Tuition Fees for International Students

A tuition fee for vocational education and training (VET) in Finland will be introduced from 1 August 2026.

The tuition fee applies to international students who:

• are not citizens of an EU och EEA zone country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland);
• are residing in Finland for the purpose of studying; and
• commence their studies from August 2026 onwards.

If you already reside in Finland, whether your studies are subject to tuition fees depends on the basis of your residence permit.

To obtain a residence permit for studies, you are required to pay the tuition fee. The residence permit is granted for the period during which your passport remains valid and the duration of your studies.

Further information about studying in Finland

Tuition fees for secondary education and vocational education and training (VET) in in Finland:

• Tuition fees for upper secondary education (Studyinfo)
• Tuition fees in upper secondary education (Ministry of Education and Culture)
• Residence permit types (Finnish Immigration Service)
• Studying in Finland (Finnish Immigration Service)
• EU citizen (Finnish Immigration Service)
  

The tuition fee applies to you if

• you move to Finland for the purpose of studying;
• you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland);
• you hold a residence permit (B or A) granted on the basis of studies;
• your first residence permit in Finland was granted on the basis of studies; or you are an adult family member moving to Finland on the basis of family ties, where your sponsor’s residence permit or first residence permit was granted on the basis of studies.

The tuition fee does not apply to you if

• you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland);
• you are subject to compulsory education;
• you hold a permanent residence permit (P);
• you hold a continuous residence permit (A) granted on grounds other than studies;
• you have been granted international or temporary protection;
• you are an exchange student;
• you are studying through an apprenticeship and have been granted a residence permit for employment; or
• you hold an EU Blue Card or an EU long-term residence permit for third-country nationals.

Please note: An exception applies to adult family members moving to Finland on the basis of family ties where their sponsor’s residence permit or first residence permit was granted on the basis of studies.

Tuition Fees for International Students at Prakticum

The education provider (Prakticum) determines the tuition fee. The first tuition fee must be paid in full before the commencement of your studies. The tuition will only be refunded if you are unable to begin your studies because you are not granted a residence permit.

The tuition fee does not include accommodation, meals or study materials such as a laptop computer or protective clothing. However, as a student at Prakticum, you will have access to student support services.

What are the language requirements?

All subjects and degrees are taught in Swedish as a rule. The language requirement for vocational education and training (VET) degrees leading to a qualification is Swedish at CEFR level B1.

Read more about language requirements and assessments at Prakticum.

How to Apply as an International Student

1. Submit your application. Apply through Prakticum’s continuous admissions pathway (kontinuerlig ansökan). Submit an application for your chosen degree by clicking the button ”Ansök” on the degree´s webpage. Browse our degrees
2. Initial review After we receive your application, a career guidance counsellor will contact you with information about tuition fees, language assessments or aptitude tests.
3. Take language assessment. Applicants who meet the language requirements proceed to the next stage.
4. Attend an interview. We will invite eligible applicants to an interview.
5. Application review. We review your application and assess whether you have the prerequisites to successfully complete the degree. We may also contact the Finnish Immigration Service regarding your residence permit status.
6. Receive your admission decision. Applicants are offered admission if they meet the requirements of the degree selected and have paid the tuition fee in full before the agreed start of studies.
7. Apply for residency permit. Students admitted to complete a degree at Prakticum must apply for a residence permit for studies before beginning their studies in Finland.