience ensures that you find schools that perfectly match your requirements, thus helping you narrow down your search for your dream study-abroad destination. From ranking, scholarship opportunities, and tuition fees, to cost of living, visa application and approval, and the latest updates, you will get all the information and more from the seasoned admission experts at Manya.
Thus, for end-to-end admissions consulting, come to Manya – The Princeton Review!
A Student Residence Permit takes a couple of weeks to three months to be approved. Hence, it is recommended that you apply well in advance.
If you are going for a short-term three-month program, you will need a short-term student visa. If you are going for a long-term program, you need a Student Residence Permit.
Depending on your type of visa and visa conditions, you may be able to renew your residence permit for Finland.
Yes, you may take up part-time work for up to 30 hours a week while on a student residence permit in Finland. However, if your work pertains to your curriculum mandate such as thesis or practical training, you will be exempt from the 30-hour work restriction.
You will be charged a student residence permit application fee of around 370 EUR.
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