Kela - Study Grant

Finland's Study Grant (Opintoraha)

Whilst you are studying, you will receive a monthly payment, which is only paid for the months in which you are actually studying. For higher education, the amount depends on where you live: 43.15 to 204.42 euros per month if you live with your parents, and 279.38 euros per month if you live on your own. If you are in upper secondary school or attending a vocational school, you will receive 0 to 204.42 EUR per month if you live with your parents, and 113.57 to 279.38 EUR per month if you live independently. If you are the legal guardian of a child under the age of 18, you will also receive an additional 141.63 EUR per month. Upper secondary school pupils who are not entitled to free schooling may also receive 52.24 EUR per month for learning materials. In total, the allowance can amount to around 537 euros per month. Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, pays it on behalf of the Finnish state. Alongside a student loan and a housing allowance, it forms part of the Finnish student financial support system.

Who can apply

• Level: You study at an upper secondary school, a vocational school, a university or a university of applied sciences, in a programme that qualifies for student financial aid.
• Progress: You’re making real progress with your studies.
• Financial need: You need financial support.
• Age: You must be at least 17 years old to attend upper secondary school or a vocational college. There is no minimum age requirement for university study.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Residence: You are a Finnish national or an EU/EEA citizen who lives permanently in Finland or works here in accordance with EU regulations. If you are moving to Finland solely to study, you are not usually eligible for the scholarship.
• Your situation: The exact amount depends on your age, whether you live with your parents or on your own, your marital status, your parents’ income (for certain groups) and whether you have a child.

How to apply

Do not submit your application until you have accepted your offer of admission. To do so, use the OmaKela online service (in Finnish or Swedish) or the paper form, which is also available in English. There is no deadline and no selection process, as this is a means-tested state benefit. Payments will begin no earlier than the first day of the month in which Kela receives your application. Apply for the benefit for the duration of your studies to ensure that payments continue automatically.

Our guide Scholarships in Finland brings together further grants and funding options for students looking to complement support like the Study Grant.