International
applicants

It’s important to begin the residence permit application immediately after you are chosen as a student to Humak. Apply first for yourself and then for your family. The Finnish Immigration Service Migri is your contact and guide in all matters regarding immigration and residency. 

International students who continuously reside in Finland for 3 months or longer, need to register themselves to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). The type of registration depends on your citizenship, whether you are a citizen of an EU/ETA country or a non-EU/ETA country. Registration to Migri has a registration fee. 

• Non-EU citizens

• As a non-EU/ETA citizen, you may have already registered and identifiedto Migri during the residence permit process. Make sure you complete your individual process with Migri. 

• EU/ETA citizens
• As a citizen of an European union (EU) member state, a Nordic country, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, follow the instructions for EU registration of the right of residence.  

Book an appointment at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to register your address and personal details.  If you have not received a Finnish personal identity code with your residence permit, you will receive one after this appointment. Complete the application form and check the required attachments on the DVV website. Registration to DVV is free of charge. 

• Bring a certificate of study to your DVV visit. If you need one before your studies begin, ask for the certificate from Humak’s student services opintotoimisto@humak.fi. 

Many online services require online banking credentials for access, or at the least online banking credentials makes the use of online services and handling official matters online significantly easier. You need a passport, identity card for foreign citizens or some other official identity card when opening a bank account in Finland. The bank also needs your full name, Finnish personal identity code and your address in Finland or abroad. Read more from InfoFinland website Everyday life in Finland. 

Tuition fee will be charged from students coming outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland area. Tuition fees are paid separately for each academic year. From autumn 2024 onwards, the tuition fee is 14,000€.

Humak has a scholarship scheme for students who are required to pay the tuition fees. The first year is paid in full. However, an Early Bird discount is available. The amount of the fee for subsequent academic years depends on the credits completed.

The cost of living in Finland is higher than in many other European countries. However, you can influence some of these factors through your own choices, for example by applying for student housing or sharing an apartment with a roommate instead of living alone or renting a higher-cost-apartment on the private market.

Dining at restaurants or ordering take-out is typically on the more expensive side, so it’s encouraged to prioritize preparing your own meals from healthy whole foods, or eating an affordable meal at student restaurants.

Students should also be prepared for possible study-related costs, especially in Adventure and Outdoor Education program where the equipment adds to your expences. More information on the degree programmes site under Frequently asked questions.

Please note that while you have a right to work during your studies, part-time jobs and jobs without knowledge of Finnish may be difficult to find and you may need to invest time and patience in job-search.

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or Nordic country, you have the right to work without limitations during your studentship without needing a permit. Working may give you the right to Finnish social security.

If you are a citizen of another country with a residence permit for studies, you have the right to work under certain conditions. You can work part-time for up to an average of 30 hours a week. You can work full-time if you are writing your thesis or are completing practical training related to your degree.

You can find information on finding a job in Finland on the InfoFinland page.

Student housing is offered by various student housing foundations. Housing is also offered by national and local rental housing companies as well as private renters.   

Student housing:   

• Antti Korppi student house  
• HOAS – Helsinki Region Student Housing Foundation. Please note that while Humak is not a co-operating school with HOAS and our exchange students cannot apply for furnished apartments, you can still apply for an unfurnished one via HOAS. Please note that HOAS housing is in high demand.   
• Sato student housing

Other rental apartment companies:  

• Lumo (remember to check the contract period before applying)  

• Sato rental apartments (remember to check the contract period before applying)   

• Noli Studios (short-term housing) 

• UniHome (short-term housing) 

• Furnished apartments, hostels and aparthotels – Forenom accommodation (short-term housing) 

• Local Facebook group for rental apartments: Short-term rental Helsinki and Vuokra-asunnot Helsinki.