Check out some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Pathway to Europe program, along with some answers to help you understand how the program works! If your question is not answered here, please contact us at pathway@edunation.co.

Table of Contents

Studies

Our English courses focus on preparing you for university studies by developing your academic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. During the pathway, you can expect to improve your English language skills up to the university’s entry-level. Typically, the required English level for bachelor’s degree studies in Finland is equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or IELTS 6.0.

We offer pathway studies as full-time and part-time studies. You can choose the option that suits you the best. Online classes are organised on weekdays. Classes typically begin in the afternoon in Finland. Outside of classes, you should reserve enough time for independent studies and group work assignments.

The number of contact lessons depends on your chosen study mode (full-time or part-time). For full-time students, the number of contact lessons typically varies between 3 and 6 classes per week.

Yes, you may join our Standard Pathway (30 ECTS) as a part-time student. This means that you will complete your studies over 2 semesters instead of 1 semester.

Pathway studies take place on our online learning platform, Claned. You can choose to complete the studies fully online in your home country or join our Study Hub in Finland.

All students are required to haveaccess to the following:

  • A personal computer
  • An internet connection
  • A microphone
  • A webcam

Pathway studies can be accredited towards the degree (recognition of prior learning) at the progressing university. The percentage of credits the university will recognize as prior learning ranges from 0 to 100%. Keep in mind that the university will eventually decide how many credits they will recognize as part of your studies once you are enrolled into their degree program.

There are 16 weeks in a semester on the Pathway.

Our assessments take a variety of forms, depending on the teacher’s style. This could include coursework, written assignments, participation, oral and written exams, presentations, and other activities designed to evaluate your skills.

Throughout the program, teachers and Pathway team will support you and provide feedback to help you succeed. We also use peer and self-assessment to encourage you to take more ownership of your learning, all while following the Finnish teaching approach

You can find a list of progression options on our Pathway to Europe page or in the Pathway Application Form. During the application process, you will need to choose your degree program. Please note that seat allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must complete the studies within the completion time and pass all study courses with good attendance.

Your study courses depend on your chosen pathway program and study track. Our study courses are listed on our program page.

Finnish language studies are included in our Nursing and Social Services study track.

For students in the Business and Engineering & Technology tracks, Finnish language courses are available for an additional fee of 475 €. If you are interested in enrolling in the Finnish course, please feel free to contact our team at finnish@edunation.co.

Pathway to Master's FAQs

Finland:
You will need to apply for a residence permit (Type A), also known as a continuous residence permit, for the entire duration of your studies—provided that your passport is valid for the full period.

France:
You will need to apply for a student visa.

If you fail a study course, you won’t be permitted to progress to your chosen destination university. It is possible to retake a course during the next available semester. Please note that in this case, your progression to university will be delayed and you may not be able to continue to your chosen destination university.

If you have failed a study course and would like to sign up for a retake, please contact us at pathway@edunation.co

Yes, once you have successfully completed the Pathway Program.

You may submit your Certificate of Employment (COE), which should include the duration of your employment with the company, your duties and responsibilities, your superior’s signature, and the company letterhead.

You must at least finish a bachelor’s degree of 3 – 4 years depending on the field.

Yes! Degree students in Finland are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week. Meanwhile, students whose destination is France are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

You need to be registered as an individual in Finland when you get there. 

Generally, universities’ early-bird scholarships are not available for pathway applicants.

The focus could be first on settling down and getting the studies started, and then inviting the family to join. The acquired experience of settling down will help family members in their own arrival process.

Yes, you should at least be 18 years old and above

Edunation’s Pathway to Master’s Program is a comprehensive preparatory course designed to support your admission to postgraduate studies at our partner universities in Europe and accelerate your professional growth. The program enhances your English communication skills while developing your knowledge in leadership and entrepreneurship, helping you progress in both your academic and professional journey.

Absolutely! The Pathway Program guarantees progression to your chosen degree program. Just note that some degree
programs require a specific grade to progress, so be sure to
check your individual requirements.

It depends on the program you are applying to. Generally, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to be eligible for our master’s programs. Your degree should be related to the field of study of the master’s program you wish to pursue.  

We highly recommend contacting us at pathway@edunation.co to confirm your eligibility. 

France Study Progression FAQs

Yes, as an international student in France, you are legally allowed to work part-time up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during school This right applies as long as you have a valid student residence permit.

Your work must not interfere with your studies, and many universities also offer on-campus job opportunities.

The typical gross average wage for part-time work is €11.52 per

Scholarships depend on your chosen degree and For more information, it’s best to visit the official webpage of the university and degree program you’re interested in.

  • The average monthly cost of living in France for international students tentatively ranges from €600 to €1,200, depending on the city and your lifestyle.
  • The cost differs if you are accompanied by family

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and plan to study in France for more than 90 days, you will typically need to apply for a long-stay student visa (Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS “étudiant”).

This visa allows you to:

  • Study in France legally for over 90 days up to 1 year
  • Work part-time up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours per week)
  • Apply for visa renewal or residence permit (if needed) after the first year
  • Access basic health coverage in France (through student health insurance)

Yes, international students can stay in France after graduation to look for work or start a job, under certain conditions.

You must meet the following two conditions:

  • Stay (or have stayed) in France with a student residence permit
  • Have obtained a professional license, a Specialized Masters , a Master of Science (certified by the Conference of Grandes Ecoles) or another diploma at least equivalent to a master’s

If you hold a student residence permit (VLS-TS) and have completed your master’s degree, you may be eligible to apply for a:

Temporary Residence Permit – “Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise” (This permit allows you to stay in France for up to 12 months after graduation.)

Yes, both proof of financial resources and proof of accommodation are required when applying for a French student visa.

Knowing how to speak and write French will always be useful to you, even after you leave France. More than 300 million people speak French worldwide, and in nearly 30 countries.

French is also the language of diplomacy: it is one of the working languages and official languages of the UN and many international institutions and organizations such as the European Union and the International Red Cross.

In France, more than 1,600 higher education programs are taught in English. Therefore, it is not always necessary to learn French to succeed in your studies in France and obtain a diploma. However, even if you study in English, you will be living in France. Speaking French, or at least mastering some of it, will allow you to integrate more easily and enjoy your stay more.

Speaking French will help you make the most of your stay and adapt more easily to life in France. If your French proficiency is limited, you can take French language classes either in France or in your home country before arriving.

Yes, it is common for French universities to offer career support services such as job fairs, counseling, internship assistance, and alumni networking, often in collaboration with national and regional employment agencies

Yes—if you’re a non-EEA student in France for over 90 days and under 28, you’ll need to register online via etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. Once enrolled, membership in Sécurité Sociale is free and compulsory, and covers around 60–70 % of medical costs.

Yes, many students opt for a mutuelle (private complementary insurance) to cover remaining costs—typically €50–€200/year

Many students find roles in hospitality (cafés, restaurants, tourism council), retail, on-campus support jobs (library, lab), or tutoring. Having French helps access more varied positions.

Yes, students must pay social security contributions (~20% of their earnings). Income tax may apply if you exceed certain thresholds—though low-income students often pay little or nothing.

Typically yes. You’ll need to obtain a French tax number and potentially file a return, even if no tax is owed.

Yes, but it depends on your university’s policy and the compatibility with your previous coursework. You’ll need transcripts and course descriptions for evaluation. Check directly with the admissions office.

Grades are usually given on a scale of 0–20. A score of 10 is a pass. Final grades often include a mix of continuous assessment, class participation, and final exams.

Yes, students in France enjoy many discounts with a valid student ID. These apply to trains, buses, cinemas, museums, and even some restaurants.

Moreover, you can access a lot of such student benefits across Europe.

Yes, French universities often offer free psychological support. There’s also the national “Psy-Check” scheme that allows students to access sessions with mental health professionals.

Yes. A French phone number is often required for admin tasks, and a local bank account is needed for rent payments, health reimbursements, and receiving your salary if you work.

Very helpful. While some jobs in larger cities may not require fluent French, most part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or customer service do.

Yes, your spouse and children can potentially join you while you study in France, but it requires a separate application process and meeting specific conditions. A student visa doesn’t automatically grant family members the right to reside in France. The process involves a family reunification visa (regroupement familial) for your spouse, and they will need to meet certain financial and accommodation requirements.

Although your family can join you on a tourist visa, they won’t be eligible for work permits or other dependent visa benefits until the student has completed 18 months of study.

Not usually, but you must validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival. Some cities may request additional local registration, so check with your prefecture.

Most universities have two semesters: September–January and February– June, with breaks in between and exams at the end of each term.

Not always. CROUS (public student housing) is in high demand, so it’s best to apply early. Private options are also available.

Usually not. University libraries offer free access to course books. Professors may also share readings via email or online platforms.

Pathway focus interviews and council

Focus interviews are interviews conducted with our students to measure their communication skillsand motivational.

The Focus interviews will involve general rather than subject questions. Your communication skills will be evaluated by these questions, which are also intended to make sure that students are prepared mentally and emotionally for their time studying in Finland. To know what will be covered in each session, use the following as a guide.

The English Express (as bridge to Pathway to Europe) runs for 8 weeks. For Pathway students enrolling in English Express, the course fee is 250 euro. Go to https://www.edunation.co/english-courses/ to learn more about our English Express Course.

Yes, we will provide you with the results of each round of your focus interview. You will be able to identify your areas of strength and growth in this method. Although we will require some time to assess the results, they won’t be sent on the same day as your focus group interview. By receiving the results of the focus interviews, you will also be able to predict whether you will be successful or not in the Pathway Council.

It’s understandable to have concerns about whether someone can improve their English in a short period through an intensive program. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of the program depends on several factors, such as the student’s level of motivation, their prior knowledge of the language, and the quality of the instruction provided.

In an intensive English program, students typically receive focused and immersive instruction from an experienced English-speaking teacher. This type of environment can be highly effective for improving language skills, as students have the opportunity to practice their English consistently and receive feedback from an expert. Additionally, it’s important to remember that language learning is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence.

While eight weeks may not be enough time for a student to become completely fluent, it can certainly provide a solid foundation for continued learning and improvement. Overall, the Intensive English program could be a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their language skills, and with dedication and effort, they can certainly make progress in a relatively short period.

There is no option for retaking the failed focus interview. Instead of focusing on retaking the same interview, students can work on improving their skills, gaining more experience, and preparing better for the next interview. It is important to understand that failing an interview does not necessarily reflect your ability or potential. It’s a chance to learn and get better for your next interview.

If the student passed the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course but failed the Focus Interview, the student will take the Intensive English course with an extra fee. The student does not have to go through another interview if the student passes the Intensive English course.

If the student failed the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course but passed the Focus Interview, the student will retake the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course and pay the retake fee. The student does not have to go through another interview if the student passes the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course after retaking.

If the student failed both the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course and the Focus Interview, the student will retake the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course and pay the retake fee. The student does not have to go through another interview if the student passes the Academic Communication: Speaking and Listening course after retaking.

Assessing your communication skills through focus interviews provides us with an opportunity to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations. The focus interviews enable us to evaluate your listening, speaking, and comprehension skills in a more nuanced and real-life situation.

While your English proficiency results provide a good indication of your language ability, it is only one aspect of effective communication. Communication skills involve more than just language proficiency. In addition, the focus interviews also allow us to identify any areas where you may need additional support and guidance to improve your communication skills. This personalized approach helps us to tailor our teaching methods to suit your specific needs, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for you as a student.

Furthermore, the focus interviews provide an opportunity for you to showcase your communication skills in a different context than the application process. In summary, while your English proficiency results provide a good baseline understanding of your language skills, the focus interviews provide a more in-depth evaluation of your communication abilities and enable us to provide personalized support to help you succeed.

Edunation uses Focus interviews to verify that each student will be able to study and live successfully in Europe. This is often regarded as the most essential student toolkit. Communication is one of the most important skills to learn while migrating to Europe because it is required for adapting to a new environment and studying at university. You don’t need to be afraid if you can effectively communicate. This would also enable Edunation to assist students who lack communication skills. Please don’t see this approach negatively. Take advantage of this opportunity to polish and maintain your skills.

Please remember that to finish the Pathway program successfully, you must successfully pass all of your study courses. If you are performing well in your studies and are confident in your skills, it will reflect in your interviews.

Attending Focus interviews and the Pathway council will not hinder your progression to university as they will help you in establishing the proper mindset, skills, and expectations. To prepare for each focus group interview, you will be informed of the exact day and time ahead of time. The key to success in the interview is to be confident in your answers and very effectively communicate the point you are making.

It is perfectly normal to be nervous during an interview. Instead of allowing fear to overpower you during the interview, utilize it as an opportunity to impress the interviewer. Motivate yourself if you’re worried and feeling down. The finest coach for your own motivation is YOU. Instead of complaining or worrying, plan, practice, and be confident. As with any form of communication conveying information accurately is very important.

As outlined, it is mandatory for all accepted Pathway to Europe students of the current intake to participate in the focus group interviews. If a student misses one interview but has a valid reason (sickness or another justifiable cause) and can show proof (depending on the nature), they will be called to a special focus group interview; otherwise, if they don’t have a justifiable reason, they will automatically fail the scheduled interview they need to attend. Failure in the focus group interview could hinder a student’s progression to university.

The goal of Focus interviews and Council are to improve the quality of students in the Pathway and to strengthen individual student success assistance.

Fees

The program fee includes lectures, online classes, tutorials, access to an online learning environment, and academic support. In addition, you will receive assistance with immigration and other practical arrangements when moving abroad.

If you have failed a study course and would like to complete the course again, you will be charged 50 EUR per study credit. You are allowed to retake a course only once.

The program fee depends on your chosen study method and program duration.

Full-time studies:

  • Online Studies
    • Business & Nursing Track: 3600 EUR
    • Nursing and Engineering Tracks: 3300 EUR
  • Study Hub
    • All tracks: 4900 EUR

Part-time studies:

  • 4000 EUR (online)

After being accepted to the pathway program, you will receive an invoice for the program fee. Please note that all fees are always paid in full.

You can check the program-specific tuition fees on our university pages. Please note that the tuition fees are subject to change every year.

Yes, we charge an admin fee of 100 EUR. The fee includes Edunation’s customer service and support services during and after admission. Please note that the admin fee is not refundable.

Unfortunately no. The program fee must always be paid in full.

If there are late or missing payments, Edunation reserves the right to cancel your study place. If you are having problems with payments, please contact our team immediately.

Eligibility and documentation

We offer alternative ways to prove your English language level, including PTE Academic Test. Before applying, please check out our list of accepted English certificates.

Please note that the required language level depends on your chosen pathway program and progression university.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You will need to submit the following documents:

There may be some additional requirements depending on your chosen program.

You will need to submit the following documents:

There may be some additional requirements depending on your chosen program.

In order to be eligible to apply, you must be eligible for higher education in your home country. You also need to have sufficient English language skills. Please check out our program page for more information or contact our Pathway Team (pathway@edunation.co).

If you fail a study course, you won’t be permitted to progress to your chosen destination university in Finland. It is possible to retake a course during the next available semester. Please note that in this case, your progression to university will be delayed and you may not be able to continue to your chosen destination university.

If you have failed a study course and would like to sign up for a retake, please contact us at pathway@edunation.co.

Pathway to Europe program provides guaranteed progression to degree studies at your pre-selected degree program after you have received a passing grade for all study courses related to the program.

The duration of the Standard Pathway for full-time studies is approximately 4 months. For part-time studies, the Standard Pathway spans 2 semesters, making the duration longer.

All students will progress to a university after completing the program at the required level.

To secure your spot in the Pathway, you must select your preferred university and degree program during the application process to reserve a seat for students who will successfully complete the program. This choice determines your progression path.

However, it’s also possible to complete the Pathway first without selecting a progression option. Keep in mind that once studies start, progression options cannot be changed. If you initially do not choose a progression, but later wish to, you may be assigned to available seats or the next intake. Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For assistance with course selection, please contact our customer service team at pathway@edunation.co.  

Our minimum age requirement is 17 years or older for the online pathway. You must be at least 18 years old when applying to the Study Hub in Finland.

At the moment, the program is only recognized by our partner universities.

No additional testing is required, provided that your English test certificate remains valid until the start of your progression studies.

Guaranteed progression means that you will be eligible to start your studies at your pre-selected university after you have passed the pathway courses at the required level.

Yes, we provide support with the university selection. Our team will help you to choose the university that best fits your interests and goals. Please contact us at pathway@edunation.co or book a free counselling session with one of our experts.

Once studies begin, progression changes are not allowed. Due to limited study places, we cannot guarantee placement at another university. Changes can only be made after completing the Pathway and before the next intake begins.

If you find yourself in this situation, please email pathway@edunation.co. If you wish to request a change, please complete the change request form. Please note that additional fees may apply.

Generally, universities’ early-bird scholarships are not available for pathway applicants.

STUDY HUB IN FINLAND

Yes, you should be at least 18 years old when applying to the Study Hub in Finland.

All students coming from outside of the EU/EEA countries need to apply for a temporary residence permit (type B) for the duration of the Study Hub studies. Students need to apply for a student residence permit before entering the country.

Before beginning the pathway, it is important to ensure you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents ready.

A student must begin the temporary residence application as soon as they receive the pathway acceptance letter.

  1. A valid passport
  2. Passport photos
  3. 800 EUR application fee
  4. The certificate of acceptance for the Pathway to Finland program
  5. Document of the paid program fee. (Payment receipt from the bank confirming you have paid the pathway tuition fee)
  6. Certificate of health insurance
  7. Clarification of income
  8. Interview

You can find more information regarding the visa requirements on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland: Residence Permit Studies.

A Continuous Student Residence Permit (type A) is needed when coming to Finland for degree studies. You will apply for the type A Residence Permit during or after pathway studies, so it is important to start preparing your documents already when starting your pathway studies.

You can apply for a type A Residence Permit after you have received an offer from your pre-selected destination university and paid the tuition fee for the first academic year. Depending on your chosen destination university, this step takes place during or after the pathway. The offer becomes non-conditional only after you have received a passing grade for all study courses related to the pathway program.

You may start the Residence Permit application online as soon as you receive the offer letter from your pre-selected progression university. The application is submitted in the e-service Enter Finland.

After submitting the application through the e-service, you should visit the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity, have your fingerprints taken and show the originals of the documents that you have attached to your application. The appointment can take place at a Finnish Mission (embassy or consulate) back in your home country or at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service in Finland.

*Please note that you must wait for the residence permit results in the country where you have applied for it. If you have applied at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service in Finland, you should also remain in Finland until you receive the decision. You are allowed to wait for the decision in the country even if your visa expires. Edunation recommends that you will return to your home country after the visa expiry and apply for the Residence Permit there.

Study Hub in Finland

If you would like your family to join you in Finland, it is your responsibility to ensure that your family meets the possible entry requirements.

As a study hub student, your spouse and children are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit (type b) based on family ties. It is essential to know what a family member is in Finland; this information can be found on thiswebsite.

Degree Studies

Once you have been accepted to a Finnish higher education institution as a degree student, you will be able to apply for a continuous residence permit (type A) and your family members can apply for a residence permit based on family ties. Please check out the instructions of the Finnish Immigration Service.

Applications for first residence permits are made through the EnterFinland.fi online portal.

Our Study Hub is located in Helsinki, Finland. Pathway students will enjoy modern campus facilities in Myllypuro, on the campus of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Pathway studies are hybrid studies meaning that you will be completing studies on our online learning platform and attending meetings on campus. On campus, you will be attending live sessions with other students and your tutor, approximately three times a week.

When applying to the Study Hub in Finland, it’s important to be aware of the following estimated expenses: 

Program Fee: €4,900 

Additional Costs: 

  • Residence Permit (including income requirements) 
  • Insurances 
  • Flights to and from Finland 
  • Accommodation in Finland 
  • Everyday living expenses

Estimated Living Expenses:

For the Standard Pathway, Bachelor’s, and Master’s (approximately 4 months): 

  • Monthly Living Expenses: €1,210 
  • Total for 4 Months: €4,840 

These figures are only estimates and can vary depending on your lifestyle. Ensure your bank account balance meets these minimum amounts, but it may be higher based on personal spending habits. Once you become an official Pathway student, Edunation will provide you with a general guide for the Residence Permit application process. 

The Study Hub enrollment fee of 200 EURis a one-time fee charged by Study Hub to cover administrative costs connected with enrolling students in courses. This charge helps us maintain our systems and support services so that our students have a smooth learning experience. It is a non-refundable fee that must be paid by all new students. Tuition and other associated costs for your studies are not included in the enrollment fee.

  1. For us to administer the Study Hub, we will need to meet a certain number of students. If we are unable to implement it, you will be able to pursue the Pathway Program online.
  2. If your selected progression intake will start in August, please note that you need to go back to your home country after your pathway studies.
  3. If you prefer to stay and wait for your university intake, it is advisable to select the January progression intake (if it’s available).
  4. The Study Hub students will use a Residence Permit based on other grounds, they will only have a restricted right to work part-time such as:
    • work in upper or middle management of the company or in expert positions requiring special skills
    • work as an athlete, coach or sports referee, when the activity is professional
    • work in the service of a religious or ideological community
    • work professionally in the field of culture or art, with the exception of restaurant musicians
    • work in an international organization or in positions related to official cooperation between states