Due to the unique education system and attractive career opportunities, the value of the Finland study visa for Pakistan has significantly increased.
Pakistani students in Finland have progressed mainly due to the presence of top-notch institutions in the country.
The University of Helsinki in Finland is ranked in the top 100 universities of the world and considered in the top 1% of research universities in the world.
But most Pakistani students who are interested in studying in Finland face problems while applying for a Finland student visa.
This is why a detailed guide is necessary about the subject.
This guide will provide you with detailed information about the Finland study visa for Pakistan, its complete process & fee structure, documentation, requirements, etc.
I hope it will not only solve your every visa query about Finland but also prepare you to step by step for the possible interview.
Don’t miss the questions answer session at the end.
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Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
1. Types of Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
2. Finland Study Visa for Pakistan Fee
3. Finland Consulates and Embassies for Pakistani Students
4. Visa Processing Time for Finland Student Visa for Pakistan
5. Documents Required for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
6. How to Apply for Finland Student Visa for Pakistan
7. Interview Questions for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
9. Finland Study Visa for Pakistan Success Rate
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1. Types of Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
There are two types of Finland study visas for Pakistan depending on the duration of time the student wants to spend in Finland.
1.1. Finland Schengen visit visa (Short-term Less than 90 days)
1.2. Finland Residence permit (Long-term More than 90 days)
Let me explain.
1.1. Finland Schengen visit visa (short term-Less than 90 days)
If the student is applying for a “Short Course” or “Apprenticeship” or “Seminars”, or “Vocational training” or “Exchange & mobility program”, or “University single course” that only requires them to stay in Finland for up to 90 days then the applicant should apply for a “Short-term Schengen Finland visa”.
Check out the application form for a short-term Schengen Finland study visa for Pakistan.
You can also apply for a Finland study visa for Pakistan through the online application portal.
Pakistani students in Finland are also advised to check the specific criteria of Finland’s embassies in Pakistan by following this link.
1.2. Finland Residence permit (Long-term More than 90 days)
If the Student is applying for a course that is taking more than 90 days, then they should apply for a Finland Residence permit.
In most cases, if the student is applying for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s or PhD (or research), their course will take more than 90 days, so they should apply for a residence permit.
Check out the application form on paper for Finland Residence Permit (long-term study visa)
If the applicant wants to apply through the e-application, they can find the link here.
Pakistani students are also advised to check the specific criteria of Finland embassies or VFS centers in their home country by following this link.
The Finnish immigration service will decide for the students which kind of residence permit they need or are eligible for.
The first residence permit for Finland can be granted for a maximum of two years depending on the specific case.
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1.3. Study Programs & Finland Study Visa for Pakistan Table
Study Programs |
Stay of Duration |
Type of Finland student visa |
Exchange & mobility program |
Less than 90 days |
Finland Schengen visit visa |
University single course |
Less than 90 days |
Finland Schengen visit visa |
Vocational training |
Less than 90 days |
Finland Schengen visit visa |
Academic short course |
Less than 90 days |
Finland Schengen visit visa |
Apprenticeship |
Less than 90 days |
Finland Schengen visit visa |
Full-time Graduate or post-graduate programs |
More than 90 days |
Finland Residence permit |
Exchange & Mobility program, University single course, Vocational training, Academic short course, Apprenticeship |
IF More than 90 days |
Finland Residence permit |
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2. Finland Study Visa for Pakistan Fees
For a Finland, residence permit (long-term visa of more than 90 days), students need to pay €350 (109141 PKR) for the electronic application while the paper application fee is €450 (138,318 PKR).
For a Finland Schengen visit visa (short-term visa for less than 90 days), the visa fee is €80 (24,594 PKR).
Finnish authorities allow students to pay the fee online, through bank transfer, or at the visa application center while applying for a Finland study visa for Pakistan.
If You have any questions related to your Finland study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708 [ps2id id=’Finland-Consulates-Embassies-for-Pakistani-Students’ target=”/]
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3. Finland Consulates and Embassies for Pakistani Students
The Finish immigration service is responsible for giving visas to the students.
Other important sites for students to look up are the Finish foreign affairs website and the Ministry of Education & Culture Finland.
Applicants can find their desired Finland embassies in their home country by following Finland Abroad.
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4. Visa Processing Time for Finland Student Visa for Pakistan
The online application process for a Finland residence permit takes 1-2 months to process if submitted online through an e-application while a paper application takes 2-3 months for processing.
The Finland Schengen visit visa can take up to 10-15 days, strictly depending upon the following factors:
- The Applicant’s Nationality,
- Finnish Embassy
- The number of applicants
- Specific requirements of the applicant’s case.
The Finish immigration service gives priority to student visa applications.
Hopefully, students will not have to wait too long for processing and completion of the visa process.
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5. Documents Required for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
5.2. Passport-size photographs
5.7. English Language Proficiency (IELTS) for Finland Student Visa
5.9. Acceptance Letter for Admission
5.10. Bank statement for Finland Student Visa
5.11. Health (Travel) Insurance
5.14. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
5.15. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
5.16. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
5.17. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
5.18. Police Clearance Certificate (Optional)
5.19. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
5.20. Corona Vaccination Certificates
5.21. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate
5.1. Visa Application form
Carefully fill out the Finland study visa for Pakistan application form & submit it.
Here are the important links for the Finland study visa for Pakistan application forms.
Check out the application form for a short-term Schengen Finland visa and the application form on paper for Finland Residence Permit
While if the applicant wishes to apply through e-application, then find the link here.
Keep in mind that e-service accounts are only for personal use. Applicants can’t send an application for an employee or spouse through their account.
Pakistani students applying for a Finland student visa for Pakistan are advised to check the specific criteria of Finland embassies in their home country by following this link.
5.2. Passport-size photographs
The general picture format for a Finland study visa for Pakistan is the following:
A: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos
B: White background with neutral facial expressions (Unedited)
C: Avoid uniforms & the head should be 80% in the photo
D: The applicant should look at the camera
E: One photograph should be glued to the visa application while the other should contain the applicant’s full name on the reverse side and should be attached with a paper clip to the visa form.
5.3. Valid Passport
A: A passport must have at least 18 months of validity from the date of visa application
B: Applicants will also provide visa copies (if they have any)
C: The passport must have at least two blank pages
D: All the previous passports must also be attached (if any)
5.4. CNIC
A birth certificate and a National Identity card are mandatory for a Finland study visa for Pakistan.
5.5. Academic Documents
It includes all academic records and certificates:
A. Certificate & transcript of Bachelor’s (if a student is applying for a Master’s program)
B. Certificate & transcript of Master’s (If a student is applying for a PhD program)
C. Transcript (DMCs) of Matric & F.Sc and certificates (if a student is applying for a bachelor’s degree)
D. Proficiency certificate in English from the university.
E. Course summary which explains current courses & previous courses.
F. Provide two Recommendation Letters from your university along with the referee’s details
5.5.1. Translated Documents contain:
A. Confirmation from Translation Company/Translator
B. Translation Date
C. Name and Signature of the Translator
D. Translator’s Contact Details
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests Bachelor, master’s, and PhD documents.
5.6. CV
CV is compulsory for the university admission process and optional for embassy interviews.
It should contain all the contact details and academic information. Pakistani students in Finland can make a perfect Cv in Europass here in a few minutes.
5.7. English Language Proficiency (IELTS) for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
There are no specific mentions of IELTS for Finland student visas for Pakistan on their immigration website. However, IELTS could be compulsory for certain departments in specific Finnish universities like Metropolia University requires 7 bands for Masters while others only rely on English proficiency certificates.
This English proficiency certificate will prove that your course of medium throughout your previous studies was English. Having a strong band in IELTS certainly increases your chances of getting a Finland student visa for Pakistan.
For Bachelor’s an overall 6 bands while for a Master’s 6.5 bands is good. Therefore, you would need IELTS or an English Language Proficiency certificate to initiate your Finland study visa for Pakistan process.
5.8. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Cover Letter
This document comprises the following information about the student:
A. Previous academic documents and studies
B. Employment Status
C. Relationship with your home country
D. Immigration History
E. Economic conditions of the applicant
A statement of purpose (SOP) and letter of motivation (LOM) are almost the same thing & could be interchangeable.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why you are applying for a course or the scholarship and what is your intention of traveling to Finland.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages but it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
5.9. Acceptance Letter for Admission
It is an acceptable proof of study, internship, and training program at a higher institution in Finland.
This acceptance letter should mention:
- That the applicant is accepted to a study program at a Finnish university
- Accommodation proof and details of the organization supporting the student
- Duration of studies
It may also be acceptable for an unpaid internship program.
5.10. Bank statement for Finland Student Visa for Pakistan
Proof of financial stability is extremely important for Pakistani students who are applying for a Finland study visa for Pakistan.
According to the calculation of Finland’s immigration service, a Pakistani student must have at least €560 (171,310 PKR) per month to pay for accommodation and food expenses. This means a total amount of €6,720 (2,055,591 PKR) per annum is needed.
So it is advised to show a bank statement of at least €10,000 (3,058,915 PKR) while applying for the Finland study visa for Pakistan to prove that you can cover your expenses.
The bank account must be in the name of the student.
Bank Statement should show a statement of the last six months that is signed and stamped by the bank officer.
If a student is awarded a scholarship or grant for covering living expenses, then the student must add the scholarship to the application. The money equivalent to this scholarship will be counted in the income requirement.
If an educational institution is providing free accommodation, then the student needs to have €280 (85,656 PKR) per month in the bank account.
If an educational institution is providing free accommodation and free food, then the student needs to show at least €195 (59,653 PKR) per month in the bank account.
5.10.1 SPONSORSHIP
In the case of sponsorship, the applicant should make an Affidavit of the sponsor, in which they will state their relationship.
The sponsor is also required to show the tax return for the last two years.
Property details and other income sources of the sponsor are also required.
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5.11. Health (Travel) Insurance for Finland study visa for Pakistan
The health insurance of the student must be valid for the period of the stay mentioned in the visa. Health insurance must cover the whole of the Schengen area.
Students must submit a travel insurance plan which will cover the costs of any medical and pharmaceutical assistance for Pakistani students in Finland during their entire stay.
Technically the required amount of insurance depends on the applicant’s duration of stay.
If it’s less than 2 years, then insurance must cover medical expenses up to €12,000 (3,672,138 PKR) and if it’s more than 2 years then it should cover up to €40,000 (12,240,459 PKR).
Students can apply for insurance in Pakistan before applying for a visa or contact international insurance companies.
5.12. Medical certificate
Students must do a medical examination and show previous medical history about medication and illness.
They must provide test proof of Tuberculosis and Hepatitis A and B. Some top hospitals to get a medical certificate in Pakistan include Shifa International Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Fatima Jinnah Memorial Hospital, etc.
Students make sure to regularly contact the embassy in case of any queries.
5.13. Proof of university Legal Fees
It is a receipt or proof of the application fee from the university.
It may be the first-semester fee or the fee for the whole year.
5.14. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
The student will pay a non-refundable fee and fill out the form. A fee receipt of the Finland student visa for Pakistan application is necessary to show at the time of the interview.
For Finland, the residence permit costs €350 (107,102 PKR) for the electronic application while the paper application costs €450 (137,703 PKR).
For a Finland Schengen visit visa, the visa fee is €80 (24,480 PKR).
Some students might pay additional fees if they are applying through a third party like VFX Global.
5.15. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
The booking confirms the arrival date in a particular country. The hotel reservation shows that a student researched the process.
5.16. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
A family registration certificate (FRC) is a document that tells that the family record of the student is complete in the database of the home country.
This document contains details of the name and information of the parents and siblings. This document is very much important in case of extending a residence permit or in case of permanent settling in Finland.
Pakistani students can get FRC through NADRA offices in Pakistan. They can also apply for it online.
5.17. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
It is compulsory for some countries and known as NOC. This letter will include that the student is applying for a Finland study visa for Pakistan and the student will return to the country after completing their education.
NOC must be written by the Dean or HOD of the university.
5.18. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
Pakistani students who want to apply for a Finland residence permit must submit a document showing a history of criminal record.
This document must be issued by the country of your residence within five months of starting the visa application.
Generally, PCC can be issued by your local security police station.
Pakistani students can make it in “Police Khidmat Markaz” or the ICTP app or the ICTP website.
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5.19. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
These certificates could include internship certificates and experience letters.
The embassy gives extra value to these certificates.
5.20. Corona Vaccination Certificates
Students must complete the COVID-19 vaccination before the interview appointment at the embassy. The administered vaccines are listed by the WHO (World Health Organization).
5.21. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate (Optional)
The embassy may ask about childbirth certificates and marriage certificates. It is better to bring both childbirth and marriage certificates along with you for a Finland study visa for Pakistan (if applicable).
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6. How to Apply for Finland Student Visa for Pakistan
Students can apply for a Finland study visa for Pakistan in 4 easy steps.
6.1. Get an admission letter
First, find your desired courses in Finnish universities & get an admission letter. Pakistani students can use this link to find universities in Finland.
6.2. Prepare the documents
The next step is to prepare the list of 21 documents we discussed above in detail.
6.3. Fill out the visa application form
The third step is to carefully fill out the Finland study visa for Pakistan application form according to your need and submit it.
Check out the application form for a short-term Schengen Finland visa and the application form on paper for Finland Residence Permit.
If the applicant wishes to apply through e-application, they can find the link here.
For Finland, the residence permit costs €350 (107,102 PKR) for the electronic application while the paper application costs €450 (137,703 PKR).
For a Finland Schengen visit visa, the visa fee is €80 (24,480 PKR).
Some students might pay additional fees if they are applying through a third party like VFS Global.
Pakistani students are also advised to check the specific criteria of Finland embassies in their home country by following this link.
6.4. Appointment & Interview
The last step is to book an appointment at the Finnish mission or VFX global application center in your area for identification and submitting your biometric identifiers (signature, photograph, fingerprints, etc.).
Appear for the interview on the appointment date with all the documents which we discussed above in detail.
After the interview, wait for the result.
The result could take up to 1-2 months for a Finland residence permit if submitted online through the e-application while the paper application takes 2-3 months for processing.
You can also contact Finnish embassies or consulates in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad for further queries.
Below you can find the possible Finnish study visa interview questions.
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7. Interview Questions for Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
There are common questions students face during their Finland study visa for Pakistan interviews. These questions vary from profile to profile and are as follows:
- What is the name of the student?
- Tell us about your previous educational qualification
- Explain your purpose for going to Finland.
- Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
- Where is the university located in Finland?
- What is your course structure or course summary?
- Which course will you start at the university?
- Why did you choose this university and subject?
- How will this course shape your career?
- How did you find this university?
- What are your plans after the completion of the course?
- When will your course start?
- Why did you choose Finland and not another country?
- Where will you stay in Finland?
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8. FAQS about Finland Study Visa for Pakistan
Q: What is the total money estimation to study in Finland for Pakistani students?
A rough money estimation for a Pakistani student who wants to apply for an Austria study visa is given below.
Process |
Money estimation |
Visa process fee (Schengen visa/ Residence permit) |
80€/€350(24,508/109141 PKR) |
VFS service charges |
€40 (12,350 PKR) |
IELTS fee |
€150/€250 (24,508-76,587 PKR) |
Bank Account statement |
€6000/€10,000 (2,055,591 PKR-3118335 PKR) |
Documents attestation from different ministries & authorities |
Upto €100 (30,635 PKR) |
Finland universities’ annual fee |
Around €4000-18000 Annually |
If students have a Finland residence permit sticker on their passport and the passport is about to expire. What should they do?
Pakistani students in Finland can easily apply for a new passport at their home country’s embassy in Finland.
If a student has refugee travel issued by Finland, then the student must submit a re-application at the Finnish Immigration Service point.
Remember, it is not possible for the residence permit sticker to be transferred to the new passport. The student must apply for a residence permit card at the Finnish Immigration Service. The residence permit card will provide proof of the right to reside in Finland.
IF A student has resided in Finland for ten years, is it necessary to prove language skills to apply for Finland citizenship?
Yes, the student is required to prove their language skills before applying for Finnish citizenship regardless of the duration of their stay in the country.
Does a student need a fingerprint for submitting a residence permit application?
Yes, the students must give fingerprints while applying for a residence permit in Finland. Any excuses pertaining to their distance or economic shortcomings will not be entertained in this regard.
What should a student do if the residence permit is about to expire?
The student should apply for extending residence permit in entering Finland which is the online service of the Finnish Immigration Service.
That must be done before expiring of residence permit.
If a student doesn’t apply before the previous permit has expired, the possibility to work may be interrupted.
How to cover the age gap while applying for a Finland study visa for Pakistan?
Most postgraduate applicants face age gap problems while applying for a Finland study visa for Pakistan. It can be justified by giving authentic proof of relevant research or job experience.
It tells the authority that the applicant wasn’t idle during those study gaps but seeking work experience for future studies.
Is IELTS necessary for a Finland Study Visa for Pakistan?
There are no specific mentions of IELTS for Finland student visas for Pakistan on their immigration website. However, IELTS could be compulsory for certain departments in specific Finnish universities like Metropolia University require 7 bands for Masters while others only rely on English proficiency certificates.
This English proficiency certificate will prove that your course of the medium throughout your previous studies was English. Having a strong band in IELTS certainly increases your chances of getting a Finland study visa for Pakistan.
For Bachelor’s an overall 6 bands while for a Master’s 6.5 bands is good.
How many hours can a student work on a Finland study visa for Pakistan?
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, Pakistani students in Finland can work for a maximum of 30 hours per week. The number of hours could be increased per day but remember the average per week shouldn’t exceed 30 hours.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration has the authority to see working times.
Q: What to do if the Finland study visa for Pakistan is rejected?
Technically, students can appeal for a reconsideration of the visa if they are not satisfied with their study visa decision. Students can appeal to the Helsinki Administrative Court against the decision. Also check the Finnish Immigration Service.
It can be done only in the case when the applicant really thinks that he/she fulfills all the criteria and faced unjustified rejection.
Finnish study visa refusal mostly happens in case of submitting false documents, showing insufficient financial means, or having any criminal record.
9. Finland Study Visa for Pakistan Success Rate
Finland is one of the most feasible educational destinations for Pakistani students. And this is not just because of the quality education but a smooth immigration process.
The Finland study visa for Pakistan has a success rate of more than 90% which means that you are likely to get it if you don’t have any criminal record, false documents, or insufficient financial means.
10. Finland student visa (SUMMARY)
1. Take a visa appointment at a Finland embassy and choose the correct category of visa
2. Pay the visa fee & provide financial resources and bank statement details
3. Prepare the list of documents discussed above in detail
4. Appear at the visa interview and wait for the result. It will take some time.
We cover everything in detail, but if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments.
If You have any questions related to your Finland study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
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