Financial aid for degree studies abroad

Study grant, government guarantee for a student loan and housing supplement for students studying abroad.

Finnish students may be eligible for financial aid from Kela while completing a degree abroad. Student financial aid may consist of a study grant, a government guarantee for a student loan, and a housing supplement for students.

This page provides general information about Kela's student financial aid and how to apply for support when pursuing higher education studies abroad.

Please note that all decisions regarding student financial aid are made solely by Kela. Eligibility and support amounts are determined according to Kela's current regulations and requirements.

Applying for student financial aid

Who can receive student financial aid for studies abroad?
You may be eligible for Kela's student financial aid if you are pursuing a degree at a foreign higher education institution and your studies meet Kela's eligibility requirements. Student financial aid may include: – a study grant – a government guarantee for a student loan – a housing supplement for students
More information:
What are Kela's general eligibility requirements?
To receive student financial aid, your studies must be full-time and progress sufficiently. You must also have remaining months of financial aid available. Kela monitors academic progress throughout your studies. In higher education, studies are generally expected to progress at an average rate of at least 5 ECTS credits per month of financial aid and at least 20 ECTS credits per academic year. Your personal income may also affect your eligibility for financial aid. If you work alongside your studies, you should check your annual income limits through Kela's online services.
More information:
How do I apply for student financial aid?
Student financial aid is applied for through Kela's online service, OmaKela. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as your study place has been confirmed. You can apply for a study grant, a government guarantee for a student loan, and a housing supplement through the same application. Kela will notify you of its decision through OmaKela once your application has been processed.
More information:
What documents are required?
Kela may request supporting documents such as: – proof of admission or enrolment – information regarding the duration of your studies – details of the degree programme you are pursuing Required documents vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. Always check OmaKela for the documents requested in your case.
When should I apply?
It is advisable to apply as soon as your study place has been confirmed. Applying early helps ensure that your financial aid application can be processed before your studies begin.

Housing supplement

Who can receive a housing supplement?
Students completing degree studies abroad may be eligible for Kela's housing supplement to help cover housing costs. Eligibility generally requires that the student is entitled to student financial aid and lives in rented accommodation or another form of paid housing.
More information:
How much housing supplement can I receive?
If you live abroad due to your studies, the housing supplement is generally 210 € per month, subject to Kela's current regulations. As support amounts may change, always check the latest information on Kela's website.
More information:
How do I apply for a housing supplement?
The housing supplement is applied for together with your student financial aid application. If your housing situation changes during your studies, you should notify Kela as soon as possible.
More information:

Government guarantee for a student loan

What is a government guarantee for a student loan?
A government guarantee means that Kela acts as the guarantor for your student loan. Once Kela has granted the guarantee, you can apply for the actual loan through your bank. A student loan is a personal loan that must be repaid according to the repayment terms agreed with your bank.
More information:
How much student loan can I receive?
Students completing higher education studies abroad may receive a government guarantee for a student loan of up to 1000 € per month of financial aid. As regulations may change, always verify the current amounts directly with Kela.
More information:
How do I apply for a student loan?
First, apply for the government guarantee through Kela. Once the guarantee has been granted, you can apply for the student loan through your chosen bank. The bank will provide detailed information about loan terms, withdrawals, interest rates and repayment.

Why might I not be eligible for student financial aid?

There are situations where Kela may not grant student financial aid or may discontinue previously granted support.

All available aid months have been used
Higher education students have a limited number of financial aid months available. If you have already used your aid months during previous studies, you may no longer be eligible for additional support.
Income limits are exceeded
Your personal income affects your student financial aid. If your annual income exceeds Kela's income limits, you may be required to repay part of your financial aid.
More information:
Studies are not progressing sufficiently
Kela monitors academic progress throughout your studies. If you do not earn enough credits, your financial aid may be discontinued. As a general rule, higher education students are expected to complete at least 5 ECTS credits per month of financial aid and at least 20 ECTS credits per academic year.
More information:
Failure to respond to a request for information
Kela may request additional information regarding your studies or academic progress. If you fail to respond by the deadline provided, your financial aid may be suspended or discontinued. Make sure to check OmaKela regularly and respond to any requests promptly.

How can I finance my studies without student financial aid?

Employment and savings
Many students work during the summer or alongside their studies to build savings and support themselves financially. If you receive student financial aid, remember to monitor your annual income limits.
Support from family or relatives
Financial support from family members or relatives can help in situations where student financial aid is not available.
University scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships to academically successful students. Scholarships may cover part of tuition fees or other study-related expenses. You should contact your university directly for information about available scholarships.
Bank loans
If you are not eligible for a government-guaranteed student loan, a regular bank loan may be an alternative. However, interest rates and repayment conditions are often less favourable than those of student loans, so borrowing should be carefully considered.

Useful links

You can find Kela's up-to-date information on the following pages:

Please note: Kela's support amounts, income limits and eligibility requirements may change. Always check the latest information on Kela's website before submitting an application.