Information for Parents

Finland is consistently ranked among the safest, happiest, and most innovative countries in the world. It offers:

• High-quality education with a strong emphasis on practical skills and critical thinking.
• Safe and clean environment with low crime rates and excellent public services.
• Student-friendly cities with reliable public transport, affordable student housing, and vibrant international communities.
• Finland offers a unique balance of quality education and personal growth. With time to explore, relax, and recharge, you’ll thrive both academically and personally.

Xamk is one of Finland’s largest universities of applied sciences, with campuses in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. We offer:
English-taught degree programmes in fields like business, technology, health care, and environmental studies.

Hands-on learning through real-world projects, internships, and close cooperation with companies.

Supportive environment with personalized guidance, integration teams, student wellbeing services, and student tutors.

Modern campuses equipped with the latest technology and surrounded by nature.

The Finnish higher education is free for EU/EEA citizens and for those permanently residing in Finland. 

The Finnish higher education institutions charge tuition fees for students outside the EU/EEA area. The fees apply to programmes conducted in English. 

Annual tuition fees: 

• Bachelor’s degrees: €10,700 per academic year 

• Master’s degrees: €13,500 per academic year 

The estimated duration of studies is 3.5–4 academic years for Bachelor’s degrees and 2–3 academic years for Master’s degrees. One academic year consists of two semesters. 

Xamk offers scholarships for international students. You can find more information about available scholarships on our Tuition fees and Scholarships page. 

Finnish higher education is divided into two main sectors: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Both types of institutions are predominantly public and funded by the government, which ensures high standards and wide accessibility.

Universities of applied sciences emphasize practical skills and applied research. UAS institutions are designed to meet the needs of the labor market, providing hands-on education that prepares students for specific professions. The programs often include practical training and internships, enabling students to gain real-world experience and skills that are directly applicable to their careers.

Finland is one of the safest countries in the world and for example Finnish police are highly trusted and known for being fair, professional, and non-corrupt. The Global Peace Index regularly places Finland among the top 10 most peaceful countries.

The environment is clean, and infrastructure is well-maintained.

Xamk provides comprehensive student support services. Integration support is part of the International Services’ activities at Xamk. The integration support team guides in questions related to settling and living in Finland and campus town. Often with different local actors, the integration support team organises activities and events for the students to get familiar with the different campus cities.

Students can apply for affordable student housing near campus. The housing situation in South-East Finland is good, compared to the situation in the Helsinki region or other similar European cities.

Approximate monthly rental costs: 

• Studio apartment outside of Helsinki: €350–€700 

• Three-room apartment outside of Helsinki: €500–€750 

Helsinki (for reference only): one-bedroom in city centre €800–€1,200; outside centre €600–€900 

While Finland is not the cheapest country, students benefit from discounts on meals, transport, and cultural activities. 

Estimated monthly costs for a single person (excluding rent): 

• General living expenses including food expenses and rent: €900-1000 

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, etc.) : €100–€150 

• Internet: €20–€30 

Local transport monthly pass: ~€60 

All degree students enrolled at a Finnish higher education institution can use the health care services provided by FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service). Services are available primarily in the student’s campus city, with remote consultations also available. 

Students, coming to study in a degree programme (Bachelors or Masters)  are required to pay a healthcare fee to Kela annually: €35.60 per term (€71.20 per year). This applies to all students, including international students. You are exempt if you have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom — in that case, send the relevant document to Kela. 

Please note that international students coming to Finland solely for studies are generally not covered by Finnish social security and are not eligible for Finnish government student financial aid. 

Looking for a job in Finland can be a lengthy process, not only for foreigners but for Finnish people as well. It is important to keep in mind that finding a job can take time. 

Non-EU/EEA students with a student residence permit have a limited right to work during the academic year. During studies, students with a residence permit may work part-time in paid employment alongside their studies. Check the Finnish Immigration Service website for any updated working hour limits for the year you apply in. http://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland  

After completing their degree, your child can apply for a  post-study residence permit to look for work or start a business in Finland, please check the official timelines and updated information from the Immigration authorities.  

After graduation, permanent residence is possible after  some years of a continuous residence permit, including the study period — especially if your child finds employment after graduating.  

For full details and updated information, visit migri.fi/en/after-graduation 

There are three ways to apply to Xamk. Understanding which one your child uses changes the timeline — and has a direct impact on when they can start the visa process. 
Rolling Admission — open to international applicants within set windows (typically November–February for August intake, and a separate window for January intake). Applications are processed one by one, in order of submission, based on the applied method (certificate-based, SAT or other ones). Results come fast — usually within three weeks. This is the most flexible route and gives the most time to sort the residence permit before studies begin. Places fill up before the official closing date, so earlier is always better. Note: not all programmes offer Rolling Admission twice a year — check the specific programme page on xamk.fi to confirm which intakes are available.

 
Joint Application — Finland’s national application round, run once a year in January for autumn programmes. Everyone applies at the same time, results come at the same time (May–June). Your child can apply to up to 6 programmes across different Finnish universities in one form and should pass the entrance exam. The downside for visa timing: results only arrive in May or June for an August start. That leaves roughly 8–10 weeks to apply for a residence permit, receive it, and arrange travel. It’s manageable, but there is no room to delay — the permit application must go in the same week the offer arrives. 

Separate Application — used for specific programmes not covered by the joint round. Each programme has its own form and deadline. Check the programme page directly. 

What happens and when:

Nov–Feb and/or May-August : Rolling Admission open for August intake and/or January 

January : Joint Application opens for autumn programmes 

Feb–March : Application deadline (joint application) 

Within 3 weeks of applying : Admission result (Rolling Admission) 

August / January : Studies begin 

Tip for parents: The residence permit process takes time. Once your child receives their admission offer, the permit application should follow immediately. Processing typically takes several weeks.

Your child will have plenty to do beyond the classroom. 

Xamk Sports offers free sports activities and gym access for students at campus. On Mikkeli campus, students can access the gym and weekly sport groups for a small seasonal fee. In Savonlinna, the campus gym is free of charge, with sport passes available for group activities.  

Beyond sports, student union Kaakko and student organisations like ESN Xamk organise a wide range of events and activities across all four campuses — from cultural events and hobby clubs to community celebrations and wellbeing activities. International students are supported by integration coordinators who help with practical matters and organise networking events where students can connect with local organisations and fellow students.  

Xamk also runs the Xamk Award programme, which encourages students to get involved in the local community through volunteering, hobby groups, and events — and rewards that involvement with a reduction in the following year’s tuition fee. 

Southeast Finland itself offers a lot: lakes, forests, historic towns, and easy access to nature year-round. Campus cities are small and safe, with strong local communities and short distances between everything your child needs. 

All degree students at Xamk are responsible for covering their own tuition fees and living expenses.

Please note that international students coming to Finland solely for studies are usually not covered by Finnish social security and are therefore not eligible for student financial aid from the Finnish government.

The Finnish higher education institutions charge tuition fees for students outside the EU/EEA area. The fees concern the study programmes conducted in English.


Annual tuition fees

• Bachelor’s degrees 10 700 euros / academic year
• Master’s degrees 13 500 euros / academic year

The estimated duration of the studies is 3,5-4 academic years for bachelor’s degrees and 2-3 academic years for master’s degrees, depending on the extent of the degree. One academic year consists of two semesters.

Non-EU/EEA students need a student residence permit for the studies delivered on campus. Note that you cannot apply for a residence permit for studies that are delivered fully online.

Students with a residence permit for studies have a limited right to work during the academic year, see Finnish Immigration Service website for more information.

• Guide for students to apply for a residence permit
• Instructions on the Finnish Immigration Service website
• Video: how to get a student’s residence permit in Finland
• All videos and webinars on Finnish Immigration Service channel on YouTube

Finland has four distinct seasons – cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and colorful autumns. Winter is long, cold and relatively dark, especially in the northern regions. Temperatures during winter varies between +5 and -20, sometimes even -30C. Finnish summer is short but can be quite warm, with long daylight hours. Summer temperatures are usually between 15 – 25 degrees, sometimes even 30 degrees.

During the winter, warm clothing is an absolute necessity. While outside temperatures can be well below freezing during the winter, the buildings are very well heated with central heating (+21-25 Celsius). The weather in Finland has a strong effect on the way people behave. In the winter, people tend to work or study with great intensity. In the summer, the very same people become very open and social, spending time soaking up the sun and relaxing, and having fun.

In Finland, nature isn’t just scenery—it’s part of daily life. Whether it’s walking in the forest, swimming in a lake, or relaxing in a sauna, Finns deeply appreciate the outdoors.