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Tuition fees for applicants coming from outside the EU and EEA

Frequently asked questions and answers

Who are subject to the tuition fees?

As of 1 August 2026, tuition fees will be introduced in Finland for upper‑secondary students from outside the EU and EEA (third‑country nationals). A third‑country national refers to a person who is not a citizen of an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

Who is required to pay tuition fees in vocational education and training (VET)?

  • Third‑country nationals who reside in Finland with a student residence permit (B permit) or a temporary residence permit (B permit). 
  • Persons residing in Finland with a continuous residence permit (A permit) whose first residence permit in Finland was granted on the basis of studies. They are exempt from tuition fees only after they have been granted a permanent residence permit (P permit) in Finland. 
  • Persons residing in Finland with a continuous residence permit (A permit) based on family ties and whose sponsor’s current residence permit or sponsor’s first residence permit in Finland was granted on the basis of studies. (Family member who lives in Finland is called a ‘sponsor’. Granting a residence permit requires intending to lead a family life with the sponsor in Finland.)

At Samiedu, tuition fees apply to education provided in Finnish and in English.

Who does not have to pay the tuition fee?

The tuition fee is not charged, for example, from: 

  • Individuals who have been granted a permanent residence permit (P permit). 
  • Individuals residing in Finland with a continuous residence permit (A permit) (EXCEPTION: in vocational education and training, if the student’s or their sponsor’s residence permit – or their first permit – was granted on the basis of studies). 
  • EU Blue Card holders, individuals with an EU long‑term resident permit granted to third‑country nationals, and their family members. 
  • Exchange students (studying in Finland for up to one year). 
  • Persons in Finland under temporary protection (e.g., Ukrainians). Temporary protection ends on 4 March 2027. 
  • Persons who have been granted international protection (asylum or subsidiary protection). 
  • Students who are subject to compulsory education.

Students subject to compulsory education 

For young people who are subject to compulsory education, upper‑secondary studies in Finland are free of charge.

  • Compulsory education applies to individuals under 18 years of age who have been granted a municipality of residence in Finland when arriving with their guardian or family.  
  • The basis of the sponsor’s residence permit does not affect compulsory education status. 
  • Under the Act on Compulsory Education, education is free of charge until the end of the calendar year in which the student turns 20. 
  • If a person is granted their municipality of residence only after turning 18, they are liable to pay tuition fees.

Which study programmes are subject to the tuition fee? 

The tuition fee applies to vocational education and training, regardless of whether the student is completing a full qualification or individual qualification units.

Which study programmes are not subject to tuition fees?

  • Vocational education and training provided as labour market training. Only individuals already in Finland who meet the selection criteria set by the employment authorities can be admitted to this training. 
  • Preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA). TUVA education does not lead to a qualification, and therefore it cannot be used as a basis for obtaining a residence permit for studies in Finland.  
  • Apprenticeship training. A student coming to Finland for apprenticeship training must obtain a worker’s residence permit for their stay. If a student switches to apprenticeship training during their studies, the tuition fee obligation remains in effect. However, the education provider may decide to set a lower tuition fee for apprenticeship training.

What does the tuition fee include?

The tuition fee covers:

  • teaching and guidance in accordance with the qualification requirements,
  • entitlement to student welfare services and special support in accordance with applicable regulations,
  • a student meal on days when instruction is delivered on the Samiedu premises in accordance with the student’s Personal Competence Development Plan (PCDP).

What does the tuition fee not include?

A student who is liable to pay a tuition fee is not entitled to:

  • study-related social benefits in apprenticeship training,
  • free accommodation in the student dormitory,
  • free learning materials or supplies.

How does the tuition fee affect student admission and residence permits? 

  • The tuition fee is imposed on a student after they have been admitted to the study programme and accepted the study place. 
  • A residence permit can only be granted after the tuition fee has been paid. 
  • Payment of the tuition fee is a precondition for receiving a positive residence permit decision. 
  • A student who is required to pay the tuition fee cannot participate in instruction or training if the fee has not been paid.

How much is the tuition fee for applicants coming from outside the EU and EEA?

The amount of the tuition fee is determined in accordance with Samiedu’s tuition fee decision in force at the time you begin your studies. Currently, the tuition fee for vocational upper secondary qualification programmes is EUR 9,500 to 16,000 per academic year, and for further and specialist vocational qualification programmes EUR 7,000 to 9,500 per academic year. At Samiedu, tuition fees apply to education provided in Finnish and in English.

Admitted applicants will receive payment instructions in their letter of acceptance.

Further information and schedule 

The page content will be supplemented during the first half of 2026.

For more information