Is it the high quality of education or the student-centered supportive services that you seek while applying for admission in a foreign country?  Search no more! Finland is a place to call home while in a faraway land. You are free to brag about living and studying in this Santa country. It is worth it.

Furthermore, Finland has always been rated as one of the most innovative countries when it comes to quality education and training programmes. This was, according to, World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. With such a great and irresistible reputation, it would be difficult for one not to be interested in this Nordic country.

But then, there might be certain restrictions for you as an international student, except you are a national of EU/EEA. Also, the nature of your employees might have a certain influence on the job you do. But that should not discourage you.

As a student, you are required to have insurance cover. This is, particularly, for health or medical issues. For you to get a residence permit, you need a private insurance cover for your medical and pharmaceutical expenses. No one prays to fall sick, but it does happen. In order not to become stranded health wise in a strange land, taking an insurance cover could be the magic wand you need.

On the basis of family ties, your family members (spouse or kids), could also be granted residence permit.

In this article, we would look at the options available for you to work while studying in Finland.

Working in Finland

As a student, it might interest you to cut down the cost of your studies by applying for a part-time job during your studies. It is of great importance to know that international students are not permitted to work more than 25 hours per week in Finland. This is not so for Nordic or EU/EEA students. Then, seeking jobs related to your degree programme might earn you the desired work experience that would help you to seek better employment after studies.

In addition to that, your residence permit for studies allows you to work unrestrictedly if your work is related to your studies. You could also have other jobs if you wish to. Additionally, you can adjust your weekly working hours in a term, but ensure that you do not exceed 25 hours per week. So, you can spread out the loads to some days when you have little work to do.

Moreover, you will be at a better advantage if you are fluent in Finnish or Swedish languages. Relying on just your English language skills may not earn you the job you desire to do or it might take you longer to get a job there.

After graduation, you need not be in a hurry because you can apply for an extended residence permit for up to one year and you could use it as an opportunity to search for work. Is that all? No. Make sure you do everything before the expiration of your student residence permit. The moment you find a job, it would be easier for you to apply for a residence permit on the basis of your new work placement.

Watch This! 10 Reasons why Finland has the Best Education System in the World

Jobs for Students in Finland

There are so many part-time jobs you can do in Finland. So, most of the time, the choice is solely yours to make in terms of the kind of job you would want to do. It might interest you to know that working in Finland as a student is not stressful, neither is it much competitive. These jobs pay well enough to cover your living expenses.

Although there is no particular agreed sum to be paid to each worker, the numerous sectors in the country have a collective minimum rate to be paid on specific job roles. These pay rates or wages are determined by certain factors like skills and experiences of the employees, as well as the location of the job. However, Finland is one of the European countries that offer the highest rate to their employees.

There is no segregation in the country as what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander and so, both Finnish nationals and foreign students are paid alike if they happen to do the same kind of job. On average, a part-time job can earn you about €2 500 per month with broad job options. Service industries like restaurants, cafes, hotels, supermarkets, cinemas, and so on usually record the highest amount of job vacancies for part-time’ sake. Cleaning and delivery jobs are also very available to students who wish to work while studying.

Similarly, basic skills are required for you to get these jobs. This is irrespective of your qualifications or further skills. So, while searching for a job in Finland, ensure you consider your skills and passion in order to do your job happily.

Helpful Tips For Job Search in Finland

• Find out from your school or department. It is one of the commonest things to find some job positions in the faculty or department specifically tailored for students. Jobs like research or teaching assistants may be available for you. For more information, ask your local school or department if there is a vacant position you could apply for. These jobs, sometimes, cover the tuition and sometimes offer you stipends at the end of the month.

One of the good things about working in the department is that it could be an opportunity for you to develop your skills and learn more about your field. This will serve you well when you are to search for jobs after graduation.

• Find out from the students’ organisations. Check out these clubs or groups (we are certain you belong to one) to see if there is any available paid jobs. You could find a writing job or project-related jobs within the organisation. There are also startup hubs within the city that could pay you if you offer them your services.
• Contact the employers. It is not a new thing for a student to contact the employers if he or she needs a part-time job. You could walk into the establishments and ask for a vacant position or you could check up their numbers online and reach out to them. Do not be afraid to contact your potential employer, it is considered a brave act.
• Networking. You could network with students, professors and faculty members the moment you step into the school. Make friends easily with people and let them know your challenges. Connect with them on social media and reach out to them once in awhile. Who knows? One of them might be the Moses you have been looking for.

Living Cost and Tuition Fees

For the nationals of EU or EEA, you are eligible to study for free in any government school in Finland. However, it is not the same with Non-EU/EEA students. Based on the intended programme, Non-EU/EEA students are advised to save between €5000 and €18 000 for their tuition fees. You must give convincing evidence that you are financially capable to take care of your tuition fees.

Interestingly, there are tuition exemptions, with numerous scholarship programmes available for all students. But then, you need to take living expenses into consideration.

For housing, you are required to save between €160 and €800 per month. This is greatly affected by the type of housing and city of residence. You need to understand that private apartments cost more than living in the campus. All in all, you are the one to make the ultimate choice.

For feeding, the cost is on the range between €200 and €300 per month. Transportation and social activities are not inclusive. However, you are advised to budget between €700 and €1 100 per month to conveniently live in Finland.

More About Residence Permit in Finland

• If your studies in Finland take longer than 90 days, you need a residence permit in order to study in the country. The residence permit is just valid for two years, after which you are required to renew it. But if it is for a short period of stay, then, there may be no need for the renewal. Bear in mind too that the residence permit can only be valid for the length of time you are to spend for your studies, if your study period won’t exceed two years. You can only study in Finland for a maximum of 90 days if you don’t have a residence permit. However, no matter the duration of your stay, you need a visa.
• You can come to Finland to study partly for a period not exceeding 360 days. This can only happen if you have a residence permit issued by other EU Member States and also if the programme you are to study has a clause covering it that specified the condition of your stay. If that is the situation of things, then, you need to submit a mobility notification to the Finnish Immigration Service.
• If you are in Finland to study for a postgraduate programme, then, you need to apply for a residence permit that covers for scientific research.
• For the entire period of your residence permit, you must have sufficient financial resources to last for you throughout the duration of your stay. There must be at least, €560 monthly at your disposal. You need to also have some funds in your account if you are to be sponsored by the Finnish government.
• If you are applying for asylum and want to apply for a residence permit, you are required to cancel your application for international protection first.
• If you have been granted an asylum in any EU Member State, you must cancel your international protection before applying for a residence permit in Finland.
• If there is a deportation decision by Finnish government concerning you, then, there is no need to apply for a residence permit.

Conclusively, working and studying in Finland is a possible venture. The options have been made bare for you in this article. All you need to do is to get on board. Ensure you meet the admission requirements and have been offered an admission. The moment your feet step into this Nordic country and you have your work permit in place, you are free to search for any job. Don’t forget to learn the language of the Finnish because it’s another ticket you need to land your dream job.