Student Benefit - Finland

Finland

Secondary and tertiary education is free of charge. Monetary support is paid by the government agency KELA. Most student benefits are paid to students in tertiary education, but in special circumstances, smaller benefits are available also on the secondary level. Student benefits are independent of parents' income in tertiary education. In tertiary education, students in Bachelor's and Master's level programmes qualify for student benefits. Only those months spent actively studying are supported; i.e. in summer, benefits cease unless a special summer studying plan is submitted and followed.

For students in tertiary education, the figures are as follows. Direct monetary support is €298.00 per month. Rent support is 80% of rent or maximum €201.60. The state or the universities generally do not provide student accommodation. Dormitories are usually run by foundations and student unions, and cannot accommodate all students. The state secures student loans (from private banks) for up to €300 per month. Student meals are supported by €1.67 per meal and available only on (privately operated) student cafeterias on campus, thus the effective price is about €2-3.

Persistent failure to progress in studies ultimately leads to the termination of student benefits. Likewise, when evaluated on a yearly basis, income of over €660 per month on supported months and over €1,970 per month on unsupported months reduces the student benefit. Typically, nine months are supported and three summer months are not, which gives a maximum annual income of €11,850.

In 2008, the benefits were raised: the direct support was increased by 15% and the income limits were raised by 30%. Despite this, students often find the benefit insufficient, thus working while studying or spending the entire summer at summer jobs is popular. Student loans are less popular than elsewhere.

Student benefits are available to Finnish citizens. They are not available for students entering the country for the sole purpose of studying.