Relocation guide for new international students

One of the first things you should do, is check whether you need a residence permit to study in Finland.
Students arriving from non-EU/EEA countries need a residence permit to stay in Finland for more than three months.

We recommend that you start the application process for your residence permit immediately after you have received information of admission and paid the tuition fee, as the process can take several months.

• Before applying, read more on residence permit for studies on Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website.
• Check out also Migri’s Guide for students on how to apply for residence permit.
  
• Apply for a residence permit on Migri’s online service Enter Finland.
  
• Please note that you must visit a Finnish embassy or consulate in person as part of the application process. Please book the appointment as soon as possible because the queues can be long.
• You need to add your national learner ID to your application also and it’s available in Studyinfo or your admission letter / notification.
• We recommend that you apply for the residence permit to be valid 2 weeks before the beginning of studies so you can arrive in Finland and settle before the studies begin.

You cannot be granted a residence permit for studies, if your studies mainly consist of distance learning online and do not require you to stay in Finland. For shorter stays in Finland (e.g. in-person class days), you can apply for a travel visa.

D-visa. You can apply for a 100-day D visa at the same time as you apply for a residence permit. The D visa allows you to travel to Finland immediately after you have been issued with a residence permit and a D visa sticker has been attached to your passport. You should apply for a D visa only if you can travel to Finland within 2 weeks of being granted a residence permit, because you need to collect your residence permit card from a collection point in Finland. Read more on D visa on Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website.

Staying in Finland less than 90 days? Read more on visas on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s website.

Please note that Turku UAS cannot influence the decisions made by the Finnish Immigration Service.

If you are an EU citizen planning to stay in Finland for longer than three months, you must register your right of residence. This registration is necessary to stay in Finland legally and access local services. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

For detailed steps, eligibility, and required documents, please visit the official Migri EU registration page.

Nordic citizens do not need to apply for EU registration at the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are a Nordic citizen (citizen of Denmark, Iceland, Norway or Sweden), register your personal data at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The biggest student housing provider in Turku is the Turku Student Village Foundation (TYS). There is a high demand for student housing, so be sure to apply early.

How to apply for housing on the TYS website

Exchange student? Read more on TYS ‘ webpage for exchange students.

The Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) provides student health services for degree students. However, the FSHS only provides basic health care services, which does not include urgent medical care or secondary health care in hospitals.
Read more on their services on the FSHS’ infromation page for new students.

Turku UAS does not provide health insurance for international degree students, so please make sure you have valid health insurance during your studies.

Students from other EU or EEA countries must to provide a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when accessing FSHS services. The FSHS will be required by law to ask to see a European Health Insurance Card to identify students who are covered by state-provided health insurance from a country other than Finland. The card must be obtained before coming to Finland. Students from Britain and Northern Ireland may provide a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Read more on FSHS website.

If you are non-EU/EEA citizen, make sure you have a valid health insurance that covers both accidents and illness. Turku UAS has insurance against injuries during studies, but it does not cover leisure time accidents or eventual illness during your stay. You are also required to have health insurance before applying for a residence permit for studies. Please read more about the requirements of the insurance on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.

Degree students at universities of applied sciences and universities pay a health care fee to Kela. As a degree student at a higher education institution, you can use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).

Find out more about FSHS services

The student healthcare fee is part of the overall funding for healthcare for university students. You have to pay this fee even if you do not receive student financial aid form Kela, use occupational health services instead of the FSHS, or have taken a private health insurance to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a residence permit, for example.

Read more about the health care fee

If you have social security coverage from another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you do not have to pay the healthcare fee. However, you can use the services of the FSHS. Find out what you need to do on the Kela website.

Payment of the healthcare fee

The healthcare fee must be paid for each semester. Kela does not send a separate invoice for the fee, but you must remember to pay it yourself.

The due date for the healthcare fee depends on when you register as attending.

See Kela’s website for more detailed payment instructions and due dates.

Remember to also check necessary health documents below.

The FSHS offers all first-year degree students a health check comprised of

• the HealthStart questionnaire
• if necessary, an appointment with a public health nurse and/or oral health professional. 

Instructions for students in fields other than social and health care

Please check instructions and requirements from FSHS’ Tuberculosis information for students.

Instructions for social and health care students

Please read the FSHS’ instructions for social and health care students concerning infectious diseases and vaccinations.

Fill in the COMMUNICABLE DISEASE QUESTIONNAIRE (SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM) and contact FSHF Turku when you arrive in Finland if necessary.

Please note that you need to bring your Vaccination certificate (in English) included previous vaccination (how many doses, date, month, year).

Turku UAS uses electronic materials and online learning environments. You’re required to have your own laptop computer available during the studies (incl. in-person lectures). The school will provide you with the most important basic software free of charge.

Read more on requirements for having your own laptop for your studies.

If you are relocating with family, Finland offers extensive family support services, from affordable childcare to world-class education and healthcare.

Turku UAS support students with families with The MOI Guidance Service. MOI can guide students in finding relevant information and services for their family members in order to support a stable living situation in Finland. Read more about MOI service.

See also City of Turku’s integration services

For families moving to Salo, HelppoSalo service offers guidance in matters related to the relocation.

Read more on Finnish education on InfoFinland.fi.

Can you get benefits from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, when you move to Finland? Read more on Kela’s website.

Welcome to the oldest city in Finland! Turku combines rich history with a vibrant student culture, making it an exciting place to begin your journey. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or ferry, getting to Turku is easy.

Once you’re here, you’ll find plenty of convenient ways to explore the city and its surroundings. Föli buses connect key areas across Turku and neighboring regions, providing a reliable option for commuting to campus, running errands, or exploring the city. Additionally, the Fölläri city bike service offers an active and flexible way to travel, with numerous docking stations and an easy app-based rental system.

Welcome to the he Hidden Secret of Coastal Finland! Salo is an idyllic small city and a gateway to the archipelago area. Perfectly located between Turku (30 minutes) and Finland’s capital, Helsinki (one hour), Salo is easily accessible by train or long-distance bus from either city. Salo’s public transport system is called Paikku

Turku UAS has several campuses in Turku and Salo, each with modern learning environments and state-of-the-art facilities. Make sure to check which campus your programme belongs to and how to reach it.

By registering with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), you will receive a Finnish personal identity code if you have not yet received it (e.g. with the residence permit). The registration is free of charge and beneficial for you.

Once you register with the DVV, you will be

• given a Finnish personal identity code (unless you already received one from the Finnish lmmigration Service or the Finnish Tax Administration). ln Finland, a personal identity code is used for identification purposes.
  
  You must have a personal identity code:
  • to graduate from your Finnish university.
  • to receive transcripts of study records from your Finnish university.
  • when dealing with Finnish authorities.

• registered an address in Finland.
  The address can be registered as temporary or as permanent. Please visit the DVV’s website for more information on different address types.

Please note that you may need a Finnish personal identity code and a registered address in Fin­land to open a bank account or get a service contract with mobile phone operator.

Read more on the registration in the Population Information System on DVV’s website.

Once you have obtained your Finnish identity code, you must inform Turku UAS Student Office. Student Office updates the personal identity code in Peppi study system and Studyinfo (Opintopolku) . Submit your personal identity code to Student Office using this form.

New degree students on English degree programmes and all exchange students receive their user IDs and further instructions during orientation.

If you wish, you can register your user ID before starting your studies. Read more on registering your user ID.

Degree students at universities of applied sciences and universities pay a health care fee to Kela. As a degree student at a higher education institution, you can use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).

Find out more about FSHS services

The student healthcare fee is part of the overall funding for healthcare for university students. You have to pay this fee even if you do not receive student financial aid or use occupational health services instead of the FSHS, for example.

Read more about the health contribution for university students

If you have social security coverage by another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you do not have to pay a health fee. However, you can use the services of the YTHS. Find out what you need to do on the Kela website.

Payment of the healthcare fee

The health care fee must be paid for each semester. Kela does not send a separate invoice for the fee, but you must remember to pay it yourself.

The due date for the healthcare fee depends on when you register as being present.

See Kela’s website for more detailed payment instructions and due dates.

Remember to also check necessary health documents.

A local phone number is often required for online banking, student services, and receiving messages from Finnish institutions. In the International office (Globe office) we have some prepaid SIM cards, or you can get prepaid SIM at the airport from R-Kioski or from phone operators like Elisa, DNA, or Telia.

Many everyday services—such as paying rent, receiving a scholarship or salary, and using mobile banking—will be easier with a local bank account. However, be aware that opening an account can take time, so it’s best to begin the process early.

To open an account, you must first:

• Receive your Finnish personal identity code
• Register your municipality of residence with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

These are essential before any bank can serve you.

Banks in Finland operate by appointment. Each bank may have slightly different procedures, so always check their requirements in advance. When you attend your appointment, be sure to bring:

• A valid passport or national ID card
• Your Finnish personal identity code
• Residence permit card or proof of legal stay in Finland
• Proof of student status (Your student card in Tuudo, or acceptance letter)

Some banks may ask for additional details about your financial situation, including:

• Your main source of income (e.g., scholarship, family support)
• How often and what types of payments you expect to receive or make
• Whether you intend to use the bank as your main financial institution
• Whether you or your family members are considered Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)

As a student, you are entitled to various discounts and benefits, which you can access with a student card.

There are different types of student cards:

• Turku UAS offers all students a free electronic student card in the Tuudo mobile app.
• Turku UAS’ Student Union – TUO members have access to student cards provided by the Student Union.

Student cards are also available for open UAS path students, but path students are not entitled to all the same student discounts as degree students. See the benefits for Open UAS path students.

Student lunch

As a degree or exchange student you are entitled to a Kela meal subsidy. You can buy a student-priced lunch at a student restaurant by presenting your Kela meal subsidy card in your Tuudo mobile student card or Kide mobile app used by Turku UAS’ Student Union – TUO.

As a path student you are not eligible for Kela meal subsidies, but you can get a small discount at student restaurants on the Turku campuses by presenting their Open UAS student card from the Tuudo mobile app. Read more: the benefits for Open UAS path students.

If necessary, you can get a paper Kela meal subsidy card or Open UAS meal discount card by visiting the Student Office after your studies have started. Remember to bring your ID with you.

Discounts on public transport

As a degree student, you can get a student discount on tickets for Föli (local traffic), Matkahuolto (long-distance bus services), and VR (long-distance railway services), for example. You get the discount with your mobile student card at Tuudo or as a member of the student union TUO in the Kide mobile app.

As a path student, you get a student discount on Föli tickets with your Tuudo mobile app student card.

If necessary, you can also get a FöIi student discount application from the Student Office, but not before the first day of your studies.

Culture, sports and other discounts

CampusSport offers affordable and versatile sports services for the students and staff of the higher education institutions in Turku.

City of Turku’s student benefits: museums and concerts etc.

In addition, in Finland many organizations offer discounts and special offers for students. You can receive these discounts by showing your student card.

Studying at Turku UAS is strongly working life oriented. Our aim is to provide the kind of education and skills that working life needs and help the students get connected with the companies in the Southwest region already during the studies. Students may work part-time while studying but full-time degree studies have requirements for presence during the weekdays and these should always be prioritised.

If you have been granted a residence permit for studies, please see Finnish Immigration Service website for further information on working time restrictions while studying.