As A Student Study and Work in Finland – All You Need to Know
Is it the high quality of education or the student-centered supportive services that you seek while applying for admission in a foreign country? Search no more! Finland is a place to call home while in a faraway land. You are free to brag about living and studying in this Santa country. It is worth it.
Furthermore, Finland has always been rated as one of the most innovative countries when it comes to quality education and training programmes. This was, according to, World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. With such a great and irresistible reputation, it would be difficult for one not to be interested in this Nordic country.
But then, there might be certain restrictions for you as an international student, except you are a national of EU/EEA. Also, the nature of your employees might have a certain influence on the job you do. But that should not discourage you.
As a student, you are required to have insurance cover. This is, particularly, for health or medical issues. For you to get a residence permit, you need a private insurance cover for your medical and pharmaceutical expenses. No one prays to fall sick, but it does happen. In order not to become stranded health wise in a strange land, taking an insurance cover could be the magic wand you need.
On the basis of family ties, your family members (spouse or kids), could also be granted residence permit.
As a student, it might interest you to cut down the cost of your studies by applying for a part-time job during your studies. It is of great importance to know that international students are not permitted to work more than 25 hours per week in Finland. This is not so for Nordic or EU/EEA students. Then, seeking jobs related to your degree programme might earn you the desired work experience that would help you to seek better employment after studies.
In addition to that, your residence permit for studies allows you to work unrestrictedly if your work is related to your studies. You could also have other jobs if you wish to. Additionally, you can adjust your weekly working hours in a term, but ensure that you do not exceed 25 hours per week. So, you can spread out the loads to some days when you have little work to do.
Moreover, you will be at a better advantage if you are fluent in Finnish or Swedish languages. Relying on just your English language skills may not earn you the job you desire to do or it might take you longer to get a job there.
After graduation, you need not be in a hurry because you can apply for an extended residence permit for up to one year and you could use it as an opportunity to search for work. Is that all? No. Make sure you do everything before the expiration of your student residence permit. The moment you find a job, it would be easier for you to apply for a residence permit on the basis of your new work placement.
