For students with EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship, bachelor's and master's studies in Finland are free.

For living costs, plan on about €800–1,200 per month. In the Helsinki region you may need more, and housing is usually the biggest part of the costs.

Student housing and discounts on meals and transportation help you save. Set aside extra money for study materials, travel and moving in.

Compare student costs in Finland.

For working students, the Kela study grant and the optional government-guaranteed student loan together can add up to about €1,100 per month. You may also get a housing allowance.

As a student with EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship, you usually need to study full-time and have an official job of at least 10 hours a week for at least 4 months. You can get the support only for the period in which you work.

Other Kela conditions apply too. The grant and the loan are separate parts of the funding: the loan has to be paid back, so you can decide whether you need it.

Learn about the study grant, the housing allowance and the loan.

Yes, there are jobs where English is enough. Students find jobs in delivery, cleaning, food service, hotels and tourism.

Allow time for the job search and have some savings for your first months. Your options depend on the city and the specific offer.

Basic Finnish will widen your options. During your studies you can look into the language courses your university offers and slowly strengthen your position in the job market.

Read about work and life in Finland.

Finland has several selection methods. Depending on the program, universities may look at your school grades or the results of an entrance exam, a selection course or the SAT.

Some programs let you choose between several methods, so it's worth comparing which method lets you best show what you can do.

You also need to meet the program's other requirements and prove your English. As soon as you choose a program, check which selection tasks are waiting for you.

Compare the selection methods and requirements of programs.

Not always. At some Kastu partner universities, you can prove your English with your school grade in English or your school-leaving exam result in English.

In some places English is tested during the selection course; elsewhere an international test is required. The right proof depends on your chosen program.

All study programs Kastu offers in Finland are taught in English, so you don't need Finnish for your studies. Before you pay for a test, check whether you really need it.

Check the English language requirements of your chosen university.

For some programs you can apply while you're still in your final year of school. To start, you submit a transcript of records confirmed by your school, and you upload your secondary school leaving certificate when you receive it.

For some selection methods, you already need the certificate when you apply. So decide early which program and selection method suit your situation.

Start looking at programs in the fall. In Finland the deadlines differ by program, so don't wait until summer: preparation and selection tasks can take time.

Check the program's deadline and the required documents.

Start with student housing. In Finland it is often offered by special student housing organizations. You can choose a dorm or a room in a shared student apartment.

Your university and Kastu's housing search guide help you find out where to apply. Compare the offers for your city and apply for housing early.

When choosing, check whether the room is furnished and what is included in the rent. This helps you plan your moving-in costs more precisely.

See the student housing information.

Student life in Finland includes events, sports and shared activities. Orientation weeks, student organizations and student tutors for newcomers all give you the chance to meet people.

After lectures you can choose sports, trips into nature or a Finnish sauna. There are activities both in the cities and in the nearby forests and by the lakes.

If you arrive alone, join whatever interests you. Shared hobbies help you start a conversation and find people you'll want to spend your free time with.

Read the experiences of Kastu students.