Application Fees for Higher Education in Finland

Starting December 1, 2024, significant changes to the Finnish higher education application process took effect, impacting applicants from non-EU/EEA countries. These amendments, as outlined in the Universities of Applied Sciences Act and Universities Act, aim to introduce an application fee structure for certain groups of applicants. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the new rules, exemptions, and payment processes to help prospective students navigate these changes effectively.

Key Details of the New Application Fee Legislation

Who Will Be Required to Pay the Fee?

From January 1, 2025, applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland seeking admission to Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes will need to pay an application fee of 100 euros. This fee applies to applications for programmes beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

Exemptions from the Application Fee

The following groups are exempt from paying the application fee:

  1. Finnish Citizens: Individuals with a Finnish identity number.
  2. EU/EEA or Swiss Citizens.
  3. Holders of specific residence permits in Finland, including:
    • European Union Blue Card.
    • Permanent Residence Permit.
    • Continuous Residence Permit for purposes other than studies.
    • Long-term Resident’s European Union Residence Permit issued to third-country nationals.
    • EU Family Member’s Residence Card.
  4. Individuals under temporary protection in Finland.
  5. Applicants to:
    • Licenciate or Doctoral Degree Programmes.
    • Erasmus Mundus Programmes.

Important Note on Residence Permits

If an applicant’s residence permit type changes from a continuous residence permit granted on the basis of studies to one granted for other reasons, they are still required to pay the application fee. This rule also applies to those whose family ties involve a member originally granted a residence permit for studying in Finland.

Implementation Timeline and Fee Collection Process

The Finnish National Agency for Education will collect the application fee through the Studyinfo.fi application platform. Payments will be processed via the Suomi.fi payment service. The first application fees will be collected during the spring 2025 application period.

Key dates include:

  • December 1, 2024: Legislation enters into force.
  • January 1, 2025: Application fees begin for studies starting on or after August 1, 2025.

Additional Changes to Tuition Fee Exemptions

The amendments also modify tuition fee exemptions. From December 1, 2024, individuals under temporary protection will no longer be required to pay tuition fees. Other exemption criteria for tuition fees remain unchanged and align with those for application fee exemptions.

FAQs on the New Application Fee

What is the Application Fee?

The application fee is a 100-euro charge for non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens applying to Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes in Finland.

How Do I Pay the Application Fee?

You can pay the fee using:

  • Global Payment Methods: VISA, Mastercard.
  • Mobile Payment Options: Apple Pay.
  • Finnish Bank Payment Methods (if available).

Does Paying the Fee Guarantee Admission?

No. The application fee covers the administrative process for reviewing your application but does not guarantee admission. Applicants must still meet the specific admission criteria for their chosen programme.

What Does the Application Fee Cover?

The fee allows you to:

  • Apply to multiple programmes starting in the same academic term without additional charges.

Example: If you apply in the spring 2025 joint application period, you can also apply in separate applications for programmes starting in fall 2025 without paying another fee. However, if you apply for programmes starting in spring 2026, you will need to pay the fee again.

Are There Refunds for the Application Fee?

No. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the admission outcome.

Do Doctoral Applicants Need to Pay?

No. Application fees are only required for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.

The introduction of application fees marks a significant change in Finland’s higher education admissions process. While the fees aim to streamline the application system and ensure fairness, it is essential for prospective students to understand the exemptions, payment methods, and timelines involved.

For more details, visit the Studyinfo.fi website or consult the Finnish National Agency for Education.