This is the first step of the application process. Applicants can choose up to 6-degree options through the official studyinfo.fi portal. Students can apply to English-taught programs in both research universities and universities of applied science through the portal.
An acceptance letter is an official offer letter provided by the university after the application is submitted and can be obtained by completing all the requirements. After submitting the application, students are required to provide their recent academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency (mandatory in most universities), along with other supporting documents such as work experience where applicable.
Some universities require students to appear in an interview, while others have a mandatory entrance examination (written or spoken) before issuing an acceptance letter. Group discussion sessions are also a common testing method popular among Finnish universities.
Applicants need to provide financial documents to prove that they can cover their living expenses and tuition fees for the entire duration of their program. If the duration of the course is less than a year, then the applicant needs to prove that they have at least 800 euros per month at their disposal, and if the duration is longer than a year, then they need to provide proof of having EUR 9,600 in their bank account. If students plan to pay the tuition fees after the residence permit is granted, then they need to integrate the cost of their yearly tuition fees as well.
It is mandatory to get a student health insurance plan from a recognized insurance provider to obtain a residence permit. The insurance term needs to cover the entire duration of the study.
All documents need to be translated to English and then notarized through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to be valid and be considered for assessment.
Any stay of over 90 days in Finland requires a residence permit. Students can apply for the first resident permit from Nepal, which can later be extended in Finland. The application can be made online through the Enter Finland portal. After applying, the applicants are required to pay the processing fee of EUR 600.
After the payment, students need to book an in-person appointment for an identity check and biometrics at the Finland Residence Permit Application Centre by VFS Global in Kathmandu.