Underage foreigner studying in Finland

mytronphe · Post by **mytronphe** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:22 am

Hello everyone,

As I'm new to these forums, my name is Pieter, I'm 16 years old and I'm from the Netherlands.
I've been interested in moving to Finland for a few years already and I've spent 2 months in Kuusamo this summer. I've also been there last winter in februari.
And lately, I got interested into studying at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, taking a degree programme in business information technologies (http://finland.cimo.fi/df/details.php?id=399).

First of all, I would like to ask what it takes to move and study in Finland. I already read a lot of stuff about it but everything is still kind of confusing for me.
If I understand right, there would be no tuition fees and studying would be free and I just would have to pay for the living expenses (like hiring an appartment and food etc.)?

Also, http://www.migri.fi/migratingtofinland/eng/index.html told me that I just have to register my right to reside (after being in Finland for over 3 months), nothing more, right? Also, will I need a VISA?

Furthermore, my most important question: After/during next summer, I would like to move to Oulu, into a small appartment (costs, anyone? I know that it depends, but I'm looking for a 2-person appartment). Will I run into trouble if I want to move, as I will only be 17 years old by then (my birthday is september 27)?

That's all for now, I can't think of something else at the moment.

I would be very thankful if someone would like to help me out with this.

Greetings,

Pieter

**Sponsor:**

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 1:30 am

You have to take http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voorbereid ... _onderwijs

mytronphe · Post by **mytronphe** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:07 am

Sorry, I meant that I just finished that.

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:21 am

No you don't - you finish 9th grade at 16...

mytronphe · Post by **mytronphe** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:28 am

The Dutch school system works different than the Finnish school system, plus I skipped a class in elementary school.

But back on topic, can anyone help me out?

rinso · Post by **rinso** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:21 am

1- you need to get accepted at the study place.
2- you can start looking for an accommodation.
best option is to use the students housing. that is affordable.
(and you won't be able to hire something else before you have a residence permit I think)
3- when you're here, do all the paperwork (it is explained in may topics here) and get your residence permit.
4- study hard.

As for the costs, non EU students have to show they have €6000,= available for 1 year (accommodation/food/...) €10000,= is more realistic however .

sammy · Post by **sammy** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:32 am

mytronphe wrote:But back on topic, can anyone help me out?

A few starting points... you need to apply at http://www.admissions.fi - so study that carefully, as well as the web site of the institution you are interested in... contact their admissions office if necessary.

As an EU student, you will not need a visa. You just need to register your residence if/when it lasts more that three months. See www.migri.fi -> Students -> EU citizens.

Student accommodation would be the best option for you, if you get accepted. http://www.soa.fi ... or actually in Oulu: http://www.psoas.fi/en/

See also http://www.studyinoulu.fi...

About money... if you end up coming here to study you're best advised to check what kind of study grants/loans you can get from the Netherlands. Tuition is free, but you need to cover your own living expences. The Finnish KELA student grant is only applicable to non-citizens under certain conditions, www.kela.fi.

That's more or less what we can "help you out" with... you'll need to take initiative yourself, check out the options and then apply. The application period will be sometime in January/February.

mytronphe · Post by **mytronphe** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:27 am

As for the costs, non EU students have to show they have €6000,= available for 1 year (accommodation/food/...) €10000,= is more realistic however .

And for EU students? As the Netherlands is a part of the EU.

Student accommodation would be the best option for you, if you get accepted. http://www.soa.fi ... or actually in Oulu: http://www.psoas.fi/en/

Thanks, this helps a lot!

About money... if you end up coming here to study you're best advised to check what kind of study grants/loans you can get from the Netherlands. Tuition is free, but you need to cover your own living expences.

I was told that the financial cover from the Netherlands would be enough for living at 5000-6000€ per year (living expenses + education money). I also read that living expenses in Finland would be something like 3000-4000€ per year?

The Finnish KELA student grant is only applicable to non-citizens under certain conditions, http://www.kela.fi.

Not going to happen as I will need to stay in Finland for 5 years to get a permanent residence permit and the purpose of my residence is education so..

1- you need to get accepted at the study place.
2- you can start looking for an accommodation.
best option is to use the students housing. that is affordable.
(and you won't be able to hire something else before you have a residence permit I think)
3- when you're here, do all the paperwork (it is explained in may topics here) and get your residence permit.
4- study hard.

That's more or less what we can "help you out" with... you'll need to take initiative yourself, check out the options and then apply. The application period will be sometime in January/February.

Thank you guys very much!

I see that signing up at Finlandforum wasn't a bad idea.

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:43 am

mytronphe wrote:
As for the costs, non EU students have to show they have €6000,= available for 1 year (accommodation/food/...) €10000,= is more realistic however .
And for EU students? As the Netherlands is a part of the EU.

Well, you don't have to show, but I think you would like to eat and sleep under the roof...

mytronphe · Post by **mytronphe** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:13 pm

Upphew wrote:
mytronphe wrote:
As for the costs, non EU students have to show they have €6000,= available for 1 year (accommodation/food/...) €10000,= is more realistic however .
And for EU students? As the Netherlands is a part of the EU.
Well, you don't have to show, but I think you would like to eat and sleep under the roof...

So if I get covered for atleast 5000-6000€ per year, plus I could eventually get more (if needed), would it be fine?

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:33 pm

mytronphe wrote:Well, you don't have to show, but I think you would like to eat and sleep under the roof...

So if I get covered for atleast 5000-6000€ per year, plus I could eventually get more (if needed), would it be fine?[/quote]

See: http://www.psoas.fi/en/locations/location_list.php there are rents listed. 234/month was cheapest that cached my eye. Thats 2800 to the rent... start making your budget from that.

interleukin · Post by **interleukin** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:37 pm

o if I get covered for atleast 5000-6000€ per year, plus I could eventually get more (if needed), would it be fine?

Well that is kind of the minimum what is recommended. Only you can decide how much you will need to spend. It depends on how cheap housing you find, how expensive food you eat, if you stay at home studying or go to parties, etc. As you are a student and not the Finnish government's problem (if you are starving, your problem), then it is important for you to be aware of the costs of living. I have heard people from the Netherlands get a minor heart attack when coming here and realising how expensive everything is, so you should budget for lots more than you think you need. Just in case. Also, a lot of people expect to find a part-time job during their studies but don't and have problems paying their bills/buying food. If you do not have enough money, you have to stop your studies and go back home without a degree. That is really a shame, so it is better to expect the worst from the start, and hopefully have lots of money unused in the bank

good luck!

Pursuivant · Post by **Pursuivant** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:22 pm

Well if hes 16, he won't spend any money on cigarrettes, beer nor partying for 2 years anyways

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:33 pm

Pursuivant wrote:Well if hes 16, he won't spend any money on cigarrettes, beer nor partying for 2 years anyways

What, no more limudisko?!?

Rip · Post by **Rip** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:45 pm

mytronphe wrote: I just have to register my right to reside (after being in Finland for over 3 months)

You should do it within the three months -actually, as practical issue (certain student benefits may very well tied up you being properly registered resident) you'll likely want to do that among the first things after your arrival.

My understanding is that the underage person can sign rental contract only with an approval of a guardian, so you'd better check that out in time. I assume there must be some practical enough way to handle the matter.
Take with you the European health insurance card (or the corresponding documentation) when you come.

Finland Forum

Find information about moving to, living in and life in Finland