Tuition Fees for Citizens from Outside the EU/EEA
As a result of an amendment to the legislation governing vocational education and training, education for students coming to Finland from outside the EU/EEA will become subject to tuition fees. The tuition fee applies to students who begin their studies on or after 1 August 2026.
Who the tuition fee applies to
Tuition fees will be charged in vocational education and training from students coming from third countries. The fees apply to students who begin their studies on or after 1 August 2026.
Tuition fees generally apply to citizens of third countries who come to Finland to pursue vocational education and training studies and who reside in Finland on a residence permit issued for study purposes.
A third-country national refers to a person who is not a citizen of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. The fee does not apply to citizens of Ukraine until 4 March 2027, as temporary protection remains in force until that date.
Who the tuition fee does not apply to
Tuition fees are not charged, for example, to:
- holders of a permanent residence permit;
- holders of a continuous residence permit whose first residence permit was granted on grounds other than studies;
- exchange students (studies in Finland for a maximum of one year);
- persons residing in Finland on the basis of temporary protection;
- persons receiving international protection.
Applying for studies and payment of the tuition fee
- The applicant submits an application to the educational institution.
- The institution processes the application and makes an admission decision.
- The institution verifies whether the applicant is required to pay a tuition fee, based on the guidelines of the Finnish Immigration Service and the information provided by the applicant.
- The institution invoices the tuition fee for the first academic year from students who are subject to the fee.
- Once the tuition fee has been paid, the student may apply for a residence permit for studies. Students who are subject to the tuition fee cannot begin or participate in the education unless the fee has been paid. This requirement also applies to admitted students who are already residing in Finland and are subject to the tuition fee.
Tuition Fee Amounts
Information will be published in spring 2026.
What a tuition-fee-liable student is entitled to in vocational education and training
Information will be published in spring 2026.
What a tuition-fee-liable student is not entitled to in vocational education and training
Information will be published in spring 2026.
Further information
Ministry of Education and Culture: Tuition fees in upper secondary education
Vocational Education and Training Act, Section 105 a – Tuition fees charged from third-country nationals
Finnish Immigration Service: Studying in Finland
Further information provided by: