Tuition Fees Confirmed for Non-EU/EEA students at OSAO
Finland will introduce tuition fees for upper secondary education
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OSAO will introduce tuition fees in upper secondary education for students who are non‑EU/EEA nationals. The legislation concerning tuition fees has been approved by the Finnish Parliament and will enter into force on 1 August 2026.
The tuition fees apply to students who begin their studies on or after 1 August 2026. Charging tuition fees is not optional for education providers; it is required by law. Tuition fees apply to education provided in all languages.
Who is required to pay tuition fees?
Tuition fees apply to students who are nationals of countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area. Whether a student is liable to pay the fee also depends on the grounds for their residence permit, but the student’s municipality of residence does not affect the amount of the fee.
Certain student groups are exempt from tuition fees. Fees are not charged, for example, to students who hold a permanent or continuous residence permit, have been granted international protection, are subject to compulsory education, or participate in commissioned education. Exchange students and individuals residing in Finland under temporary protection may also be exempt.
A child or young person under the age of 18 who has moved to Finland with their family and has been assigned a municipality of residence is covered by Finland’s compulsory education system. In such cases, upper secondary studies may be completed free of charge in accordance with compulsory education regulations.
Tuition fee amounts and conditions
The tuition fee is determined based on OSAO’s tuition fee decision valid at the start of the studies and remains the same for the entire duration of the studies. The amount of the fee varies depending on the qualification, and is EUR 7,500–29,200 per student per academic year.
Payment of the tuition fee is required to participate in instruction. Students who are liable for tuition fees are not entitled to free learning materials, free daily meals or other study‑related social benefits. However, they are entitled to student welfare services as well as learning support and special support.
A health examination related to entry into Finland may be added to the tuition fee during the first academic year.
Practical arrangements
The tuition fee is charged once a student has been offered a study place. OSAO receives information on students’ residence permit grounds from the Finnish Immigration Service.
More detailed practices related to tuition fees, including refunds or fee returns in cases such as discontinued studies, will be defined at OSAO during spring 2026 in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Immigration Service.
