Insurances & Finances
Insurances & finances
What type of insurance do I need and where to get it?
Insurance required for the residence permit https://migri.fi/en/insurance.
Before you leave your country, remember to obtain a travel insurance.
As a degree student, you have to pay the FSHS payment. For a residence permit, you will need private insurance to cover your medical expenses. The insurance you need depends on how long you will be studying in Finland. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you do not need insurance for the residence permit application, but it is a recommended addition to cover the costs not covered by the EHIC card.
When you move to Finland to a permanent address, remember to get a home insurance. Home insurance covers any possible damage to the apartment or your personal belongings caused by e.g. fire, water damage, or damage caused by people. Possible insurance companies:
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Non- EEA/EU citizens must have a valid health and accident insurance. Savonia University of Applied Sciences is not responsible for any costs related to international students’ cases of illness or accident caused during leisure time. Insurance is required for the residence permit application.
EU / EEA citizens
If you are only staying temporarily in the Member State where you are studying, you are entitled to receive all necessary medical care. For this, you will need the European Health Insurance Card, which you can get from the institution with which your parents are insured. The card must be obtained before departure. The card confirms the holder is covered by sickness insurance in one of the EEA/EU member states and that he/she has the right to immediate medical treatment while staying in any other EEA/EU member state.
Tuition fees
Universities of applied sciences and universities charge tuition fees from Bachelor’s or Master’s degree students from non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens.
Tuition fee for Bachelor students, Joint Application
Tuition fee for Bachelor students, Direct Application
Tuition fee for Master students
Cost of living
International students coming from outside the EEA and EU countries are required to prove that they have EUR 6,720 per year in their bank account when they submit the residence permit application. Read more about the income requirements for students: https://migri.fi/en/income-requirement-for-students. Please note, that starting from 1 November 2024 International students coming from outside the EEA and EU countries are required to prove that they have EUR 9,600 per year in their bank account when they submit the residence permit application.
Savonia University of Applied Sciences has a scholarship programme only towards the tuition fee. Savonia UAS cannot offer any other financial aid for either Finnish or international students. International students must be able to cover their costs themselves or have a scholarship from their home countries or other sources. Please note that without sufficient Finnish language skills and a degree it is challenging to find any job in Finland.
Estimated monthly costs
- Accommodation (student housing for one person) € 290–500
- Accommodation (family apartment) starting from approx. € 450
- Electricity € 30-50
- Communications (e.g. mobile subscription) €10-30
- Lunch at student canteens € 60-80
- Self-catering € 85-200
- Monthly bus card € 40
- Other expenses € 85-150
This estimate does not include social activities, travel or clothing. On average, a Finnish student spends € 600–900 a month.
Working part-time while studying
When you are studying full-time, you are required to be present on lectures and other practical study methods during daytime from Monday to Friday. Though students may work part-time during studies, one is not advised to plan their personal finances on it. Finding a part-time work in Finland may be difficult, especially without sufficient knowledge of the Finnish language.
Students with a residence permit for studies can work limited hours during the academic year. See Finnish Immigration Service website for more information. The main purpose of students’ stay in Finland is studying and ensuring progress in their studies.