How much does it cost to study in a polytechnic/UAS?
At the moment there are no tuition fees for higher education in Finland. Students are expected to pay for their living costs, travel costs, study materials etc. Polytechnics’/UAS’ students can pay an annual membership fee to the student organisation SAMOK to get a student card. The student card grants certain benefits and discounts e.g. on travel etc.
Finnish students are entitled to student financial aid from KELA. Non-Finnish students are entitled to student financial aid only if they have a valid residence permit and have lived in Finland permanently for two yeas for a purpose other than studies.
A non-EU student must prove that he/she is able to cover his/her living costs in Finland during the studies. The required minimum sum is 500 euros per month or 6000 euros per year. Non-EU students studying in Finland in a full-time degree programme for a minimum of two years also need health insurance that covers the cost of medicine.