Home / Study in Europe / Finland
2 years to find work after graduating
Study in Finland from the UK, then stay up to 2 years to build your career
Finland lets students work 30 hours a week, gives graduates up to two years to find a job, and has a written route to permanent residence after four years. The main application round is in January, so now is the time to plan.
Why Finland
Why students in the UK choose Finland
- Work up to 30 hours a week on average, in any field.source
- Two years to find work after graduating, with no restrictions on the work you do.source
- A route to permanent residence after four years on a continuous permit.source
- English-taught degrees at universities and universities of applied sciences, with scholarships available.source
Staying on
From student to permanent resident
- Study, and work up to 30 hours a weekDegree students usually receive a continuous (A) residence permit.source
- Up to 2 years to find workA residence permit to look for work or start a business, usable in up to three parts. You can work without restrictions and apply up to five years after your student permit ends. You need €800 a month in funds.source
- Work permitOnce you have a job, you move onto a permit based on work.
- Permanent residenceAfter four years of uninterrupted residence on a continuous (A) permit, applied for in Finland. It isn’t granted on the grounds of studies or job-seeking, so you apply on another basis such as work.source
No one can guarantee a job or a permit. What Finland offers is time and a clear, written route.
Residence permit
Getting your Finnish student residence permit from the UK
- Get your study placeThrough the January joint application on Studyinfo, or the university’s own round.
- Apply before you travelOnline through Enter Finland. A first student permit is applied for from abroad.
- Visit a Finnish missionTo prove your identity, give fingerprints and show your original documents. Book in advance.
- Show your funds and tuition€9,600 in your account for a year of study, plus proof you can pay your tuition.source
Costs
What it costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition, non-EU students | Typically €9,000 to €20,000 a year; scholarships and fee waivers available |
| Funds for the permit | €9,600 for a year (less if the university provides free accommodation) |
Tuition from Study in Finland; funds from the Finnish Immigration Service.source
FAQ
Questions we’re asked about Finland
How long can I stay in Finland after graduating?
Up to two years on a residence permit to look for work or start a business. You can work without restrictions while you hold it, and you can apply for it up to five years after your student permit ends.
Can I get permanent residence in Finland?
Finland grants a permanent residence permit after four years of uninterrupted residence on a continuous (A) permit, provided you still meet the conditions for a continuous permit. Degree students usually receive an A permit, but permanent residence is not granted on the grounds of studies or job-seeking, so by the time you apply you need another basis such as work.
How much money do I need to show?
For studies of a year or longer, €9,600 in your bank account when you apply (€800 a month), plus your tuition fee if it isn’t paid yet.
Can I work while studying in Finland?
Yes, an average of 30 hours a week in any field, as long as your studies progress at a normal pace.
How much is tuition?
Non-EU students pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, typically €9,000 to €20,000 a year. Many universities offer scholarships or fee waivers.
When do I apply?
The main joint application for autumn-start programmes is usually held in January. A smaller number of programmes start in January and take applications in the autumn.
Thinking about Finland?
The main application round is in January. Tell us your degree and goals, and we’ll shortlist programmes and scholarships and prepare your application.
Sources (checked 12 October 2026)
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Rules change, so we check them again for your case.