Cost of living in Finland
In order to better prepare for your life in Finland, we have prepared information about the various costs related to living in our country.
Applying to a university/university of applied sciences in Finland is free of charge (except the application fee of 100 EUR). Applicants can receive support and information from their future universities. The application process is a simple step that can (must) be undertaken by the applicant him/herself.
Foreword about living costs
Living costs will vary a lot depending on each individual, depending on the type of accommodation they rent, how much they go out or eat out, etc. The information on this page is intended as an example to help future students plan their finances and life in Finland.
It is important to notice that as of 1st November 2024, the income threshold required by the Finnish immigration services Migri is minimun 800 EUR/month. Residence permits can only be issued if the applicant has sufficient financial resources for living in Finland. We strongly encourage our students to have the required funds and not to rely on finding potential part time work in Finland. The best way to to succeed in Finland is to give your studies your full attention right from the start, as well as starting to learn Finnish on the side. Part-time jobs are not easy to find when not speaking Finnish.
Costs to take in account before arriving to Finland
There are a few costs to consider before you actually start your life in Finland.
If you are student required to paid tuition fees (eg. from outside the EU/EEA area), you will most likely have to pay tuition fees for your studies at Centria. The tuition fees range from 9 500 to 10 000 EUR depending on whether they are Bachelor or Master studies. There are various competitive scholarships offered to our students. Student should get acquainted with each scholarship careful to understand the criteria. The tuition fee must be paid in order to be eligible for the student residence permit. The tuition fee is paid online using Flywire.
If you are coming from outside of the EU/EEA area, you will need a residence permit for studies in order to stay in Finland and complete your studies at Centria. The first residence permit will cost 450 EUR (if using the e-service). For more information, read the guide prepared by Migri.
In order to obtain a residence permit, you will also have to buy an insurance. Please check the requirements from Migri’s website, which also lists potential insurances you could buy.
Before coming to Finland, you may have to pay a security deposit or caution for your student accommodation, this may range from 350 to 600* EUR depending on your acommodation option. The caution is paid to cover any possible damages that may occur to your housing and it can serve as a confirmation of your booking. Kindly notice that the student accommodation is organized by a separate organization, not by Centria.
* may be more on the private market
We encourage our students to look into their vaccinations before they come to Finland: this is important for you and the people around you to remain healthy.
Last but not least before setting foot in Finland, you will need to book your flight and fix your transportation in order to get to our cities, Kokkola or Pietarsaari.
Costs of life in Finland
Once you have arrived to Finland and started to settle down, there are a number of costs to consider. As you are settling down in your new home country, you most likely spend more in order to furnish your home for instance. Most appartements are not furnished, this means you will need to buy a bed, kitchen tools, etc. Shared students apartments (rented out by Tankkari in Kokkola) are partially furbished (having a desk and bed frame), but you will need to buy a mattress for instance.
The rent will depend on your accommodation option (student accommodation, shared flats, single flats, private market, etc.) – the rents range from 245 till 700 EUR/month. Concerning housing in Tankkari flats in Kokkola, you can find more information about their other fees on their website.
The average grocery budget per month, including food and other necessities would be around 250 EUR / month
If you wish to have a Finnish phone number and mobile phone monthly plan with unlimited internet, calls and messages, the cost will be around 20 EUR /month. Notice that Centria will give a Finnish SIM card to all new students in the fall 2025.
All students must also pay the FSHS healthcare fee, which gives you access to student health care services. In 2025, the fee is 35,60 EUR per semester or 71,20 EUR per year. This fee is compulsory for those enrolled as present and studying for a degree at a Finnish institutions. FSHS provides primary-level general and mental health services, oral health services and look after well-being in student communities nationwide.
You may also opt to join the student union COPSA, by paying their membership fee. The fee is 26 EUR / year (as of 2024).
Other examples of prices in Finland:
- Lunch at Centria campus canteen: 2,95 – 5,60 EUR in Kokkola
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: 15 €
- 1 liter of milk ~1 EUR
- 1 loaf of bread ~2 EUR
- 400g minced meat (10% fat) 4,30EUR
- Salmon 26,90 EUR/kg
- Cup of coffee at a café 2,50 EUR
- Flour 2 kg ~1,70 EUR
- Keskikaista internet service for Tankkari student accommodation is up to 20 EUR/month
Each year, you will have to pay the tuition fees in place for your study programme. Keep in mind there are competitive scholarships in place, ranging from achieving a certain Finnish to being a successful student (amongst others). Read more about the scholarships for Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degrees.
Notice that prices fluctuate and the prices listed above are correct as of 17.4.2025.
How much does life costs in Finland?
Overall cost
To get a better overview of the cost of the whole degree programme, here is a summary that includes the tuition fee (9 500 or 10 000 EUR) as well as the minimum requirements covering the living costs for each year (9 600 EUR). Notice, these do not include the potential scholarships that students can apply for. The calculations are based on the duration set for each programme, which may be vary depending on the student’s own study progress.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Health Care (3,5 years) : (9 500 + 9 600) x 3,5 = 66 850 EUR
Bachelor of Engineering (4 years) : (9 500 + 9 600) x 4 = 76 400 EUR
Master of Business Administration (1,5 years) : (10 000 + 9 600) x 1,5 = 29 400 EUR
Master of Engineering (1 year) = 10 000 + 9 600 = 19 600 EUR