How Much Does It Cost To Study And Live In Finland? (2026 Guide)

Planning to study in Finland? From accommodation and transport to health insurance and flights, this guide breaks down everything you need to budget for as an international student in Finland in 2026.

How Much Does It Cost To Study And Live In Finland? (2026 Guide)

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Finland is known for its world-class education system, high quality of life, and — for nine years running — the title of the world’s happiest country. For international students, it is also a practical choice: tuition fees are competitive, student discounts are widely available, and the country is well-organized for newcomers. 

That said, knowing your numbers before you arrive is important. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect to spend as an international student in Finland in 2026.

Proof of Funds Requirement

Before you can apply for a student residence permit, you need to show that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

According to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), the requirements are:

  • Studies lasting one year or longer: you must have at least €9,600 in your bank account when you submit your application
  • Studies lasting less than one year: you must have at least €800 per month at your disposal
  • In either cases we recommend having at least €1000 per month

If your university provides free accommodation, the minimum drops to €400 per month. If free accommodation and meals are both provided, the minimum is €270 per month.

If you have received a scholarship toward your living costs, the amount is counted toward your income requirement. You will need to attach proof of the scholarship to your application.

Note: funds set aside for living costs cannot be used to pay your tuition fee. If you have not yet paid tuition before submitting your application, you must show that you have enough to cover both.

Health Insurance

To receive a student residence permit, you need private health insurance that covers medical and medicine costs. All policies must meet the following requirements:

  • The deductible must not exceed €300
  • The policy must be valid throughout your entire time in Finland
  • Ordinary travel insurance does not qualify
  • For studies lasting less than two years, the policy must cover at least €120,000 in medical costs
  • For studies lasting two years or more, the minimum coverage is €40,000

Once you register a home municipality in Finland, you become entitled to public healthcare and may no longer need private insurance.

Residence Permit Fee

The processing fee for an online application for a first residence permit for studies is €600. A paper application costs €750. Always apply online through Enter Finland where possible — it is faster and cheaper.

Budget: €600–€750 depending on how you apply.

Finnish residence permit cost

Flights to Finland

Flight prices vary depending on your departure country, airline, and how early you book. As a general guide:

  • From Southeast Asia or the Middle East: €700–€1,200 (one way)
  • From Africa: €600–€1,100 (one way)
  • From Europe: €100–€400 (one way)

Booking in advance and avoiding peak travel periods (June–August and December) can help reduce costs significantly.

Budget: €500–€1,200 depending on your home country.

Monthly Living Costs

Students in Finland typically spend between €700 and €1,200 per month in total, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. The exact amount depends on the city, housing type, and lifestyle.

Helsinki is consistently the most expensive city. Smaller cities like Tampere, Turku, and Oulu are more affordable.

As a student, you are entitled to discounts on public transport, meals, and recreational facilities. Budget-friendly grocery options include Lidl and larger chains like Prisma and Citymarket.

Budget: €700–€1,200/month depending on your city and lifestyle.

Accommodation

Accommodation is the largest monthly cost for most students. Every major university city in Finland has a student housing foundation that offers well below market-rate apartments. This is almost always the best option for international students.

Student housing foundations by city:

Most student apartments include internet, water, heating, laundry access, and sauna shifts in the monthly rent. Apply as early as possible — availability is limited, especially for the autumn intake.

Verified price ranges from official foundation websites (2026):

City

Shared room

Studio / one-room

Helsinki (HOAS)

€300–€450

€450–€600

Tampere (TOAS)

€212–€410

€239–€590

Turku (TYS)

€250–€400

€393–€600

Oulu (PSOAS)

€250–€380

€430–€500

Private market rentals typically cost significantly more. In Tampere, for example, private sector prices are about twice as high as student housing foundation rates — a pattern that applies across most Finnish cities.

When you sign your tenancy agreement, you will also need to pay a security deposit. The amount varies by foundation and apartment — and in some cases, no deposit is required at all. HOAS in Helsinki charges €0 deposit for most agreements. Other foundations such as TOAS, TYS, and PSOAS list the deposit amount per apartment. Always check the specific listing when you receive your housing offer.

For private market rentals, a deposit of one to two months’ rent is standard.

Budget: €300–€500/month (student housing) | €650–€1,400/month (private rental)

Utilities

If your student housing does not include utilities, budget separately for:

  • Water: approx. €25/month
  • Electricity: approx. €7/month
  • Wi-Fi: approx. €20/month

Most student housing foundations include these costs in the rent — always confirm before signing.

Budget: approx. €50/month if not included in your rent.

Transportation

Getting around in Finland is straightforward, and students benefit from discounted fares on public transport in most cities.

Helsinki has the most extensive network — buses, trams, metro, and local trains all run under the HSL system. A 30-day student pass for zones AB costs €61.60 in 2026. In smaller cities like Tampere, Turku, and Oulu, monthly passes start from around €48–€55.

A single ticket costs approximately €3.30 in Helsinki. In other cities, single fares are generally lower.

Most students find a monthly pass the most practical option, especially if they live in student housing outside the city center.

Budget: €45–€65/month depending on your city.

transportation cost in Finland

Student Healthcare Fee

If you are studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you pay an annual fee to access the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). The fee is €35.35 per term in 2026, paid to Kela twice per year — spring and autumn. You are not billed; you are expected to pay it unprompted.

Annual cost: approx. €70.70

A Note on Part-Time Work

As of 2026, international students in Finland can work up to 30 hours per week. Wages for part-time jobs typically range between €10–€14 per hour, depending on the field. Common student jobs include restaurant work, retail, and campus-based roles. Part-time work can meaningfully offset living costs once you are settled, although we strongly encourage our students to arrive with a focus on studying rather than relying on part-time work as a financial safety net.

Ready to Plan Your Move? Edunation’s Pathway programs include full support from application through arrival — including guidance on residence permits, accommodation, and getting settled in Finland. Book a free counseling session to get a clear picture of what your journey to Finland looks like.

This article was written by Phuong Leng (Jade), a Marketing Intern at Edunation and an international student based in Tampere.

Sources

  • Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Residence permit fees and income requirements. Read on 25.5.2026 https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-application-for-studies
  • PSOAS Northern Finland Student Housing. PSOAS offers rental apartments for students in Oulu. Read on 25.5.2026 https://www.psoas.fi/en/  
  • Student healthcare fee 2026. Read on 25.5.2026 https://www.kela.fi/student-health-care-fee

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