Visa Requirements in Finland
To obtain a student visa in Finland, you must meet the following requirements:Acceptance from a recognized Finnish educational institution.
Proof of adequate funds to cover your living expenses.
Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
Payment of tuition fees or proof of a scholarship.
Meet the language proficiency requirements of your chosen program.
Submit a residence permit application at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.
Remember to consult the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) or contact the Finnish embassy/consulate in your country for the most current and detailed information on student visa requirements for Finland.
How to apply for a first residence permit for studies
This guide is for you if you are applying for a first residence permit for studies from outside Finland using the online service Enter Finland. The guide contains instructions on how to apply for a residence permit for studies and lets you make a checklist that is adjusted to your particular situation
Check if you need a residence permit
Check whether you need a residence permit or not. Check that the residence permit for studies is the right permit for you.
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Get ready for applying for the permit
Read the requirements for a residence permit for studies and prepare the attachments that are needed for the application. As a final step, you can download a checklist of the attachments you must add to your application.
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Apply for a permit online
Fill in, pay for and submit your application in the online service Enter Finland
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Prove your identity
Book an appointment to visit a Finnish mission or a VFS Global application centre in your country of residence to prove your identity.
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Follow the processing of your application
You can follow the processing of your application online in Enter Finland and by asking Kamu the chatbot about your application.
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Read the decision and receive your residence permit card
You can read the decision online in Enter Finland. If the decision is positive, your residence permit card will be sent to the mission you visited.
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Prepare for your life in Finland
Read here about the Finnish personal identity code, about registering your home address and family relations and about getting a municipality of residence. In addition, check here how much you are allowed to work during your studies.
Visa Requirements in German
Admission to a German university: You must have an offer of admission or a confirmation letter from a recognized German university or educational institution.
Financial means: You need to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Germany. This can be in the form of bank statements showing a specific amount of funds, scholarship letters, or a blocked bank account in Germany.
Health insurance: You are required to have health insurance coverage during your stay in Germany. You can either obtain public health insurance or provide proof of private health insurance.
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Germany. It’s advisable to have a passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Completed visa application: You must fill out a visa application form and submit it along with the required documents, including a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, and the university admission letter.
Language proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction in your chosen study program, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in either German or English. This can be done through language proficiency exams such as TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Blocked bank account: Some international students may be required to open a “blocked” bank account in Germany. This account restricts the withdrawal of funds until you arrive in Germany and ensures that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary based on your country of origin, so it’s recommended to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country for precise information and guidelines.German
Visa Requirements in Denmark
Here are the requirements for obtaining a student visa in Denmark, explained in a more human-friendly way:
Get accepted to a Danish educational institution: You need to apply and be accepted into a recognized educational institution in Denmark. Once you receive your admission letter or certificate, you’re on your way to applying for a student visa.
Show proof of financial means: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself while studying in Denmark. This can be in the form of bank statements, scholarship letters, or a blocked bank account with the required amount of money.
Arrange health insurance: It’s important to have health insurance coverage during your stay in Denmark. You can either get public or private health insurance, but make sure you have it sorted out before applying for your student visa.
Make sure your passport is valid: Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Denmark. It’s recommended to have a passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Fill out the visa application: You’ll need to complete a visa application form and gather the required documents. These usually include your valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, and the admission letter from the Danish educational institution.
Language proficiency requirements: Depending on the language of instruction in your chosen study program, you may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in either Danish or English. This can be demonstrated through language proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Danish language tests.
Consider a blocked bank account: Some international students may be required to open a “blocked” bank account in Denmark. This type of account restricts the withdrawal of funds until you arrive in Denmark and ensures that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself.
Remember to start the visa application process well in advance, as it can take some time. Additionally, keep in mind that there might be additional requirements or specific procedures based on your country of origin, so it’s always best to consult the Danish embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Visa Requirements in USA
To obtain a student visa in the United States, you typically need to fulfill certain requirements. Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining a student visa in the USA:
Admission to a SEVP-approved institution: First, you need to apply and gain admission to a U.S. educational institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes universities, colleges, and other academic institutions.
Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019: Once you are accepted by a SEVP-approved institution, they will issue you a Form I-20 (for F visas) or a DS-2019 (for J visas). These forms are necessary for the visa application process and represent your acceptance and eligibility to study in the U.S.
Pay the SEVIS fee: Before applying for a student visa, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This fee supports the administration and maintenance of the SEVP. You can pay the fee online and should retain the receipt as proof of payment.
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and submit it. You will need to provide personal information, details about your educational background, and the U.S. institution you will attend.
Schedule a visa interview: After completing the DS-160 form, schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Wait times for interviews may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Prepare the required documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa interview. These typically include:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the educational institution
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
- Academic transcripts and diplomas/certificates
- Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)
- Documentation showing strong ties to your home country, such as family, employment, or property, to prove your intent to return after completing your studies
Attend the visa interview: On the day of your interview, arrive at the embassy or consulate on time and bring all the required documents. The consular officer will ask you questions about your study plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country. Be prepared to provide clear and honest answers.
Visa decision and entry to the U.S.: If your visa is approved, the consular officer will provide you with instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa. Once you have your visa, you can make travel arrangements to the United States. Upon arrival, you will be inspected by an immigration officer who will determine your entry eligibility.
Please note that the process and specific requirements may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of student visa you are applying for (F, J, or M). It’s recommended to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the visa application process.
Visa Requirements in Canada
To obtain a student visa in Canada, you will need to fulfill certain requirements. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of study program and your country of citizenship. Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining a student visa in Canada:
Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): First, you need to apply and gain acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. DLIs are institutions approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can find the list of DLIs on the official Canadian government website.
Receive a Letter of Acceptance: Once you are accepted by a DLI, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the institution. This letter will outline the details of your program, including the duration and start date.
Proof of financial support: You will need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor.
Complete the application: Apply for a study permit online or through a paper application. You will need to provide personal information, details about your educational background, and the DLI you will be attending. You may also need to provide biometric information, depending on your country of citizenship.
Pay the application fee: Pay the required application fee when submitting your study permit application. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid in Canadian dollars.
Provide additional documents: Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
- The Letter of Acceptance from the DLI
- Proof of financial support
- Academic transcripts and diplomas/certificates
- Medical examination records (if required)
- Any other documents requested by the visa office
Biometrics: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. This can usually be done at a designated visa application center.
Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview at the visa office in your home country. The interview is an opportunity for the visa officer to ask you questions about your study plans and assess your eligibility.
Study permit issuance: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction confirming your study permit approval. You will need to present this letter to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada. The officer will issue your study permit, which allows you to study in Canada.
It’s important to note that the processing times for study permit applications can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow for any potential delays. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date and accurate information
Visa Requirements in UK
To obtain a student visa in the United Kingdom (UK), you need to fulfill certain requirements. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of study program and your country of citizenship. Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining a student visa in the UK:
Acceptance by a licensed Tier 4 sponsor: First, you need to apply and gain acceptance to a course of study offered by a licensed Tier 4 sponsor institution in the UK. You can find the list of licensed sponsors on the official UK government website.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Once accepted by the educational institution, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document. This document contains important details about your course, including the unique CAS reference number.
Financial requirements: You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The exact amount required may vary depending on the location of the institution and your circumstances.
English language proficiency: You may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The required score depends on the course and institution you are applying to.
Complete the visa application: Apply for a student visa online through the UK Visas and Immigration website. You will need to create an account, complete the online application form, and pay the visa application fee.
Provide additional documents: Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Financial documents showing sufficient funds
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
- Academic qualifications and transcripts
- Any other documents requested by the visa office
Biometric information: You will be required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a visa application center.
Tuberculosis (TB) test (if applicable): Depending on your country of residence, you may need to undergo a TB test and provide the test results as part of your visa application.
Visa decision and entry to the UK: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport, which allows you to travel to the UK. Upon arrival, you will need to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) within a specified period. The BRP serves as evidence of your immigration permission in the UK.
It’s important to note that the processing times for student visa applications can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow for any potential delays. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult the official website of the UK Visas and Immigration for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the student visa application process.
Visa Requirements in Australia
To obtain a student visa in Australia, you need to fulfill certain requirements. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of study program and your country of citizenship. Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining a student visa in Australia:
Enrollment in a registered course: First, you need to apply and gain acceptance into a registered course of study offered by an Australian educational institution. The institution must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): Once accepted by the educational institution, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) document. This document verifies your acceptance and contains important details about your course of study.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of studying. This requirement assesses your immigration history, potential circumstances in Australia, and ties to your home country.
Financial requirements: You need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses while studying in Australia. This can include bank statements or financial sponsor documentation.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You are required to purchase OSHC, which provides health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Australia.
English language proficiency: You may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The required score depends on the course you are applying for.
Complete the visa application: Apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount, complete the online application form, and pay the visa application fee.
Provide additional documents: Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Financial documents showing sufficient funds
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy details
- Academic transcripts and qualifications
- Statement of purpose or genuine temporary entrant statement
- Any other documents requested by the visa office
Biometrics and health examinations: Depending on your country of citizenship and personal circumstances, you may need to provide biometric information and undergo a health examination. The visa office will inform you if these requirements apply to you.
Visa decision and entry to Australia: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification. The visa grant letter will outline the conditions of your visa, including the course duration, work limitations, and any additional requirements. You can then make travel arrangements to Australia and present your visa grant letter to the immigration officer upon arrival.
It’s important to note that the processing times for student visa applications can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow for any potential delays. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the student visa application process.
Visa Requirements in Sweden
To obtain a student visa in Sweden, you need to fulfill certain requirements. The specific requirements may vary depending on your country of citizenship. Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining a student visa in Sweden:
Admission to a university or college: First, you need to apply and gain admission to a Swedish university or college. You must have received an offer of admission before applying for a student visa.
Tuition fees and living expenses: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in Sweden. The exact amount required may vary depending on the institution and your circumstances.
Complete the online application: Apply for a student visa online through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. You will need to create an account, complete the application form, and pay the application fee.
Provide supporting documents: Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents, which may include:
- Valid passport
- Letter of admission from the Swedish university or college
- Proof of financial resources, such as bank statements or scholarship letters
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Documentation of accommodation arrangements in Sweden
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Any other documents requested by the Swedish Migration Agency
Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency may require you to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate in your home country. The interview is an opportunity for them to assess your eligibility and ask you questions about your study plans in Sweden.
Pay the tuition fee (if applicable): If you are required to pay tuition fees, you must do so before receiving your residence permit.
Obtain health insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance that covers your healthcare needs during your stay in Sweden.
Visa decision and entry to Sweden: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a residence permit card. The residence permit card allows you to travel to Sweden and serves as proof of your legal residence. Once you arrive in Sweden, you may need to visit the Swedish Migration Agency to have your photograph and fingerprints taken, as well as to receive the physical residence permit card.
It’s important to note that the processing times for student visa applications can vary. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow for any potential delays. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the student visa application process.