Information for new international students

One of the first things you should do, is check whether you need a residence permit to study in Finland.
Students arriving from non-EU/EEA countries need a residence permit to stay in Finland for more than three months.

We recommend that you start the application process for your residence permit immediately after you have received information of admission and paid the tuition fee, as the process can take several months.

• Before applying, read more on residence permit for studies on Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website.
• You can also check out Migri’s Guide for students on how to apply for residence permit.
  
• Apply for a residence permit on Migri’s online service Enter Finland.
  
• Please note that you must visit a Finnish embassy or consulate in person as part of the application process. 

You cannot be granted a residence permit for studies, if your studies mainly consist of distance learning online and do not require you to stay in Finland. For shorter stays in Finland (e.g. in-person class days), you can apply for a tourist visa.

We recommend that you apply for the residence permit to be valid 2 weeks before the beginning of studies so you can arrive in Finland and settle before the studies begin.

Staying in Finland less than 90 days? Read more on visas on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s website.

If you are an EU citizen planning to stay in Finland for longer than three months, you must register your right of residence. This registration is necessary to stay in Finland legally and access local services. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

For detailed steps, eligibility, and required documents, please visit the official Migri EU registration page.

Nordic citizens do not need to apply for EU registration at the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are a Nordic citizen (citizen of Denmark, Iceland, Norway or Sweden), register your personal data at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The biggest student housing provider in Turku is the Turku Student Village Foundation (TYS). There is a high demand for student housing, so be sure to apply early.

How to apply for housing on the TYS website

Exchange student? Read more on TYS ‘ webpage for exchange students.

The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) provides student health services for degree students. However, the FSHS only provides basic health care services, which does not include urgent medical care or secondary health care in hospitals.
Read more on their services on the FSHS’ infromation page for new students.

Turku UAS does not provide health insurance for international degree students, so please make sure you have valid health insurance during your studies.

Students from other EU or EEA countries must to provide a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when accessing FSHS services. The FSHS will be required by law to ask to see a European Health Insurance Card to identify students who are covered by state-provided health insurance from a country other than Finland. The card must be obtained before coming to Finland. Students from Britain and Northern Ireland may provide a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Read more on FSHS website.

If you are non-EU/EEA citizen, make sure you have a valid health insurance that covers both accidents and illness. Turku UAS has insurance against injuries during studies, but it does not cover leisure time accidents or eventual illness during your stay. You are also required to have health insurance before applying for a residence permit for studies. Please read more about the requirements of the insurance on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.

Start by checking out the Finnish Student Health Service’s (FSHS) information for new students.

The FSHS offers all first-year degree students a health check comprised of

• the HealthStart questionnaire
• if necessary, an appointment with a public health nurse and/or oral health professional. 

Instructions for students in fields other than social and health care

Please check instructions and requirements from FSHS’ Tuberculosis information for students.

Instructions for social and health care students

Please read the FSHS’ instructions for social and health care students concerning infectious diseases and vaccinations.

Fill in the COMMUNICABLE DISEASE QUESTIONNAIRE (SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM) and contact FSHF Turku when you arrive in Finland if necessary.

Please note that you need to bring your Vaccination certificate (in English) included previous vaccination (how many doses, date, month, year).

Turku UAS uses electronic materials and online learning environments. You’re required to have your own laptop computer available during the studies (incl. in-person lectures). The school will provide you with the most important basic software free of charge.

Read more on requirements for having your own laptop for your studies.

If you are relocating with family, Finland offers extensive family support services, from affordable childcare to world-class education and healthcare. For families moving to Turku and Salo, International House Turku (IHT) can help make the transition as smooth as possible, including providing guidance on local schools and childcare.

Check out IHT’s Checklist for Relocating to Turku and Soft-landing Service.

For families moving to Salo, HelppoSalo service offers guidance in matters related to the relocation.

Welcome to the oldest city in Finland! Turku combines rich history with a vibrant student culture, making it an exciting place to begin your journey. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or ferry, getting to Turku is easy, and once you’re here, you’ll find plenty of convenient ways to explore the city and its surroundings.

Once you’re here, you’ll find plenty of convenient ways to explore the city and its surroundings. Föli buses connect key areas across Turku and neighboring regions, providing a reliable option for commuting to campus, running errands, or exploring the city. Additionally, the Fölläri city bike service offers an active and flexible way to travel, with numerous docking stations and an easy app-based rental system.

Turku UAS campuses

Each of our vibrant campus has its own unique feel and community. Whether you’re in Kupittaa’s innovative tech hub, Linnankatu’s creative arts space, or Salo’s modern learning environment, you’ll find inspiring facilities, collaborative study spots, and the energy of students from around the world. Ready to explore your new home away from home?

Remember to register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) after your arrival to Finland. Registration is free of charge and has many benefits.

When you register with the DVV, you will

• receive a Finnish personal identity code (unless you already received one from the Finnish lmmigration Service or the Finnish Tax Administration). ln Finland, a personal identity code is used for identification purposes.
  
  You need a personal identity code:
  • to receive transcripts of study records from your Finnish university.
  • when dealing with Finnish authorities.

• be registered an address in Finland.
  The address can be registered as temporary or as permanent. Please visit the DW website for more information on different address types.

Please note that you may need a Finnish personal identity code and a registered address in Fin­land to open a bank account or get a mobile phone contract.

Read more on the registration in the Population Information System on DVV’s website.

New degree students on English degree programmes and all exchange students receive their user IDs and further instructions during orientation.

If you wish, you can register your user ID before starting your studies. Read more on registering your user ID.

Degree students at universities of applied sciences and universities pay a health care fee to Kela. As a degree student at a higher education institution, you can use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).

Find out more about FSHS services

The student healthcare fee is part of the overall funding for healthcare for university students. You have to pay this fee even if you do not receive student financial aid or use occupational health services instead of the FSHS, for example.

Read more about the health contribution for university students

If you are covered by another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you do not have to pay a health contribution. However, you can use the services of the YTHS. Find out what you need to do on the Kela website.

Payment of the healthcare fee

The health insurance fee must be paid for each semester. Kela does not send a separate invoice for the fee, but you must remember to pay it yourself.

The due date for the healthcare contribution depends on when you register as being present.

See Kela’s website for more detailed payment instructions and due dates.

Remember to also check necessary health documents.

Students at Turku UAS have access to a wide range of services designed to support every step of their journey. We’re committed to helping students progress smoothly in their studies, grow their expertise, and maintain a balanced, fulfilling student life. Our mission is to educate thriving professionals equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for the future. We wish to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.

The Turku UAS’ student union TUO represents all students, advocating for students’ rights and well-being both on and off campus. Joining TUO gives you access to a wide range of benefits, from student discounts and services to social events and networking opportunities that help you settle in and make connections. TUO is religiously and politically non-committal and independent of trade unions.

Various discounts are available for students, most of which require a student card.

There are different types of student cards:

• Turku UAS offers all students a free electronic student card in the Tuudo app.
• Turku UAS’ Student Union – TUO members have access to student cards provided by the Student Union.

Student cards are also available for path students, but path students are not entitled to all the same student discounts as degree students.

Student lunch

Degree students and exchange students in higher education are entitled to a Kela meal subsidy.

 You can buy a student-priced lunch at student restaurants with your meal subsidy card.

You can use the meal subsidy card

• with your Tuudo mobile app electronic student card or
• with the Kide.app mobile app used by Turku UAS’ Student Union – TUO

If you need a physical Kela meal subsidy card or Open UAS meal discount card, you can apply for it by visiting the Student Office. Remember to bring your photo ID.

Discounts on public transport

Degree students can get a student discount on Matkahuolto, VR and Föli, for example.

• with your Tuudo electronic student card
• via the Turku UAS Student Union (TUO) Kide mobile app

Path students can get a student discount on Föli tickets with their Tuudo electronic app student card.

If necessary, you can also get a FöIi student discount application from the student office, but not before the first day of your studies.

Read more about student discounts offered by Turku Region Traffic (Föli).

More student discounts

With your student card, many other discounts and student benefits are available to you. You can find out more about the student discounts available to members of the Student Union TUO on their website.