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3 ways to enter

Finland visas

Finland student visa

Study visits may use a Schengen visa, while longer study usually needs a long-stay visa or residence permit. A separate exemption covers some school groups.

Ways to get a Finland student visa

  1. Schengen visa for study or educational training

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a short study or educational training visit can apply. Scientific researchers also qualify for the application fee waiver.

    Stay
    Usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
    Valid for
    Usually the intended trip for a new applicant.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    Visa application fee waived. An external service may charge an additional service fee of up to EUR 120.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues; delays can occur.
    1. Apply to Finland's embassy or consulate if Finland is your main destination.
    2. Submit the application no more than six months before planned entry, with the relevant supporting documents.
    3. Attend in person for a first application and interview. Give fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.

  2. School-group visa exemption

    No visa needed

    A pupil who is not a European single market citizen but legally lives there can visit with a general education school group, accompanied by a teacher carrying a List of Travellers form.

    Stay
    Short stay or transit; no separate numerical limit is specified for this exemption.

  3. Long-stay study permission

    Other permit

    Students outside European free movement generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days.

    Stay
    More than 90 days. The general framework uses a long-stay visa for less than a year or a residence permit for longer periods.

Who needs it

Students who need a visa must apply even when their visa application fee is waived. People outside European free movement generally need long-stay permission for study lasting more than 90 days.

Who doesn't

Qualifying school groups legally resident in the European single market can make short visits or transit without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Choose the short-stay or long-stay route for your course length.
  2. For a short-stay visa with Finland as your main destination, apply through Finland's embassy or consulate no more than six months before entry.
  3. Submit the required supporting documents. Attend in person for a first visa application and interview.
  4. Give fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.

What to bring

  • Travel document.
  • Relevant supporting documents for study or educational training; a full checklist is not specified.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph for a visa application, if required.

Good to know

  • A fee waiver does not remove the need to apply or provide supporting documents.
  • Long-stay visa and residence permit conditions are set by individual countries.
  • Finland-specific long-stay study fees and application steps are not specified.
  • The school-group exemption has its own rules and does not cover every school trip.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Finland?

Students who need a visa must apply even when their visa application fee is waived. People outside European free movement generally need long-stay permission for study lasting more than 90 days. Qualifying school groups legally resident in the European single market can make short visits or transit without a visa.

What are the ways to get a student visa for Finland?

There are 3 options: Schengen visa for study or educational training (a visa from an embassy); School-group visa exemption (no visa at all); Long-stay study permission (a special permit).

Who can go to Finland without a student visa?

A pupil who is not a European single market citizen but legally lives there can visit with a general education school group, accompanied by a teacher carrying a List of Travellers form.

How long can I stay on a Finland student visa?

Short visits usually follow the 90 days in any 180-day period limit. Longer study requires separate permission.

How much does a Finland student visa cost?

Schengen visa application fee waived for study, educational training or scientific research. An external application service may charge an additional fee.

How long does a Finland student visa take?

For a short-stay Schengen visa: 15 calendar days for an admissible application without issues; delays can occur.

What documents do I need for a Finland student visa?

Travel document.; Relevant supporting documents for study or educational training; a full checklist is not specified.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph for a visa application, if required..

How do I apply for a Finland student visa?

1. 1. Choose the short-stay or long-stay route for your course length. 2. 2. For a short-stay visa with Finland as your main destination, apply through Finland's embassy or consulate no more than six months before entry. 3. 3. Submit the required supporting documents. Attend in person for a first visa application and interview. 4. 4. Give fingerprints and a digital photograph if required.

What rules do I have to follow on a Finland student visa?

A fee waiver does not remove the need to apply or provide supporting documents. Long-stay visa and residence permit conditions are set by individual countries.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Finland?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Finland visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

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