Were you granted a place of study? Congratulations!
- The study grant helps you cover daily expenses
Students aged 17 years and older can get a study grant for full-time study. The study grant is deposited in your account on the 1st day of each month.
Read more about the study grant. - School transport subsidy for students in upper secondary education
You are eligible for school transport subsidy if you attend upper secondary school or basic vocational education. Your travel distance to school must be at least 7 kilometres one way.
Read more about the school transport subsidy. - The government guarantees your student loan
If you need to take out a student loan, you can apply for a government guarantee from Kela. That way, your parents, for example, do not have to guarantee your loan.
See if you are eligible for a loan guarantee from Kela. - Student loan compensation
If you complete a higher education degree within a specified target time, Kela can pay back part of your student loan.
Read more about student loan compensation.
What else is going on in your life?
Do you need help with your housing costs?
Students living in Finland can get general housing allowance.
Are you entering military or non-military service?
Financial aid for students is not available during military or non-military service. Temporarily cancel your financial aid for students and apply for conscript’s allowance from Kela.
Are you going abroad to study?
You can also get financial aid for students when you complete a degree abroad or go abroad on student exchange.
Are you struggling to cope?
Sometimes the limits of your mental health and well-being are tested. That is when rehabilitative psychotherapy provided by Kela or other forms of rehabilitation can be helpful.
Starting or ending a relationship
Have your benefits reviewed if you move in with your partner, get married or separate.
Current topics
Students will be transferred from the general housing allowance scheme to the student housing supplement scheme on 1 August 2025
Parliament has approved the legislative changes concerning assistance with housing costs for students. Following the changes, the majority of students will be transferred from the general housing allowance scheme to the student housing supplement scheme.
Read moreAre you starting higher education studies?
Congratulations on your admission! We put together these Kela tips for new students so that when your studies begin, you can focus on making friends with the other students, selecting courses and sewing patches onto your overalls.
Read more