The Finnish authorities have revealed that the number of residence permit applications submitted by international students for study purposes has significantly increased this year.
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, by the end of July 2023, a total of 8,762 non-EU students submitted their first application for a residence permit. Moreover, during the same period, Finland granted a total of 7,039 first residence permits for studies, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Compared to 2022, when Finland recorded 5,911 first applications for residence permits for study purposes, the number of applications recorded this year was 48 per cent higher, meaning that a larger number of students chose the country as their study destination.
The majority of those who applied for a residence permit for study purposes so far this year were degree students, and the highest number of applicants came from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India, and Russia.
“Of those who applied for a residence permit for studies in January-July 2023, a clear majority were degree students. They accounted for 86 per cent of all applicants. The highest number of applications are currently coming from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India and Russia,” the statement of the Finnish Immigration Service reads.
While 95 per cent of the applications for residence permits submitted by international students from the beginning of this year until July were approved, the Finnish Immigration Service explained that the majority of applications that received a negative decision lacked sufficient proof of financial means.
“The residence permit for studies requires that the student has sufficient financial resources to live in Finland and insurance to cover the costs of possible medical treatment in Finland,” the Immigration Service stressed.
The same highlighted that non-EU students do not qualify for student financial assistance, and they have to pay for their higher education fees.
As for the validity period of the residence permit, it has been explained that international students can obtain a residence permit that remains valid for the entire duration of their studies in Finland.
While a large number of international students have been granted residence permits so far this year, the authorities emphasised that the country is currently dealing with a backlog of applications.
For this reason, the authorities have decided to increase the number of personnel to speed up the processing period.
“Due to the considerable increase in the number of applications, we have also added personnel in the processing of applications submitted by students for the rest of the year. We estimate that the backlog will be cleared by the end of the year for the most part,” Head of Section at the Permit and Nationality Unit, Anu Tarén, stated.
Currently, students applying for a first residence permit for studies receive a decision within 30 days.