- The average cost of living in Finland for students is €900–1,200/month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
- Public universities in Finland are affordable, and student housing options can significantly reduce rent.
- Cities like Oulu, Kuopio, and Turku are considered cheap places to live in Finland for students.
- Average Cost of Living in Finland for Students
- Accommodation Rent in Finland
- Affordable Cities in Finland for Students
- Living Expenses Breakdown by City
- Tuition Fees in Finland for International Students
- Health Insurance for Indian Students in Finland
- Tips to Reduce Living Expenses in Finland
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Average Cost of Living in Finland for Students
Monthly living expenses in Finland for international students typically fall between €900–1,200, depending on location and lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €300 – 1,200 |
| Food and Groceries | €180 – 400 |
| Transportation | €35 – 60 |
| Utilities and Internet | €100 – 130 |
| Health Insurance | €36 – 50 |
| Miscellaneous and Leisure | €80 – 150 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | €900 – 1,200 |
Accommodation Rent in Finland
Average rent in Finland varies based on city, location, and housing type. Here’s a breakdown:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Student Dormitories | €250–380 |
| Shared Apartments | €300–600 |
| Studio Apartments | €400–1,000 |
| One-Bedroom Apartments | €800–1,200 |
Affordable Cities in Finland for Students
Some cities offer a lower cost of living in Finland for international students, making them more budget-friendly.
| City | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Turku | 700 – 1,100 |
| Tampere | 700 – 1,100 |
| Oulu | 700 – 900 |
| Kuopio | 700 – 900 |
| Helsinki | 900 – 1,300 |
Living Expenses Breakdown by City
This table outlines the monthly expenses in Finland across major student cities:
| City | Accommodation | Transport | Meals | Utilities | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | €450–800 | €35–60 | €200 | €100–130 | €900–1,300 |
| Tampere | €350–600 | €35–50 | €200 | €80–120 | €700–1,100 |
| Oulu | €250–400 | €30–50 | €200 | €80–100 | €700–900 |
Tuition Fees in Finland for International Students
The cost of studying in Finland is reasonable for non-EU students. Tuition fees range between €6,000 and €18,000/year, depending on the course and university.
| University | QS World Rank 2026 | Tuition Fees (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Aalto University | 114 | €15,000 - 17,000 https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/scholarships-and-tuition-fees |
| University of Helsinki | 116 | €13,000–18,000 https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-bachelors-and-masters-programmes/tuition-fees-and-scholarship-programme |
| University of Oulu | 342 | €10,000–13,000 https://www.oulu.fi/en/apply/how-apply/university-oulu-tuition-fees-and-scholarships-for-international-applicants |
| University of Turku | 366 | €8,000–12,000 https://www.utu.fi/en/study-at-utu/financial-matters-degree-students |
| Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology | 397 | €13,500 https://www.lut.fi/sites/default/files/media/documents/LUT-Admissions-guide-2024-2025-for-web-low-1.pdf |
| Tampere University | 423 | €6,000–12,000 https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/apply-to-tampere-university/financial-matters |
| University of Jyväskylä | 498 | €8,000–12,000 https://www.jyu.fi/en/study-with-us/masters-degree-programmes/scholarships-tuition-fees |
| University of Eastern Finland | 548 | €8,000–10,000 https://www.uef.fi/en/tuition-fees-waivers-and-scholarships |
| Åbo Akademi University | 601 | €10,000–12,000 https://www.abo.fi/en/study/tuition-fees/#tuition-fees-and-payment-international-masters-degree-programmes |
Health Insurance for Indian Students in Finland
Before applying for a residence permit, international students must purchase health insurance. If the study duration is:
- Less than 2 years: Coverage must be €120,000 (INR 1 Cr).
- More than 2 years: Coverage of €40,000 (INR 36 Lakhs) is required.
Tips to Reduce Living Expenses in Finland
- Opt for HOAS Student Housing in Helsinki: Apply early via the Hoas Foundation, which offers shared flats and studios for students from universities like Aalto or Helsinki. Rents typically range from €250–500/month, including water, electricity, and free internet—much lower than private market rates..
- Shop at Discount Grocery Stores & Cook Indian Meals at Home: Buying staples like lentils, rice, and spices from local stores (Lidl / K‑Citymarket) and ethnic shops lets you cook in bulk. By preparing your own meals, you can cut food costs to €150–200/month, much lower than eating out.
- Track Spending via Banking Apps or Budget Tools: Use Finnish bank apps (e.g. Nordea, OP) with builtin expense tracking or tools like Toshl  to monitor expenses (transport, food, rent). Reviewing these biweekly helps in staying within your budget.
- Work Legally Up to 30 Hours/Week as a Student: With a valid student residence permit, you can legally work up to 30 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays. This helps your income cover living costs or monthly bills.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Studying in Finland offers Indian students a blend of high-quality education, cultural richness, and safe, peaceful living. However, managing the cost of living in Finland smartly is key to a comfortable student life abroad.
Planning your study budget for Finland? Use our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate your exact monthly and yearly expenses and compare costs by city.
FAQs
Is Finland expensive for Indian students?
Yes, but manageable. Living expenses in Finland average between €900–1,200/month, depending on lifestyle and city.
Can students work part-time in Finland?
Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during vacations.
What is the cost of living in Finland for students?
The cost of living in Finland for students ranges from €900–1,200/month covering rent, food, and transport.
How much do Indian students need to show for a student visa in Finland?
They must show a minimum of €800/month (or €9,600/year) to cover living expenses.
Which cities are cheap places to live in Finland for students?
Oulu, Kuopio, and Turku are among the most affordable cities with rent starting as low as €250.
What is the average rent in Finland for students?
Between €300–1,200/month, based on housing type and city.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes. Many universities offer merit-based tuition waivers and grants.
What is the cost of living in Finland per month for international students?
It averages around €1,000/month, depending on personal expenses.
Can I live in Finland with €700/month?
In cities like Oulu or Kuopio with student housing, yes, if you budget carefully.
What are the best tips to cut expenses as a student in Finland?
Use student housing, public transport, and plan a monthly budget to manage average Finland monthly expenses efficiently.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
