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The Finland student visa application journey from Nigeria can be challenging. However, with the right guidance and preparation, navigating through this process becomes an exciting adventure in itself.
Are you planning to pursue your academic dreams in Finland from Nigeria? Securing a student visa is your ticket to this exciting journey. As a Nigerian passport holder, you’ll start by gathering the required documents, choosing the right program, and attending the visa interview.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the Finland student visa application process in Nigeria, providing you with valuable insights and tips to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Why should you study in Finland?
International students find studying in Finland to be an appealing option due to the many benefits it offers:
Lively Community
Finland is relatively small in population, but it is a country with numerous international communities. Therefore, you, as an international student, would find Finland very warm. The Finns are very friendly, and you will find living among them an exciting experience.
World-Class Education
Talking about quality education, Finland has a very good reputation. Finland’s marvelous education system consistently garners attention, reflecting the country’s dedicated efforts in building its reputation.
Repeatedly ranked in the top five for PISA scores, Finland boasts a culture where students borrow more books from the library than any other nation.
Additionally, the University of Helsinki, one of Finland’s premier institutions, holds the impressive #56 spot in the latest Shanghai ranking.
Safety
Finland is one of the safest countries across the globe today. Apart from the occasional incidence of bear attacks, the streets of Finland are relatively safe.
Finland’s capital is the second-safest and most-livable city in the world. Crime rates are remarkably low outside the cities, and the largest risk comes from wild animals.
English is universally spoken
Finland residents are very fluent in English. The country is one of the leading English-proficient countries and offers over 450 programs in English in Finland’s universities. However, you must learn Finnish while studying in the country.
How to Apply for a Finland Student Visa in Nigeria
This is how you apply for a Finland Student Visa:
1. Apply to university
As a potential future student in Finland, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that suits your study program. As soon as you have a school in mind, you should apply to the university. If you are not accepted, you won’t receive a student visa. Proof of enrollment is obligatory.
2. Apply for a student visa
Once you receive your acceptance letter, you can apply for a student visa. In this case, you actually need a residence permit on the basis of studying.
The application process for the permit starts by creating a user account. Once you create an account, select the application form for a ‘residence permit on the grounds of a study program’ in the e-service.
Fill out the online application with the correct information and submit your application. You must attach scanned copies of the required documents (see above) to your application.
If, by any chance, you can’t fill out an online application, then you can visit a local embassy or consulate and fill out a paper application in person.
3. Go to a local Finnish mission
Once you submit your application through the e-service, you have to go to the embassy to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints.
Bring all the documents you submitted to the online service with you. Additionally, you must pay the application fee at the embassy/consulate. If you apply in person, then similarly, you will be asked to submit your fingerprints and pay the fee.
You might also be asked to sit for an interview. The interview is just to get a feel for your personality and the reasons why you want to study in Finland.
4. Wait for an answer
Once you submit your application, you must patiently wait for an answer. The Finnish Immigration Office evaluates students’ applications as a top priority, so the processing time is done as soon as possible.
The time will vary, especially if you are missing anything from your application and the embassy contacts you to submit the missing documents, but the usual time it takes to review an application is usually some time between 1 and 3 months.
As soon as your application has been approved, the Finnish Immigration Office will send your residence card to the embassy, where you can then pick it up and leave for Finland.
5. Go to Finland
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an answer regarding your visa.
Once your student visa application is ready, you can depart for Finland. As soon as you arrive in Finland, you can register with a local immigration office so that your temporary status as an international student will be registered.
Finland Student Visa Requirements
These are the required documents you need to attach to your visa application:
- You must have a valid passport at the time of your application: Your passport is considered valid if it was issued during the last 10 years, and it won’t expire for another three months after you depart Finland.
- Identity picture: A recent identity picture must be part of the application. A copy of your passport’s bio page. In recent years, Finland now requires applicants for any type of visa to attach a copy of their passport’s bio page.
- Proof of enrollment: You need to provide proof that you were accepted for a study program at a university in Finland.
- Health insurance: You must also provide international student health insurance that covers all kinds of medical emergencies and is valid during your stay in Finland.
- Sufficient financial means: You must have at least €560 in your personal bank account per month that covers everyday expenses during your studies.
- Proof of paid tuition fee: You must include a certificate proving that you have paid your tuition fee, if you haven’t done so, then you need to provide evidence that you have enough financial means to pay the fee.
- Evidence of scholarship: If you are the beneficiary of a scholarship that covers your tuition fee, then you need to provide a certificate proving that you will be supported financially by the scholarship.
- Civil status documents: This refers to documents such as your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, adoption paper, etc.
- Previous certificate degrees: These are not required for degree students and exchange students.
How Much Does the Finland Student Visa Cost?
To apply for the Finnish Residence Permit, you will also have to pay a fee of 151,250 NGN. Depending on your situation, Finnish authorities will allow you to pay this fee online, on location at a visa application center in Nigeria, or through a bank transfer.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey of higher education in Finland from Nigeria is an enriching experience. By following these steps diligently, you’ll pave the way for a successful student visa application, opening doors to endless opportunities for academic and personal growth. Dream big, study hard, and embrace the adventure that awaits you in Finland.
