Cost of Living in Finland for Indian Students

It is important to know the monthly and yearly cost of living in Finland if you are planning to pursue higher studies there. It is a part of the total expenses to study abroad that depends on the lifestyle and spending habits of a student.

Are you dreaming of pursuing your higher education in Finland? It is the happiest country in the world. Finland is one of the top choices for Indian students in 2026. Due to world class education system and safe environment. Before you pack your bags, it is essential to understand how much you need for studying in Finland.

Managing your budget is the first step toward a stress-free student life abroad. The cost of living in Finland for Indian students typically ranges between EUR 900 and EUR 1,200 per month. For rent, you need to have at least EUR 300 to EUR 400 per month. In Indian currency, you should keep a monthly budget of approximately INR 1.2 lakhs to 1.5 lakhs. 

This estimated amount covers your primary daily expenses. These include student accommodation, groceries, public transportation, and study materials. Rent will be your largest monthly cost. For instance, living in the capital city, Helsinki, is generally more expensive than in smaller student cities like Oulu or Tampere.

Cost of Living in Finland

You are all set to study in Finnish Universities. But, before that, understand the budget you need for this. While the country offers an exceptional quality of life, expenses can vary significantly depending on your city of residence and personal lifestyle. The table below outlines the estimated monthly costs for 2026 to help you budget effectively.

Note: The conversion rate used is approximately 1 EUR = 106 INR.

Accommodation Expenses in Finland (2026 Guide)

Finding a place to stay is your biggest monthly expense in Finland. For 2026, students should budget between EUR 300 and EUR 800 (approx. INR 27,000 to INR 72,000) depending on the city and housing type.

Student Housing Foundations (Most Popular)

Most Indian students apply through non-profit foundations like HOAS (Helsinki region) or PSOAS (Oulu). These are 30% cheaper than the private market and usually include electricity, water, and internet in the rent.

• Shared Apartment (Single Room): EUR 300 to EUR 450/month.

• Studio Apartment: EUR 450 to EUR 650/month.

Private Rental Market

If you miss the student housing deadline, you’ll need to look at private rentals. These often require a 1 to 2 month rent deposit and rarely include utilities.

• 1-Bedroom (City Centre): EUR 800+ (approx. INR 72,000+).

• 1-Bedroom (Suburbs): EUR 600 to EUR 700 (approx. INR 54,000 to INR 63,000).

Monthly Accommodation Cost Comparison (2026 Estimates)

Hidden Costs to Budget For:

• Home Insurance: Mandatory for most rentals (~EUR 80 to EUR 130 per year).

• Electricity/Water: If not included, add EUR 40 to EUR 60/month.

• Furniture: Most Finnish apartments come unfurnished (no lights, no bed). Budget for a trip to IKEA or local second-hand shops.

*Conversion rate approx. 1 EUR = 90 INR.

Tuition Fees in Finland

Finland is a popular study destination in Europe for international students. Cost of studying in Finland depends on the university and course. It usually ranges between EUR 4,000 and EUR 18,000 per year.

Students can also reduce study costs through scholarships offered by universities.

Key points to know:

• Tuition fees apply to most English-taught programs
• Fees vary by university and degree
• Scholarships are available for eligible students
• Finland offers quality education and global learning opportunities

Students should check university websites for exact fee details and scholarship options.

Students Union Membership Fee

All the students studying UG and PG programs at the universities in Finland are members of the Student Union (HYY) and therefore bound to pay the student union membership fee. For the academic year 2023-24, the obligatory Student Union membership fee for Bachelor's and Master's degree students is €‎52.  Tuition fees include the Student Union membership fee.

Cost of Healthcare in Finland

Finland offers healthcare services to international students based on their income level. European citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Finland, UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), and workers get health insurance from their employers that covers incidents in the workplace only. International students who come to study in Finland are advised to take private insurance.

Popular Cities in Finland by Cost of Living

Living costs in Finland vary by city. Large cities like Helsinki and Espoo usually have higher expenses because of housing and daily costs. Smaller cities may be more affordable for students and working professionals. The table below shows the average monthly cost of living in some popular cities in Finland.

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Finland?

There are two ways to reduce the cost of living in Finland for international students:

• Scholarships: Students can apply for a variety of scholarships. This can them to cover overall tuition costs while studying in Finland.
• Part Time Work: Indian students can work part time for a maximum of 30 hours per week.

Feel free to mention any query in the comment section, and we will be happy to answer your question. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.