Financial aid for foreign students
If you are not a Finnish citizen, you may be entitled to financial aid with education in Finland if
- you are registered as a permanent resident of Finland in the population register system and
- your purpose for residence in Finland is something other than education (for example, work, family ties or return migration).
If you are in Finland for the express purpose of attending school, you are not eligible for financial aid from Finland.
For more information on financial aid see Kela's www pages.
Eligible students can apply, cancel, and inform about changes at the Student Center. We can also help with proof of non-eligibility for student financial aid, provided you have a Finnish personal identity number.
Proof of Non-Eligibility for Student Financial Aid
Some international students getting grants from home countries may require proof from KELA that they are not eligible for Finnish study aid. Student Center Financial Aid staff can help with this. However, in order for KELA to process this request, you must have a Finnish Personal Identity Number.
Personal Identity Number
Most students get this when they complete civil registration. However, if you do not have one, e.g. if you are an exchange student from the EU/EEA area staying for 3 months or less, you will have to get one if you wish to deal with KELA. First, you must register yourself as resident in Finland (see here), and then obtain the number at your local Magistrates office (Oulun Maistraatti)
Contact: opintotuki(at)oulu.fi
