Study, work, take family along: Why Finland is emerging as next study-abroad choice

Finland is emerging as an interesting study-abroad option for Indian students, with English-taught master's programmes, part-time work and family rights. Finance creator Sarthak Ahuja has highlighted several benefits, but students still need to meet Finland's financial and residence-permit rules.

In Short

• English-taught programmes span healthcare, business, engineering, cybersecurity and data science
• Annual tuition for many courses ranges from €8,000 to €20,000
• Applicants must show enough funds instead of relying on part-time wages

Studying abroad is no longer only about getting into the US, UK, Canada or Australia. For Indian students looking at master's degrees, Finland is emerging as another option, particularly because of the combination of education, work rights and family provisions.

Finance and trade creator, investment banker and content creator Sarthak Ahuja recently highlighted Finland's study route in an Instagram video. He pointed to the country's English-taught master's programmes, relatively manageable costs and the ability to take eligible family members along.

Ahuja said Finland has programmes in areas such as healthcare, computer science, data science, cybersecurity, business and engineering. He also highlighted that there is no upper age limit for enrolling in a master's programme, provided applicants meet the university's admission requirements and the immigration rules.

WHY IS FINLAND ON STUDENTS' STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION ?

There is a wide choice of English-taught courses. Finland says its universities and universities of applied sciences offer more than 600 English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. Popular areas include business, information and communication technology, engineering, health and welfare.

Interest is also visible in the latest application data. For autumn 2026, around 28,800 international students applied to English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, with India among the countries sending the highest number of applications.

HOW MUCH DOES A MASTER'S IN FINLAND COST?

For non-EU/EEA students, tuition for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes generally ranges from €8,000 to €20,000 a year, depending on the university and programme.

Living costs are estimated at around €900 to €1,200 a month. Universities may offer scholarships, but these are competitive and generally focus on tuition rather than living expenses.

Ahuja similarly said many programmes cost around €12,000 to €20,000 annually, with living expenses of roughly €1,200 a month.

CAN STUDENTS WORK WHILE STUDYING?

Yes. This is one of the major attractions.

A student with a Finnish residence permit can work in paid employment for an average of 30 hours a week, equivalent to around 120 hours a month or 1,560 hours a year. The weekly limit can be exceeded during some periods, provided the annual average remains within the permitted limit.

But there is an important catch: students must still have enough money to support themselves. Future earnings from a part-time job cannot simply replace the financial requirement for obtaining the permit.

Ahuja also said that one of the key advantages is that there is no upper age limit for pursuing a master’s programme. While student visas are often associated with students who have just finished school or under graduation, this opportunity makes it clear that age is not a barrier.

CAN YOU TAKE YOUR FAMILY TO FINLAND?

This is where Finland stands out for some students.

If a student has a residence permit for higher-education studies, their spouse and children can apply for residence permits on the basis of family ties. Family members of higher-education students can receive continuous residence permits in eligible cases.

And there is another major benefit: family members with the appropriate residence permit have the right to work and study without the student's 30-hour restriction.

Ahuja called this a significant advantage for families, but also issued a warning: “You can't fund your education only by your family members earning there.”

Applicants still need to demonstrate sufficient funds for themselves and their family.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE MASTER'S?

Finland also gives graduates time to figure out their next move.

After completing a degree, graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business for up to two years. During this period, they can work without restrictions.

Ahuja recommends starting Finnish language learning early for anyone who wants to build a long-term career there.

CAN YOU TRAVEL AROUND EUROPE?

A Finnish residence permit also makes travel within the Schengen area easier. Holders can generally travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the applicable rules.

So, for Indian students, Finland's appeal is not just about a master's degree. It is the combination of English-taught programmes, part-time work, family options and a post-study route that is putting the country on the study-abroad map.

- Ends