Why Should You Study in Finland? Due to its stable government, healthcare system, and Nordic region, Finland is frequently cited as one of the world's happiest nations. For domestic students and residents of the EU/EEA, higher education is entirely free in Finland. International students received free education in Finland until 2017. Since then, tuition fees have been implemented. They provide high-quality education and house international-level research facilities. Moreover, there are options for both job and study in Finland. Before we get into the alternatives for staying in Finland and working, it's vital to look at visa regulations and work permits. 

The Student Visa in Finland is given by Finland Immigration, and when the course students choose lasts more than 90 days, they must apply for a student visa, which is usually good for one year. One can apply for a permit extension at "Finnish Missions"-Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they wish to prolong their current one. As long as the visa is valid, students may work and study in Finland without the need for separate authorization.

Work Permit for Students in Finland

For students who are enrolled in Finland for their studies, it is legal to work, study, and work there. However, there are limitations on the number of hours that students can work, much like in many other nations. International students in Finland with valid student visas are permitted to work a part-time employment for no more than 25 hours a week. Additionally, only occupations relevant to the students' fields of study are permitted. The working hours are not limited to 25 hours during the breaks.

A separate permit is needed to stay back in Finland and work after finishing your studies. For overseas students who are staying behind in Finland, there are two types of employment and residence permits they can apply for:

•          After Studying in Finland, you will need a residence permit to find work.
•          Permit to Reside in Finland Based on Employment

As we delve deeper into each of them, the first option, for seeking employment after study in Finland, is for students who are willing to return to Finland once their studies are complete and are now seeking employment there. This permit has a maximum validity period of one year and is non-renewable once issued. Students who are unable to find employment must return to their native country. However, for the majority of students, one year is sufficient to secure employment in Finland. It is anticipated that the rules governing the stay back may alter soon, and it is possible that students will be permitted to stay back for up to two years.

The second category is self-explanatory and is for students who secured employment in the nation before their prior visa expired. Students may apply for a stay-back residence visa in Finland before that period expires, for a maximum of four years or the length of their job, whichever is shorter.

Since the processing time for the residence permit might take between 30 and 150 days, students should begin applying well in advance of the expiration of their study permit in Finland. Students must submit an application to the local authority in Finland that the Finland Immigration Services has designated.