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.

Scholarships options:

The Early Bird scholarship: a 10% discount on the tuition fee for the first study year.

The scholarship based on study progress: a 20% discount on the following year’s tuition fee with good study progress

Xamk Award: Students can raise their discount on the following year’s tuition fee from 20% to 25-35% with creditable integration and active participation in the local community

Studies in Finnish language and culture: get additional deductions on the following year’s tuition fee by completing studies in Finnish language and culture. scholarship for humanitarian reasons (Ukrainian citizens)

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 metropolises.

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Helsinki is around €800–€1,200, while outside the city center, it ranges from €600–€900.

Outside Helsinki the rental prices of apartment are lower, a studio apartment is about 350–700e and a three-room-apartment 750–500e / month.

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

When planning the studies in Finland it is important to know the costs for the living and studying and to arrange sufficient funding for your child’s studies.

Examble:

For a single person, the estimated monthly costs (excluding rent) are around €936.8.

Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment cost around €100-€150 per month. Internet costs are approximately €20-€30 per month

Transportation costs include a monthly pass for local transport at around €60

All degree students (bachelor and master degrees) enrolled for attendance in higher education can use the health care services provided by FSHS. Students can use the health care services primarily in the town where the studies are located in but also remote services and consultations are available.

Students who are entitled to FSHS services are required to pay the health care fee annually to Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, regardless if they use the services or not. Kela is a government agency that provides basic economic security for everyone living in Finland. The fee is €35.60 per term (spring and autumn), totaling €71.20 annually. 

Also foreign students must pay the healthcare fee. You don’t have to pay the fee if you have social security coverage from another EU/EEA country or from Switzerland or the United Kingdom and you send the required document of it to Kela.

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.

Finding a job

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 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.