Finland Study Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students

Finland Study Visa (student residence permit) allows international students to live and study in Finland for courses longer than 90 days. Candidates need an admission letter, proof of funds (minimum €6,720 per year), health insurance, and valid documents. 

The visa fee is about €350 online, and processing takes 2–8 weeks. Students can work up to 30 hours per week during studies and may bring their spouse or dependents with extra financial proof. After graduation, they can apply for a two-year post-study work permit to find jobs or start a career in Finland.

What is a Finland Study Visa?

If you are going to Finland for a course that lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student residence permit (often called a study visa).

Think of it as your permission to live and study in Finland legally. For short courses under 3 months, a Schengen visa might be enough, but for degree or long-term programs, you must apply for a residence permit for studies.

Once approved, this visa allows you to:

• Study full-time in Finland

• Work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) during your studies

• Stay in Finland for the entire duration of your degree

Why Choose Finland for Higher Studies?

Before we talk about the visa process, here’s why Finland is such a favorite among students:

• English-taught programs in top universities

• High-quality education system

• Modern, safe, and clean environment

• Post-study work opportunities

• Affordable compared to the UK, USA, or Australia

If you are aiming for a peaceful, tech-driven, and globally respected education system, Finland is a top pick.

Finland Study Visa Fees

Let’s start with one of the most common questions: How much does a Finland study visa cost?

Besides the base fee, you might also need to pay small service charges at the visa center, document translation costs, or courier fees.

Step-by-Step Process for a Finland Study Visa from India

If you are applying from India, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Get Admission in a Finnish University

You must first receive an official offer or admission letter from a recognized university in Finland. Without this, you can’t apply for the study visa.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need the following:

• Valid passport

• Recent passport-size photos

• Admission letter from your university

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

• Proof of tuition fee payment or funding

• Health insurance (mandatory for all students)

• Educational certificates and transcripts

• Accommodation proof (if available)

Step 3: Apply Online via EnterFinland

Go to the EnterFinland portal, fill out the online application, and upload all documents. You’ll also pay your visa fee here.

Step 4: Book an Appointment at VFS or the Embassy

After applying online, book a biometric appointment at the VFS Global centre or Finnish Embassy in India. Take all your original documents and passport along.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Once submitted, your application will be processed by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). You can track your application online.

Step 6: Collect Your Residence Permit Card

If approved, you’ll get a residence permit card. You can then travel to Finland and start your studies.

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Finland Student Visa?

One of the most important parts of your application is proving that you have enough money to support yourself while studying.

So, for most students, you’ll need to show at least €6,720 (around ₹6 lakh) in your bank account for one year of stay.

Make sure your bank statements are genuine, recent, and preferably from your own account. Showing consistent balance for 3–6 months before applying increases your chances of approval.

Pro Tip: Keep a little extra (like €500–€1000 more) to look financially stronger.

Finland Study Visa IELTS Requirements

Many students worry about IELTS. Do you need it for a Finland student visa? The answer is simple:  IELTS is not directly a visa requirement, but it is a university admission requirement in most cases. Here’s how it usually works:

If your previous education was completely in English, some universities may waive the IELTS requirement.

Other accepted tests include TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English exams.

So, while you technically can get a visa without IELTS (if your university doesn’t ask for it), you’ll almost always need English proficiency proof to get admission in the first place.

Finland Student Visa Success Rate

Now comes the million-dollar question, what are my chances of getting a Finland study visa? Good news! The Finland student visa success rate is very high, especially for Indian students who meet all the requirements.

If you provide genuine documents, show enough funds, and have a clear study plan, your chances of approval are around 90%–95%.

The main reasons why applications get rejected include:

• Insufficient funds or unclear bank statements

• Missing or fake documents

• Applying too late

• Not meeting university language or admission criteria

As long as you’re truthful and prepared, the process is quite smooth and fair.

Finland Study Visa with Spouse

Many students ask, Can I take my spouse with me to Finland? Yes, you can! Finland allows international students to bring their spouse or dependents under the family reunification category.

But there are a few things to know:

• You must show additional financial proof to support your spouse.

• Your spouse will have to apply for their own residence permit as a family member.

• Usually, your spouse will have permission to work in Finland.

• If you have children, you can apply for their permits too.

Example:
If you’re required to show €6,720 for yourself, you’ll need to show extra funds for your spouse, usually around the same amount per year.

Finland Study Visa Processing Time

Let’s talk about how long it takes to get your visa. If you apply early (2–3 months before your course starts), you’ll easily get your result on time.

Processing can be delayed if:

• Documents are incomplete

• Embassy needs extra verification

• There’s a high volume of applications (especially around August–September)

Note - Apply early! Don’t wait until the last minute, as many people apply at the last moment and are denied a visa due to various problems.

Work Rights on Finland Study Visa

Once you have your Finland study visa, you’re also allowed to work part-time during your course.

• You can work up to 30 hours per week on average during term time.

• You can work full-time during holidays.

• Most part-time jobs are in restaurants, delivery, or university support services.

Working part-time can help you cover some living expenses, but remember — you should still show enough savings when applying for the visa.

What’s Next After Studies?

Once you finish your degree, you can apply for a post-study work permit to stay in Finland and find a job.

This permit is valid for up to 2 years and gives you time to look for work or start your own business. If you get a job, you can then switch to a work-based residence permit and continue living in Finland.

So, studying in Finland can easily become your path to permanent settlement if you plan smartly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Application

Here are a few simple but costly mistakes that many students make:

1. Not showing enough funds — Always show more than the minimum amount.

2. Incomplete documents — Double-check every page before submitting.

3. Last-minute application — Apply at least 2–3 months in advance.

4. Fake or unclear statements — Even a small mismatch can lead to rejection.

5. Skipping health insurance — It’s mandatory for all applicants.

6. Ignoring embassy emails — Respond quickly if they ask for clarification.

Note - If you avoid these mistakes, your application will be submitted easily without any problems. Just keep in mind to complete all the things on time from your end.