The Social Insurance Institution of Finland Kela provides students with a Study Grant and a Housing Supplement (both monthly). The student housing supplement can only be granted to students who are completing a study unit abroad. The student financial aid system also includes student loans guaranteed by the state.
Student financial aid is for Finnish citizens. Foreign citizens are entitled to student financial aid if they live in Finland on a permanent basis for the purpose other than studying and they have registered as permanent residents in the Finnish population register system.
The purpose of student financial aid is to provide financial support for study-related costs. In order to qualify, the student must be a full-time student, make satisfactory academic progress and be in need of financial assistance.
Student financial aid is paid during the academic year from September to May. If you do studies during the summertime (June-August) you might be entitled to the student financial aid in the summertime as well. The student financial aid for the summertime has to be applied separately.
Students renting an apartment in Finland can also claim general housing allowance. More Information about general housing allowance is available on the Kela website.
Students can also apply for Adult Education Allowance (available from The Education Fund).
Additional information
Metropolia’s student financial aid services: opintotuki [at] metropolia.fi (opintotuki[at]metropolia[dot]fi), tel. 040 522 2718
Kela’s telephone assistance with student financial aid: tel. 020 634 2550
