Finland Study Visa Requirements: Documents, Funds & More 2025

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Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Oct 02,2025

Finland Study Visa Requirements: Complete Guide for Indians - TerraTern

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This context by 2025 guide explaining what is needed for a visa to study in finland, finland study visa IELTS. Required documents, requirements for funds, insurance, timings, fees, processing time, work opportunities, and compliance essentials for a study visa in Finland. It includes Finland study visa requirements for India, including admission proof, funds, and health cover. The validity of a part-time work permit depends on the number of dependents. Best practices. Finland study visa requirements for india application decision.

 

What Are the Essential Finland Study Visa Requirements?

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The Finland study visa requirements for india outline the top 7 fundamental forms that every Indian student needs to complete before applying for their student residence permit. Requirements for Finland Study Visa include: proof of university admission, financial proof of funds (EUR800 per month), full coverage health insurance, a valid passport, an extension for 3 months, full academic transcripts, passport-size photographs, and language exam proof for IELTS for Finland study visa.

Key Requirements Checklist:

  1. University Admission Letter - Accepted certificate of a Finnish educational institution

  2. Bank Statement - demonstrating proof of funds of no less than EUR9,600 for the whole year programs, or EUR800 per month for the short programs

  3. Medical Insurance - Medical insurance covering the whole duration of the study in accordance with Finnish terms; and

  4. Valid Passport - must be valid for more than the valid period of residence permit by at least 3 months, issued within the last 10 years.

  5. Academic Documents - Full write-up transcripts and designations with certified ones where necessary

  6. Passport Photos - New photos to Finnish embassy specification

  7. Language Requirements -finland study visa IELTS requirements, documentation, or alternative proficiency proof

What Documents Do You Need for Finland Study Visa Application?

The complete details of the underlying finland study visa requirements for India must adhere to proper formatting standards and undergo appropriate validation.

Mandatory Documents:

  1. Competent Application Form - electronic submission through the Enter Finland portal preferred for speed and convenience;

  2. Letter of Acceptance Certificate - Confirmed letter from Finnish institution of enrolment and length of programme training;

  3. Copy of Passport - valid for the duration of study plus one month, the photo page must be clear enough to read.

  4. Financial Documentation - bank statements for the last 6 months, showing the minimum balance required in the personal account

  5. Tuition Fees - Tuition Fee Receipt or proof of payment (if applicable), Scholarship paperwork.

  6. Health Insurance Certificate - Insurance that complies with the Finnish requirements for medical expenses

  7. Academic Transcripts - Complete Educational Records with Grade Certificates and Degree Documents

  8. Language Test Results - You will need to provide documentation of your language test results when applying for a Finland study visa. Language Test Results: Language test results are required documentation for the visa application in Finland.

How Much Money Do You Need for Finland Student Visa?

Finland study visa requirements require Indian students to demonstrate a monthly living allowance of 800 euros, which amounts to 9,600 euros per year for courses of one year or more.

Requirement Category

Amount (EUR)

Amount (INR)

Details

Monthly Living Costs

EUR800 

70,800

For accommodation, food, and personal needs

Minimum Residency ( 1-year programs) 

EUR9,600 

8,49,600 

Annual Experience Fee Required for Banking Balance in all Degree Programs

Short Term (<1 year)

EUR800/month

70,800/month 

Monthly proof is required while staying in the Program

Free Lodging

EUR400/month

35,400/month

Reduced the requirement for institutional housing

Free Accommodation + Meals

EUR270/month

]23,895/month

Lowest requirement with full institutional support

Also Read: Top 10 Europe Visa Consultants: Latest Experts 

What Are Finland Study Visa IELTS Requirements?

The Finland study visa IELTS requirements typically require a total score of 6.0-6.5 for most universities in Finland, with no individual score below 5.5 in any of the four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

University Category

  IELTS Overall 

IELTS Minimum Band

TOEFL iBT

PTE Academic

Program Types

Top Universities

6.5-7.0

good in band 6.0

90-100

65-70

Engineering, Business, Medicine.

Technical Universities

6.0-6.5

5.5 Exceeds tracked each year:

  60-80

50-60 

Technology, Applied Sciences

Universities of Applied Sciences 

6.0 

5.5 each band 

78-85 

56-62

Practical Programs

Foundation Courses 

5.5-6.0

5.0

70-78

50-56

Pre-degree Courses

 

Which Finnish Universities Accept a 6.0 IELTS Score

Several prestigious university institutions in finland study visa IELTS requirements, overall score requirements for admission to undergraduate and specific master's programs, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, making it an attractive study destination for Indian students who meet the basic IELTS score criteria to obtain a Finnish study visa.

Universities Accepting IELTS score 6.0:

  • Tampere University of Applied Sciences - Social Services, Business and Engineering

  • Metropolia University of Applied Sciences - Business Administration and Technology, Health Care

  • HAMK University of Applied Sciences - International business, engineering, and technology

  • Turku University of Applied Sciences - Information Technology & International Business

  • Oulu University of Applied Sciences - Business and Engineering Information Technology

What Are IELTS Alternatives for Finland Universities?

Students who have completed their previous education in institutions located in an English-speaking region can avail of language expertise waivers, which means they do not have to provide standardized test scores at the time of application for the Finland study visa IELTS requirements in India.

Accepted Language Tests:

  • TOEFL iBT - Minimum 78 - 100 based on University tier & competitiveness of the program

  • PTE Academic - 56 to 70 Accepted for various types of institutions and academic programs

  • Cambridge English - FCE, CAE, or CPE certificate(s) satisfying grade requirements

  • Duolingo English Test - Growing acceptance for certain institutions with a score between 105 and 125

  • University-Specific Tests - Some universities are conducting their own English assessment for direct admission

 

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How Do You Apply for Finland Student Visa Step-by-Step?

an empty classroom with chairs stacked; How Do You Apply for Finland Student Visa Step-by-Step - TerraTern

The process for meeting the requirements for a study visa in Finland includes the following steps: applying for admission to the University, completing an online form, preparing the necessary documents, and undergoing fingerprint collection and biometric verification, which takes 1-4 months to complete the finland study visa requirements for indian.

Process of Applying the Law Step-by-Step:

  1. Visiting University - Get a letter of Acceptance from a formal Institution in Finland for admission to the following.

  2. Port Authentication - Entering Finland: Electronic Residence Permit - Since August 28, 2022, authorities require completing an electronic application for a residence permit on the official Ports of Finland website, along with the necessary documents.

  3. Pay Admin Fees - Pay EUR450 residence permit fee + VFS Global service fees of INR 2,500-INR 4,000

  4. Book VFS Appointment - Book Biometric Collection & Document Verification at the nearest VFS Global center in major Indian cities

  5. Attend the Appointment-  Submit the original documents, attend the biometric data collection, and participate in the interview process to verify the requirements for obtaining a Finland study visa.

  6. Track Application Status- Monitor processing status at the Enter Finland portal with the help of the reference number provided while making the submission

  7. Pick up Residence Permit - Depending on the type of permit, applicants can collect their approved residence permit from the VFS center or receive a notification of the decision for further processing.

Where Can You Apply for Finland Study Visa in India?

VFS Global has established several service centers throughout India to process requirements for Finland study visas in India, including major ones in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

VFS Global Center Locations:

  • New Delhi - Janpath area working for Northern India, fulfilling all Visa Processing requirements.

  • Mumbai - Bandra Kurla Complex Tender Processing for West Indian.

  • Chennai - Nungambakkam location for Finland Study visa requirements in the Southern India area

  • Bangalore - Residency Road: Biometric Collection and Application Support.

  • Kolkata - service center for document submission tracker in eastern India

What Happens During Finland Visa Interview Process?

The Finland visa interview process involves verifying the authenticity of the documents referenced as proof of eligibility and processing the Finland study visa application. For processing study visas for India, VFS Global officers generally conduct not traditional interviews but document verification sessions, which aim to verify that the documents required in the list for the visa are correct and complete.

Interview Process Constituents:

  • Document Verification - Complete verification of Academic Transcripts, Financial Statements, and admission letter for its authenticity.

  • Biometric Collection - Biometric capture, which includes a photograph and fingerprint scanning for the purpose of processing a residence permit.

  • Financial Evaluation - Bank statements and sponsor documents are validated and reviewed for the adequacy of funds required for the study visa in Finland.

  • Academic Intent Questions - Discussion on Selected Program, Career Aspirations, and Post-Graduation Plans in Finland

  • Application Review - Final Completion, where all documentation requirements for the study visa for Finland are met, and the review is finished.

Also Read: Austria Study Visa - Charting A Course To Excellence 

What Are Finland Study Visa Processing Times and Fees?

The processing time for the requirements of the study visa in Finland is from 1-4 months, depending on the completeness of the application, the VFS Global service fee for document processing and biometric collections needed for the study visa from India to Finland (approximately INR 2,500-INR 4,000).

Processing Category

Timeframe

Application Fee (EUR)

Application  Fee(INR)

VFS Service Fee (INR)

Total Cost (INR)

Electronic Ships 

1-2 months original

EUR500

39,825 

2500-2000

  42,325-42,825.

Paper Application

2-4 months

EUR 450 

USD 39,825

USD 3,500-$4,000 

$43,325-$43,825

Peak season (Aug-Oct)

3-5 months

EUR450 

39,825

2,500-4,000

42,325-43,825

Express Processing From

15 and up to 30 days

EUR450 + premium

39,825 + charges

5,000-]7,000

44,825-46,825

 

How Can You Track Finland Visa Application Status?

Along with a unique reference number assigned at the time of submitting the initial application on the portal, students can easily check the status of their Finland study visa requirements through the online Enter Finland portal, as well as the final decision regarding the study visa requirements in Finland.

Tracking Methods Available:

  1. Finland Portal - Online website for monitoring of applicants' complex application status quo and processing stages.

  2. SMS Notifications - Automated Notifications via text message for essential status changes within the Study Visa Requirement Consent Process with Finland.

  3. Email Updates - Communication in the form of regular emails responding to document requests, follow-up questions for added information, or notifying of decisions.

  4. VFS Global Tracking - Online service center for tracking document submittal status and booking appointments

  5. Embassy Inquiry - Direct contact option to get urgent verification of status or clarification of processing timeline

What Causes Delays in Finland Visa Processing?

The most common delays in Finland study visa requirements arise from incomplete financial documents, missing apostille certifications on academic documentation, and the fact that the bank statement coverage periods are less than 6 months, which is the standard definite period that needs to be proven. 

Primary Delay Causes:

  • Inadequate Financial Evidence - bank statements with a balance of less than EUR800 or a break in the monthly transaction history for 6 months

  • Authentication of Documents - Missing منتجات attestation stamps, wrong translation, and expired education certificates need to be re-submitted

  • University Verification Delays - Hold time due to the institution's delay in responding to omissions or clarifying program details required for admission to a university.

  • IELTS Score Verification - Time delay to verify scores in the official testing body for classifying as eligibility criteria (delays) of the IELTS requirement for studying in Finland

  • Medical Insurance Gaps - Insufficient proper medical insurance documentation or foreign insurance policies meeting the criteria to enter Finland

 What Is the Success Rate of Finland Student Visas for Indians?

Books on shelves; Success Rate of Finland Student Visas for Indians - TerraTern

Because Finland offers one of the most student-friendly higher education environments in the Nordic region, they have a very high student visa approval rate of 92-95% for Indian applicants, insofar as they qualify following all requirements of the Finland study visa. The success rate for finland study visa requirements for india has grown tremendously due to the 2024 immigration reforms. 

  • Overall Approval Rate - 92-95% if the documentation requirements of the student applying for a study visa in Finland have been met completely.

  • Graduate Degree Satisfaction - Academic program success - 96-98% approval for degree-seeking students confirmed to have been admitted to a university academic program

  • Financial Compliance Impact - 89-91% success rate for applications showing the necessary Euros 800 per month at a constant time

  • IELTS Score Correlation - 94-96% for students who do better on the score and pass IELTS with the minimum score required for studying in Finland.

  • Processing Timeline Success - Applications submitted up to 4-6 months in advance obtain 97-99% approvals

What Are Common Finland Visa Rejection Reasons?

The main reasons for rejection under study visa for Finland for India are a lack of academic documents, a lack of financial records to prove funds of less than EUR800 per month,

Major Rejection Causes:

  • Spending Shortfall - Bank Statements reflecting sporadic balances, borrowed funds, or failure to maintain the requirement of EUR9,600 per year

  • Document Inadequacy - Absent apostille certificates, expired certificates, or a lack of adequate translation quality for academic records;

  • Health Insurance Coverage - Foreign insurance that did not comply with the requirements of the Finnish healthcare system, or that did not have enough coverage, or did not last long enough

  • Credentials - University admission letters, dubious educational history, program eligibility, etc.

  • IELTS Score Deficiency - Applicant failed to achieve the minimum requirement, or the results are over 2 years since the last time testing was taken

How Can You Improve Your Finland Visa Approval Chances?

Scoring above the minimum requirements for your study visa, holding an IELTS score in Finland, and having extensive health insurance coverage that meets the country's standards reflect serious academic pursuits and ensure financial stability.

Strategies for Approval Enhancement:

  • Economic Over-Capitalization - Maintain a bank account balance of EUR 12,000 to EUR 15,000, exceeding the minimum EUR 9,600 requirement for more substantial financial proof.

  • Early Application - Submit complete applications 4 - 6 months before the start of the program to avoid peak season delays and processing issues

  • Document Excellence - Apostille certifications, Professional translations, and University verification letters for 100% compliance with all study visa requirements for Finland.

  • IELTS Score Buffer - To gain an advantage over other applicants, we recommend taking the IELTS exam with a score of 6.5-7.0 overall to meet the minimum test score criteria for a study visa approved by the Finnish government.

  • Professional Advice - Seek expert immigration counsel who is familiar with the requirements and processes for a study visa to Finland from India, for guidance and optimization of your application.

Graduation is successfully authorized for the study visa of Finland, which is a significant achievement, yielding above-average results.

Also Read: Germany Student Visa Success Rate- Trends, Rejection Reasons & More

What Are Work Rights with Finland Student Visa?

Finland study visa requirements holders enjoy liberal working conditions, such as 30 hours of part-time work per week during studies, unlimited working hours during semester breaks, and extensive internship opportunities within study programs, according to the requirements for a Finland study visa, which are within the scope of academic programs. Requirements to Finland study visa IELTS.

Student Work Rights-General:

  • Part-Time Employment - 30 hours a week maximum in the academic term, with unlimited holiday work for Fortuna study visa requirements holders

  • Internship Opportunities - Full-time academic internship as a degree requirement without hour limits

  • Immediate Work Authorization - No separate work permit required. Work begins upon residence permit approval

  • Sector Flexibility - Access to Technology, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Retail Employment according to skill levels

  • Post-Graduation Extension - Automatic work permit for 2 years after the completion of the degree for establishing your career.

Can You Work Full-Time After Finland Studies?

Graduates of Degree programs in Finland are automatically offered a 2-year post-graduation work authorization, which permits unlimited hours of work and provides opportunities for permanent residency for those students who meet Finland's study visa requirements while pursuing their studies. Post-Graduation Benefits:

  • Automatic Work Authorization - A 2-year permit is issued immediately upon completion of the degree, with no separate application required.

  • Permanent Residence Pathway - graduates are eligible for permanent residence after 4 years of continuous residence in the country.

  • EU Mobility Rights - The Finnish Permit of Residence entitles the holder to work in any EU Member State.

  • Family Reunification - Graduates have the right to apply for residence permits for their spouses and dependent children to join them in Finland.

  • Citizenship Eligibility - Eligible for citizenship of Finland if you live in Finland for 5 years and get an EU passport.

What Are Finland Study Visa Health Insurance Requirements?

Books on a shelf; Finland Study Visa Health Insurance Requirements - TerraTern

Minimum and full health insurance, which will cover medical expenditures incurred for at least EUR 40,000 for the entire duration of the study, is a necessity for a study visa in Finland for India students.

Details of Insurance Coverage Included:

  • Minimum Compcyl Amounts - EUR 40,000 medical expenses per annum, covering emergency care plus hospitalization

  • Policy Duration - Coverage is required to be for the entire period of the study, plus a 3-month buffer period after completion of the program.

  • Comprehensive Benefits - Emergency care, prescription medications, dental treatment, and medical evacuation coverage required

  • EU Standards and Insured Policy Approval - To be approved by insurance companies in Finland, policies must ensure that their benefits receive coverage recognition from the European Union.

  • Premium Costs - Premium includes annual coverage of EUR300 to EUR800, depending upon the level of coverage and healthcare provider selected

Which Health Insurance Plans Are Accepted for Finland Visa?

International student insurance providers, including HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and specialized insurance companies in the education sector, offer policies that meet Finland study visa requirements, with fully loaded coverage options ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 800 per year.

Approved Insurance Options:

  • Indian Insurers - HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, providing overseas policies for student.

  • European Insurers - Comprehensive DR-WALTER, Allianz Care, AXA with Head Office in the Nordic Region.

  • Partnership with Universities - Group-based insurance, offering discounts to enrolled students.

  • Online Platforms - Comparison platforms for insurers that are available online, along with instant policy purchase capabilities

  • Specialty Providers - Insurance companies that specialize in delivering educational scholarships for academic mobility programs.

Also Read: Schengen Visa Sticker Number: How to Find and Understand?

When Should You Apply for Finland Student Visa?

Students must begin the visa requirements for studying in Finland 4-6 months before they plan to start the program, so that there is time to complete documents, wait for university admission decisions, and obtain visa permission without rushing their important application.

Recommendations for the Application Timeline:

  • Early Preparation Phase - Start copy preparation 6-8 months before start of program (include in IELTS requirements preparation: Study visa for Finland.)

  • University Application Period - Academic applications should be submitted 8-12 months before the student's intended travel date to receive admission letters necessary for visa processing.

  • Visa Application Submission - Submission of complete visa applications is regarded as optimal and must be submitted four to six months before starting the program

  • Documenting - Do apostille certifications,/ finish financial documentation, and insurance go through 2-3 months before departure.

  • Pre-Departure Planning - Concrete accommodation/travel planning and academic preparation should be finalized at least a month before departure.

 What Are Finland University Admission Deadlines?

Finnish universities have separate deadlines for applying. The standard application period is from 4 to 17 January for autumn applications and from September for spring applications. Students need to obtain admission confirmation before proceeding with the study visa application for Finland.

Administration Schedules for Admissions:

  • Autumn Semester Applications - the Finns open up the joint application period for September programmes at most of their universities from Sunday, 4 to Wednesday, 17 January

  • Spring-Time Options - September Application Deadlines for January/February Program starts at select universities

  • Universities of Applied Sciences - multiple intake periods and rolling admissions for more flexibility for international students.

  • Acceptance Criteria for the Master's Program - Different guidelines set by individual universities, starting deadlines for fall are frequently set between December and March, and vary by university.

  • Rolling Application Process - Real-time availability with universities determined by the left unfilled-demand capacity

 

Conclusion

Successfully surviving finland study visa requirements requires detailed preparation in the following seven aspects: university acceptance confirmation, IELTS requirements for a France study visa proposal. Indian students find it convenient due to Finland approval rate in percentage, 92-95% and simplified processing systems with the processing time of an application done online, taking 1-2 Months, and the application takes 4-6 Months for the required course starting date. The generous work rights, post-graduation opportunities, and paths to permanent residence make finland study visa requirements for india an excellent investment in an international education and career development.

Contact TerraTern for more information on Finland Study Visa Requirements: Complete 2025 Guide for Indians.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need IELTS for Finland student visa?

Yes, for a Finland study visa, IELTS requirements typically demand an overall score of 6.0-6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band, for most universities. Alternative tests, such as the TOEFL iBT (78-80), PTE Academic (56-58), or Cambridge English certificates, are also accepted. Students from English-medium educational backgrounds may be eligible for exemptions upon providing proper documentation.

How long does Finland study visa processing take?

Finland study visa requirements processing takes 1-4 months, depending on the application method and season. Electronic submissions through the Enter Finland portal process faster (1-2 months) than paper applications (2-4 months). Peak season applications (August-October) may experience an additional 2-3 weeks of processing due to higher volumes.

What is the minimum bank balance required for Finland student visa?

The minimum bank balance for finland study visa requirements is €800 monthly, totaling €9,600 annually for programs lasting one year or longer. Students must maintain this balance in personal accounts with a 6-month transaction history. Reduced requirements apply with institutional accommodation (€400/month) or meal provisions (€270/month).

Can I work part-time with Finland student visa?

Yes, Finland study visa requirements permit 30 hours of part-time employment weekly during academic terms and unlimited work during semester breaks. Students can begin working immediately upon residence permit approval without additional permits. Academic internships and thesis-related work are exempt from hour restrictions.

What is Finland student visa success rate for Indians?

Finland maintains a 92-95% student visa approval rate for Indian applicants who meet the complete Finland study visa requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Success rates reach 96-98% for degree-seeking students with confirmed university admission and adequate financial preparation. Early applications submitted 4-6 months before the program's start achieve approval rates of 97-99%.

Is health insurance mandatory for Finland student visa?

Yes, comprehensive health insurance covering a minimum of €40,000 in annual medical expenses is mandatory for all Finland study visa requirements for India applications. Coverage must include emergency treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications, and medical evacuation services.

Can I extend my Finland student visa?

Yes, finland study visa requirements allow extensions for continued studies, program changes, or thesis completion. Students must apply for extension 2-4 months before the current permit expiry with updated admission confirmation and financial documentation. Graduates automatically receive 2-year post-graduation work permits for career establishment.

What documents are required for Finland study visa?

Essential Finland study visa requirements include a university admission letter, a valid passport, proof of €800 monthly financial support, a health insurance certificate, academic transcripts with translations, passport photographs, and language proficiency test results. All documents require apostille certification and English translations..

How much does Finland student visa cost?

Finland student visa costs €450 (approximately INR 39,825) application fee plus VFS Global service charges ranging from INR 2,500 to INR 4,000. Total expenses, including document processing, apostille certifications, and health insurance, typically range from INR 45,000 to INR 55,000.

When should I apply for Finland student visa?

Students should apply for finland study visa requirements 4-6 months before program commencement to ensure adequate processing time. Optimal application windows are February to April for the autumn semester and August to October for the spring semester. Early applications avoid peak processing periods and allow time for document corrections if needed.