About Finland
Finland is a Nordic country known for having one of the world's best education systems, and it has been ranked the world's happiest country for several years running. It is home to Nokia and Supercell and has a strong tech and gaming scene. The main intake is autumn (August–September), with applications in January. The currency is the euro (EUR).
Why study in Finland
- 500+ English-taught Master's programs
- Work an average of 30 hours a week while you study
- Up to 2 years after graduation to find work, which you can apply for up to 5 years after graduating
- Many universities offer tuition waivers and scholarships
- Safe, clean and well organised, with excellent public services
Popular fields of study
Computer science, AI and software, 6G and telecom (University of Oulu), game design, clean energy and environmental technology, education, and business. Top universities include Aalto, University of Helsinki, Tampere, LUT and Oulu.
Student visa, step by step
Student visa: residence permit for studies.
- Get admission through Studyinfo.fi (joint application, about €100 fee) or directly from the university.
- Pay tuition for the first year, or show a scholarship.
- Show at least €800 a month (€9,600 a year) in your own account.
- Buy health insurance that meets Migri's rules.
- Apply online in Enter Finland and pay the fee.
- Prove your identity at VFS in India. Most decisions take about a month.
After you get your visa
- Register your address and get a Finnish personal identity code.
- Work an average of 30 hours a week over the year (up to 1,560 hours a year). You can work full-time in holidays, and required internships don't count towards the limit.
- Your studies must progress at a normal pace.
Work and staying on
- Working while you study
- Work an average of 30 hours a week over the year (up to 1,560 hours a year). You can work full-time in holidays, and required internships don't count towards the limit.
- After you graduate
- Up to 2 years to look for work The residence permit to look for work or start a business lasts up to 2 years and gives full work rights. You can apply up to 5 years after your study permit ends, as long as you show €800 a month in funds.
- Settling long term
- Residence permit for an employed person or a specialist permit / EU Blue Card for higher-paid roles. Permanent residence: from 8 January 2026, the standard route takes 6 years plus 2 years of work and Finnish or Swedish at B1. Graduates of Finnish degrees have a faster route.
Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.
Visa expenses
| Residence permit for studies (online) | about €600 |
| Living-cost funds to show | €9,600 a year |
| Studyinfo application fee | about €100 |
| Job-seeking permit funds | €800 a month |
Average salary
Graduates typically start at about €38,000–€45,000 a year (approximate). Tech roles pay more.
Good to know
- Part-time jobs are harder to find without some Finnish.
- Winters are long and dark, so prepare for the climate.
General information for Indian students, not immigration advice. Fees, funds and post-study rules change often; figures marked approximate are estimates. Check the official sources before you apply: