Finland is gradually becoming a model among European countries. The country is maximizing its influence to lure international students to Europe. Just as there are scholarship slots for EU indigenes, international students have their spaces among the annual scholarship dished out in the country.
The processes aren’t as difficult as entering some other countries. Scholarships are available in their numbers at Finland. Just as you can find scholarships for undergraduates, you can get for postgraduates.
Indeed, if you are contemplating where how satisfying the country is as long as learning is concerned, then you might need to consider this.
Why Finland is a Studying Environment
This has Norway on its Northern side, Russia on the Eastern side, and Sweden on the Southern side. You don’t need to understand Finnish or Swedish before you feel at home at their side.
These are accommodating people who collectively pride themselves in giving quality educations to developing countries.
As at 2024, this is a country that has 46 universities with global standards implemented. Also, the universities render a combination of 1,041 courses in these universities with hundreds of scholarships ready to aid international students in having the best experience with the Finns.
How to Get Finland’s Visa as a Student
- There must be a proof that one of the recognized universities in the country has admitted you. This will make the validation of your traveling to be faster than usual.
- Countries with strong affinity with Finland get numerous available scholarships to boost their economy advantages. Therefore, it’s expedient you start your visa processes earlier from the time of your resumption than later.
- Apply for long-term visa to Finland, why? Because it is under this category that students’ scholarship are founded.
- Passport/Travel Document. You must carry a valid passport that was issued within the last ten years. Moreover, your passport needs to be valid for 3 months after you return from Finland.
- Identity Picture. You also need to take a recent identity picture. Please follow the Schengen visa photo guidelines
- The Finland Visa Application Form. When you apply for your Schengen visa you need to download, print, and fill in this form, and then attach it to your documents.
- Schengen Travel Insurance. Schengen travel insurance is obligatory for any visitor within the Schengen Area. The insurance needs to cover expenses up to €30,000 for medical expenses and emergencies, such as accidents, sudden illnesses and even death.
- Invitation Letter. This document is required in cases where you’ve been invited as a visitor by either a friend or a family member. The invitation contains important information about your host and yourself such as your name, date of birth, address, relationship, and so on.
- Sufficient Financial Means. You need to provide evidence that you have enough sufficient funds to finance your trip. Finland requires €30 minimum per day.
- Evidence of a Place to Stay. Proof of accommodation sometimes may be required depending on the embassy. It’s important to provide hotel bookings, rental agreements, or Airbnb reservations.
- Travel Itinerary. You may also be asked to provide a detailed travel plan which includes departure date, flight number, return date, the duration of your stay, and similar information about your visit.
- Copies of Previous Schengen Visas. You will be asked to provide copies of previous visas if it pertains to you.
- Cover Letter. You need to write a letter stating your reasons for visiting and how long you plan to visit.
- Civil Status Documents. Documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, adoption papers must be attached to your application.
- Evidence of Legal Stay. You also need to provide a document proving that you are a legal citizen in your current country of residence.
- For minors:
- Permission from a legal guardian to travel alone (if the minor is travelling unaccompanied).
- Permission from another legal guardian (if the child is travelling with only one parent/legal guardian).
- Birth certificate.
- Any other required documents, depending on the specific visa.
*Please keep in mind that the embassy holds the right to ask for any additional documents.