Visa Types
Finland Student Visa Tips
Apply to study in Finland as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area. -
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Finland Study Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Finland?
To visit Finland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Finland visa application is made online or offline?
To apply for a visa, you have the option to either fill out the form online or download and print it for submission at the Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Finland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Study visa?
The maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa in Finland is typically for the duration of the academic program.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Finland?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
|
Service |
Price (€) |
|
Residence permit for studies |
450 |
|
Residence permit for studies, electronic application |
350 |
|
Residence permit for a minor (under 18 years) |
270 |
|
D visa, paper application |
120 |
|
Residence permit for a minor (under 18 years), electronic application |
240 |
|
D visa, electronic application |
95 |
To obtain more information, click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- To start, figure out the visa type you require and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Find out the necessary documents to submit, the estimated application processing time, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines specific to your visa category.
- If you intend to study in Finland for a period longer than 90 days, you will need to a pply for a residence permit.
- The residence permit is a document that allows you to legally reside in Finland for the purpose of studying.
- If you have a residence permit for studies from another EU Member State, you can study in Finland for up to 360 days by submitting a mobility notification.
- If you want to study in Finland for more than 360 days, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.
- When you're prepared to apply for a visa, complete the visa application form and organize your application documents according to the accompanying checklist provided with the online
- Alternatively, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print the completed form, and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- After completing your visa form, it's important to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for the collection of biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
- Upon booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
- For families or groups, individual appointments need to be booked for each member.
- At the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed visa application form along with the required supporting documents.
- Here's what typically happens at the Visa Application Centre.
- After submitting your visa application, the next step is to pay the visa application fee.
- The fee amount and payment methods can vary depending on the country and type of visa you are applying.
- You have the option to track the status of your visa application online. Simply utilize the Reference Number indicated on the invoice/receipt provided by the Visa Application Centre, along with your date of birth, to access this tracking service.
- When you submit your visa application, it is important to inquire about the available options for passport collection from the Visa Application Centre. The specific procedures may vary, but here are some general guidelines:
3. In-person Collection: If you are required to collect your passport in person, make sure to bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, bring a valid form of government identification, such as your passport or driver's license.
4. Collection by Authorized Representative: If permitted, you may authorize someone else to collect your passport on your behalf. In such cases, the authorized person should present their official identification, the original invoice/receipt, and a power of attorney form. The power of attorney may need to be notarized in accordance with local legislation.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a study visa to Finland from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended duration of stay in Finland.
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the visa application form accurately.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent, color photographs that meet the specifications set by the embassy or consulate.
- Letter of Acceptance: Include the original letter of acceptance issued by a recognized educational institution in Finland confirming your enrollment in a full-time course.
- Need a Residence Permit: If your studies in Finland last longer than 90 days, you will require a residence permit for studies. This permit is granted for the entire duration of your studies. Without a residence permit, you can only study in Finland for a maximum of 90 days. Even if your stay in Finland is less than 90 days, you may still need a visa.
- Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any additional costs. This can be done through bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters.
- Educational Documents: Submit the required educational documents, including academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores).
- Accommodation Details: Provide evidence of accommodation arrangements in Finland, such as a rental agreement or a confirmation letter from the educational institution’s housing office.
- Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance coverage that is valid in Finland for the duration of your stay. Ensure it meets the minimum requirements set by the embassy or consulate.
- Proof of Payment: Show proof of payment for the tuition fees or provide a financial guarantee if applicable.
- Study Plan: Draft a detailed study plan that outlines your educational goals, the chosen course of study, and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
- Work Experience Documents (if applicable): Include any relevant work experience documents, such as employment certificates or letters of recommendation.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate from India.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, including coverage for COVID-19-related expenses.
- Visa Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee and provide proof of payment.
- Additional Documents: Be prepared to provide any additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate, such as a motivation letter, academic references, or a research proposal.
Remember to carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the Finnish embassy or consulate in India, as they may vary. Providing all the necessary documents accurately and within the specified format will increase your chances of a successful study visa application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
National Visa Category (D) visa form:
If you plan to study in Finland for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is a document that allows you to legally live in Finland for studying.
You have two options to apply for a residence permit:
Option 1. Applying at Enter Finland e-service:
Option 2. Applying with paper application:
Note: It is important to acknowledge that visa requirements and procedures are subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the official website of the Embassy of Finland in India or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Finnish Study visa from India.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Finnish study visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Research and choose a Finnish educational institution: Identify the Finnish university or educational institution where you want to study. Ensure that the institution is recognized and offers programs suitable for your academic goals.
- Check the entry requirements: Visit the official website of the chosen institution and review the admission requirements for international students. Make sure you meet the academic, language proficiency, and other prerequisites.
- Apply for admission: Complete the application process for the educational program you wish to pursue. Submit all the required documents, such as academic transcripts, diplomas, language test results, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Follow the instructions provided by the institution.
- Receive an acceptance letter: If your application is successful, you will receive an acceptance letter from the Finnish educational institution. This letter is a crucial document for your visa application, so keep it safe.
- Obtain health insurance: Purchase comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by Finnish authorities. This is necessary to cover any medical expenses during your stay in Finland.
- Prepare financial documents: Gather all the necessary financial documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs while studying in Finland. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters, depending on your situation.
- Make an appointment with the Finnish visa application centre(VFS): Contact the Finnish visa application centre(VFS) in India to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Check their website or contact them directly for specific instructions and requirements.
- Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and honestly. Provide all the necessary information and attach the required documents, including your acceptance letter, proof of health insurance, and financial documents.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa application fee as instructed by the embassy/consulate. The fee may vary, so check the latest information on their website.
- Wait for visa processing: After submitting your application and attending the interview, wait for the visa processing to be completed. The processing time can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa from the Finnish embassy/consulate. They may provide instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa stamp.
Note: Remember, this is a general overview of the process, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It’s essential to consult the official website of the Finnish embassy/consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the study visa application process.