Practicalities
Before arrival
Before leaving your country you will need the following documents.
Passport
2 passport photographs
Visa
Students from most European countries do not require a visa to enter Finland. Check with the Finnish embassy in your home country whether you require one or not. If you intend to stay in Finland for over three months, you will require a residence permit from the Finnish Embassy before your arrival.
Vaccinations
Basic vaccinations are not required but recommended
Work permit
Citizens from Nordic countries or from EU member states do not require a work permit, but they do need an employer’s certificate.
Insurance
The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card makes it easier for people from the European Union’s 27 Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to access health care services during temporary visits abroad.
So, if you are going on holiday, a business trip or a short break or are heading off to study abroad, remember to make sure that you have obtained a card. It will help save you time, hassle and money if you fall ill or suffer an injury while abroad.
The card ensures that you will get the same access to public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital ora health care centre) as nationals of the country you are visiting. If you have to receive medical attention in a country that charges for health care, you will be reimbursed either immediately, or after you go home to your own country. The idea is that you are given the care you need to allow you to continue with your stay.
However, it is important to note that the card does not cover your health care costs while abroad if you are travelling in order to obtain treatment for an illness or injury that you had before travelling. Nor does the card cover you for private sector health care providers.
During your stay
Accommodation
Students will be accommodated in student dormitories
Cash
The euro (€) and all major credit cards are accepted in Finland
Living expenses
The cost of living is about the same in Finland as in other EU countries
You may have your meals in the refectory at student prices. The meals include breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee. The meals are served from Monday to Friday.
Communication
Post, internet, e-mail are available in all units
Student Benefits
Student benefits include free tuition, which covers the actual instruction, student guidance and evaluation. Students cover the costs of books and other materials. Normally students have the option of living in the student dormitories of the educational units against a fee. Living costs, available accommodation and the level of accommodation vary by location. Students also cover travel costs to/from and between educational units, as well as to/from work placement and excursion locations.
Each HUMAK unit has a student cafeteria offering various kinds of affordable meals. Students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible for the meal discount for higher education students. Students of higher education institutions are entitled to a discount on the price of meals at student cafeterias included in the meal subsidy programme of Kela. The meal subsidy is paid to the owner of the cafeteria. Students receive the meal discount (lunch) by producing a valid student ID card or a KELA meal subsidy card. HUMAK is responsible for granting a meal benefit card to those who are entitled to the benefit but who do not have a valid student ID card. Students should contact the Student Affairs Secretary regarding the meal benefit card at the beginning of the academic year.
