Finnish Student Cards from student unions and higher education institutions such as universities of applied sciences offer this privilege to all enrolled students. They are valuable tools to have once you are studying in Finland.
Aside from a beautiful and multicultural location, modern school facilities, a generally peaceful environment, and more compelling reasons, students in Finland are taken care of in many ways, such as having a Finnish student card.
Today, we will discuss the importance of Finnish student cards, how to get them, and more. Read on and learn more about this valuable card that will help your student life in Finland be budget-friendly and undoubtedly easy!
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What is a Finnish student card?
Student unions and institutions generally collaborate to create Finnish student cards that prove student status. Student cards are recognized nationwide. They surely help students daily because they provide discounts for various services.
Every higher education institution has its version of the card. Still, the benefits are the same, no matter what the institution.
Additionally, the Finnish Government Agency of Finnish Social Insurance Institution (In Finnish: KELA, websites in English) subsidizes daily discounts to students on campus. With a student card, they can get discounts on public transport tickets, student meals on campuses, cultural and sports events, etc., from almost every aspect of life.
How to get a Finnish student card
You must be a full-time student at a college or university for the entire academic year or for a single semester. Then, you must pay the student union fee during registration.
There is a one-month lead time for the delivery of the registration and payment. Since there is no hard and fast rule, it can be done whenever convenient, such as a week before classes begin. Also, you have to pay for the student health service charge. The fees associated with joining a student union and using a student healthcare service are generally affordable (between 15 and 25 euros per semester). Both payments are online.
You can use a Finnish student card if you are a full-time student during the school year. The Finnish student card is only for students in regular university programs.
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Special privileges for international students
International student cards are valid in Finland in some forms. Mainly, the international version of the student card is invalid for two standard discounts like campus meals and nationwide bus or train tickets. Notice that the ISIC card does not offer many key discounts for students, such as train tickets and student meals.
Can all international students get Finnish Student Cards?
Generally, not all students can apply for Finnish student cards. Below are the limitations of this privilege:
- Students in tailored programs
- Those in an on-demand group
- Learners who choose to enroll in foreign or private universities in Finland
- Intern students from a foreign university
If you don’t know your program, you can contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.
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Types of Finnish student card
Generally, the Finnish student card is plastic and has a small sticker for annual validity. However, if you want an online version of the student card, you can get one by downloading Frank or the PIVO apps. These are popular app versions of the student card. Both are liked and easy to use, according to the students.
These online versions of the student card will be automatically updated when you pay the membership fee. Using the Finnish student card works by showing it at the time of purchase.
Campus restaurants and discount service providers accept student cards, especially in the bigger cities. KELA subsidizes the price of the meal at the student restaurants. A student meal is approximately under 3 euros per meal after the discount.
Student card providers are student unions and nationally known private companies. Private companies have a deal with the student unions to offer an online app for the card. A more familiar version of student cards is a plastic card from student unions.
The plastic card and the app have the same information for discounts.
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Wrapping it all up
In summary, the Finnish student card is handy for a student’s everyday life. Many services offer discounts to students, such as student meals, public transportation, and more. Thousands of students in Finland take advantage of this indeed incredible privilege every day.
Are you ready to start studying in Finland? Let us help you! Book a counseling session now and enjoy all the perks of being a Finnish student!
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About the writer
Aleksi has been studying Administrative Science at Tampere University for four years. He plans to study another year for his thesis. He is an active student that does a lot of organizational work such as volunteering, filming, planning events, collaborations, and tutoring.
