As of August 2026, tuition fees for upper secondary education will generally apply to vocational education students from third countries who enter the country or reside in Finland on a student residence permit. A third-country national refers to a citizen of a country other than a member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Tuition fees for vocational education vary depending on the degree being pursued, the education provider, and what has been agreed upon in the student’s individual competence development plan. The education provider determines the amount of the tuition fee and the payment procedures, and provides information on the tuition fee amount.
Tuition fees are not charged, for example, from individuals with a permanent residence permit or exchange students.
Who is required to pay tuition fees for vocational education?
- Individuals who begin their studies on or after August 1st, 2026, and are citizens of a country outside the EU and EEA, whose first residence permit in Finland was granted on the basis of their studies.
- Adults who come to Finland on the basis of family ties, if their sponsor’s residence permit or first residence permit was granted on the basis of studies.
Ukrainian citizens are exempt from tuition fees until March 4, 2027.
Education in Finland is free for young people of compulsory school age. Compulsory school age refers to children under 18 who have come to Finland with their family or guardian and have been registered as residents in Finland.
What a student who has paid the tuition fee is not entitled to
- free meals
- student social benefits in apprenticeship training
- free learning materials or supplies, which include, for example, textbooks, licenses for e-textbooks, and other supplies needed for education
What are the rights of a student who has paid the tuition fee?
- student welfare services, learning support, and special education
Further information
https://okm.fi/en/tuition-fees-in-upper-secondary-education
https://migri.fi/en/studying-in-finland