Koulumatkatuke

Koulumatkatuke is a Finnish financial support intended to help cover the costs of traveling to and from school. The aim is to reduce the burden of commuting on families and to promote equal access to education for students living at a distance from their school or needing special transportation arrangements.

The administration and rules of koulumatkatuke vary by municipality and are often coordinated with the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela). The support can take different forms depending on local policies and the student’s situation. In many cases, it functions as reimbursement for part of the actual travel costs incurred when attending a school, or as a subsidy linked to the use of approved school transport services. Some students may receive free or arranged transport through the municipality, while others may obtain compensation for public transport fares or other travel costs.

Eligibility generally applies to pupils in basic education and upper secondary education. Local distance thresholds, the student’s place of residence, and whether the school is within the home municipality or outside it influence eligibility. Special needs or exceptional circumstances may modify the rules or provide alternative arrangements. Applicants may need to provide documentation such as travel receipts, transport passes, or school enrollment details, and decisions are made by the relevant municipal education authority in consultation with Kela in appropriate cases.

How to apply typically involves contacting the municipality’s education office or Kela, presenting information about the student’s home address, school, and travel arrangements, and submitting required evidence. The specifics on amounts, eligibility, and procedures can differ, so applicants should consult their local education authority or Kela for precise guidance.