Finland Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Finland can work while studying if they hold a Student Residence Permit. After graduation, non-EU/EEA students can apply for time to look for work or start a business.

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With a Student Residence Permit, international students in Finland can work alongside their studies. No separate work permit is needed, and studies must remain the priority.

During the academic year, students can work up to 25 hours per week. Full-time work is permitted during holidays and breaks.

After studies are completed, non-EU/EEA students can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business in Finland. This permit is valid for up to one year.

That post-study period can be used to seek employment related to your field of study and build toward a longer-term residence permit. Keeping your qualifications and local job search in focus can help with that next step.

Universities in Finland

QS World #114 #1 in Finland Helsinki, Finland

Aalto University

Public University — Aalto University is a university in Finland. It describes itself as combining science, art, technology and business. Its work focuses on research and art, and it says it creates conditions f...

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

18,000Students

—International

Admissions open

#114 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in Finland

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QS World #116 #2 in Finland Helsinki, Finland

University of Helsinki

Public University — The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest academic institution. It describes itself as an international research community rooted in Finland.The University of Helsinki has 1...

—Tuition (indicative)

1640Founded

30,740Students

—International

Admissions open

#116 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in Finland

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QS World #342 #3 in Finland Oulu, Finland

University of Oulu

Public University — The University of Oulu describes itself as an international science university in Finland. It says it creates new knowledge, well-being and innovations through research and education.The uni...

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

13,500Students

—International

Admissions open

#342 QS World University Rankings 2026

#3 in Finland

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QS World #366 #4 in Finland Turku, Finland

University of Turku

Public University — The University of Turku is a university in Turku, Finland. It invites students to study there and says it educates future experts and leaders.The University of Turku names Bachelor's and Mas...

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

20,000Students

—International

Admissions open

#366 QS World University Rankings 2026

#4 in Finland

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QS World #397 #5 in Finland Lappeenranta, Finland

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

Public University — LUT University is a university in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. LUT says it combines technology, business, and social sciences, and it focuses on energy transition, the regenerative use o...

—Tuition (indicative)

1969Founded

7,700Students

—International

Admissions open

#397 QS World University Rankings 2026

#5 in Finland

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QS World #498 #6 in Finland Jyväskylä, Finland

University of Jyväskylä

Public University — The University of Jyväskylä describes itself as a multidisciplinary research university in Finland. It presents itself as an international research university with societal impact.The Univer...

—Tuition (indicative)

1863Founded

14,900Students

—International

Admissions open

#498 QS World University Rankings 2026

#6 in Finland

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All universities in Finland →

Questions about working & jobs in Finland

Can international students work in Finland while studying?

Yes. International students with a Student Residence Permit can work alongside their studies without a separate work permit.

What work rights do students have during the academic year?

Students can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year.

What happens after graduation for non-EU/EEA students?

They can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business in Finland, valid for up to one year.