Finnish higher education institutions have over 20 000 international students studying in several locations around Finland. Around 5000 new international students start in Finnish universities every year. This year, the COVID-19 epidemic has forced Finnish universities to adapt their operations.

In Finnish universities, studies and research have shifted to being conducted remotely. Exchange studies for this year have been postponed or cancelled, and new incoming exchange students are not being received at the moment. Universities also discourage all students who have not yet started their studies or training from travelling abroad.

You can find more information on the universities’ websites and for example from studyinfinland.fi and studyinfo.fi.

Are you starting your studies during COVID-19?

Many universities organize orientations for new degree and exchange students on university campuses. Students arriving from abroad have to observe quarantine-like arrangements for 14 days after entering the country.

Four universities in Turku offer international degrees. Click to read more about their actions and instructions during the COVID-19 situation:

University of Turku
Åbo Akademi University
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Novia University of Applied Sciences

How to apply for a residence permit this year

Finnish Immigration Service MIGRI has collected on their website frequently asked questions regarding the effects of the coronavirus on the services and operations of MIGRI.

On MIGRI’s website, you can also find information on applying for a residence permit as an international student.

Social Assistance for International Students

If you’re an international degree student currently in Finland and unsure about your economic situation, you might be eligible for basic social assistance. The Finnish social security institution KELA has updated their website to cover international students. See what type of assistance you might qualify for.