The Ultimate Guide to Undergraduate Scholarships and Visa Sponsorship in Finland

Finland’s world-class education system offers exceptional opportunities for international students through university-specific scholarships and a straightforward residence permit process. While the Finnish government does not offer a single, centralized “fully funded” scholarship for undergraduates, numerous institutional scholarships can significantly reduce your costs, and the student residence permit provides the visa sponsorship you need to study there.

Finland is renowned for its high-quality education, innovative teaching methods, and stunning natural beauty. For international students, it represents a unique opportunity to obtain a world-class degree in a safe, modern, and egalitarian society. While navigating funding and visa processes can seem daunting, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about securing an undergraduate scholarship and a residence permit for studying in Finland.

Dispelling the Myth: Finland Government Scholarships

A quick online search will reveal many websites promoting “Fully Funded Finland Government Scholarships.” It is crucial to approach these claims with caution. The official Study in Finland website, a authoritative source for prospective students, explicitly states that such ads “often contain a lot of misleading and erroneous information” .

The reality is that there is no single, fully-funded undergraduate scholarship program run directly by the Finnish government for all international students. Instead, financial support is decentralized and managed individually by Finnish universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS). These institutions offer their own scholarships or tuition fee waivers for academically talented non-EU/EEA students . Understanding this is the first step toward building a successful application strategy.

Undergraduate Scholarships Offered by Finnish Universities

The primary source of funding for international undergraduates is the scholarship programs at individual universities. These are typically merit-based and can cover a significant portion of the tuition fees.

The table below summarizes the types of scholarships available at various Finnish institutions.

Key Trends in University Scholarships

• Performance-Based: Many scholarships, like those at LUT University, reward consistent academic achievement and timely progression in your studies by requiring a minimum of 60 ECTS credits per year.

• Early Bird Offers: Some universities provide discounts for students who confirm their study place and pay any remaining tuition fees soon after receiving an offer of admission.

• Language Incentives: Several Universities of Applied Sciences, including HAMK and Metropolia, offer substantial financial incentives for international students who learn Finnish. This not only helps with funding but also significantly improves your employability in the Finnish job market after graduation.

Understanding the Finnish Student Residence Permit (“Visa Sponsorship”)

For non-EU/EEA citizens, studying in Finland for more than 90 days requires a resident permit for studies . This permit acts as your visa sponsorship, allowing you to legally reside in Finland for the duration of your degree program.

Key Requirements for the Residence Permit

To obtain a student residence permit, you must provide the following to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri):

1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for your entire intended stay.

2. Certificate of Acceptance: An official letter from a recognized Finnish educational institution confirming your admission to a full-time degree program.

3. Comprehensive Health Insurance: You must have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses in Finland until you are eligible for Finland’s public health services.

4. Proof of Tuition Fee Payment (if applicable): If your program has a tuition fee and you have already paid it, you must show the receipt. If you have a scholarship that covers it, provide the scholarship certificate.

5. Payment of Application Fee: The processing fee for an online application is €350.

6. Proof of Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate you can cover your living expenses in Finland. As of 2025, the required amount is €6,720 per year (€560 per month). This proof can be in the form of bank statements, a scholarship award letter, or a sponsor’s guarantee . It’s important to note that this requirement is for living costs and is separate from any tuition fees.

Positive Recent Changes to Finnish Immigration Law

A new law effective from April 2022 has made Finland even more attractive to international students:

• Continuous Permit for the Entire Study Duration: Students in higher education will receive a continuous residence permit (Type A) for the entire duration of their degree, eliminating the need to renew the permit every single year.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The time spent studying in Finland with a residence permit now counts towards the four-year requirement for a permanent residence permit.

• Increased Work Hours: Students are allowed to work an average of 30 hours per week over the calendar year, providing greater flexibility to gain work experience and support oneself.

• Generous Post-Study Rights: After graduation, students can apply for a two-year residence permit to look for work or start a business in Finland.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Find and Apply to a Degree Programme: Start your journey on the official Studyinfo.fi portal, the centralised application platform for all higher education in Finland . Choose a Bachelor’s programme that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.

2. Apply for Scholarships Simultaneously: When you submit your application for admission through Studyinfo or the university’s own portal, you will usually find an option to apply for the university’s scholarships at the same time. Prepare any required motivation letters or additional documents.

3. Receive Your Acceptance Letter: If you are admitted and awarded a scholarship, you will receive an official certificate of acceptance and a scholarship award letter. These are crucial for your residence permit application.

4. Apply for the Residence Permit Online: Create an account on the Enterfinland.fi e-service, which is managed by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) . Fill out the application form for a residence permit for studies and upload all the required documents listed above.

5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the €350 fee online using a credit/debit card.

6. Visit an Embassy or Service Point: To verify your identity and submit original documents, you must visit a Finnish embassy, consulate, or a VFS Global application center in your country of residence . You will have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken during this visit.

7. Wait for the Decision: Processing can take several months, so apply as soon as you have your acceptance letter . You can track your application status online through the Enter Finland portal.

8. Collect Your Residence Permit Card: Once approved, you will be notified to collect your residence permit card from the embassy or application center where you submitted your biometrics.

Official Websites for Application and Information

For accurate and up-to-date information, always rely on these official sources:

• Study in Finland (Official Gateway): https://www.studyinfinland.fi

• Studyinfo.fi (Apply for Programs): https://www.studyinfo.fi

• Finnish Immigration Service (Migri): https://migri.fi

• Enter Finland e-Service: https://enterfinland.fi

Conclusion: Building Your Future in Finland

Securing an undergraduate education in Finland is a realistic and highly rewarding goal. By focusing on university-specific scholarships and meticulously preparing your residence permit application, you can unlock the door to a high-quality education and a vibrant life in one of the world’s most prosperous and innovative countries. Start your research early, tailor your applications to specific university programs, and use the official resources provided to ensure a smooth and successful journey.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and guidance purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, scholarship opportunities, tuition fees, and immigration policies are subject to change by the respective Finnish universities and the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

We are not affiliated with the Government of Finland, any Finnish university, or Migri. This article should not be construed as legal, financial, or official immigration advice.