Cost of living in Finland for international students

Topics reviewed in this article:

• Cost of living in Finland for international students in different cities
• Cost of studying in Finland for international students
• Rent a house in Finland
• Income of various occupations in Finland
• Disadvantages and advantages of living in Finland

Cost of living in Finland for international students in different cities

From the fall of 2017, non-EU and EU students must pay university tuition. The tuition fees in Finland for international students depend on the degree and university and average from 8,000 to 9,000 euros and between 5,000 and 18,000 euros per year for Finnish universities, which can be even higher.

• Average living expenses in Finland

The monthly cost of living in Finland for international students is between 750 and 900 euros per month, depending on where you live and your lifestyle. The capital of Finland, like all countries, has higher costs. Smaller cities such as Tampere, Lappeenranta, and Pori have lower expenses.

The table below shows the average cost of living in Finland for international students in Finland’s major cities.

• The cost of staying in Finland

There are three main accommodation options for international students:

• Student Housing Foundations

A room costs between 160 and 380 euros per month in a shared student apartment. The students can choose a separate apartment, but it is more expensive.

• Rent an apartment

Prices range from 400 to 800 euros per month and vary depending on various factors. (Proximity to the city center and city facilities and size)

Usually, students reduce their overall costs by living with other students.

• Student dormitories

The university usually provides it, and it costs between 250 and 350 euros per month.

• Food costs

The food expense varies from city to city. However, on average, food from local supermarkets costs around 200 to 250 euros per month.

• Transportation costs

Most students travel by public transportation. It costs between 35 and 50 euros per month, depending on the city of residence. The students can rent a car, but it costs about 230 euros five days a week.

• Ancillary costs

Student living expenses in Finland also include small costs such as:

• Student union membership fee

It is between 80 and 100 euros per academic year. (The students will receive a student card and benefit from discounts on public transportation and student restaurants.)

• Social activities

About 100 euros a month

Cost of studying in Finland for international students

Finnish universities are free for EU and EEA students. However, the non-EU students must pay a fee. Tuition fees in Finland for international students in English start at 1,500 euros per year and increase to 25,000 euros per year.

Here are the average tuition fees in Finland for international students:

• Top Finnish universities and their tuition

The table below shows some of Finland’s top universities along with their tuition fees:

Rent a house in Finland

Renting a house in Finland is more expensive for students who do not intend to live in a dormitory. These costs depend on the location of the house and the city where they live. Renting a home in Helsinki is more expensive because it is the capital. The table below shows the rent in some cities in Finland:

The student accommodation cost in most cities in Finland is almost the same, and it is from 245 to 350 euros per month. The difference depends on the location and the city, which is generally cheaper than renting a house, and most students use dormitories.

Income of various occupations in Finland

Most students who intend to study in other countries should be aware of different occupations incomes. We talk about the approximate salary of some jobs in Finland in euros.

Disadvantages and advantages of living in Finland

Like any country, Finland has many pros and cons. The residence applicants in Finland must look at all the aspects and know the pros and cons. We will discuss some of the disadvantages of Finland in the following:

• High expenses

Finland is generally an expensive country, with most consumer items costing more than other European countries, like transportation, food, etc.

• Finnish language

Most people are fluent in English in Finland. However, learning Finnish is a bit difficult for people entering Finland.

• Cold

Finland generally has cold weather. In winter, the temperature drops to minus 30 degrees Celsius, and there is more darkness, and the sun rises pretty late.

• Bureaucracy

As in other European countries, there are many long-standing barriers to government services.

• Expensive restaurants

Dinner in a restaurant is much more expensive than in other countries.

• Alcoholic drinks

It has struggled a lot with alcohol and depression over the years.