Opintoraha

Opintoraha, or study grant, is a Finnish government financial aid component designed to support living costs for students pursuing higher education in Finland. It is provided by Kela (the Social Insurance Institution) and is part of the national student financial aid system. The grant is intended to help students cover everyday expenses while studying at universities or universities of applied sciences.

Eligibility for opintoraha generally depends on residence in Finland, enrollment as a full-time student in a degree program, and adherence to study requirements. The entitlement and grant amount are influenced by factors such as the student’s age and whether they live at home or away from home. Some international students residing in Finland and meeting certain conditions may also qualify. Opintoraha is typically available to degree studies (bachelor’s, master’s, and similar programs) and is not usually granted for part-time study.

The study grant is paid monthly by Kela and can be complemented by a housing supplement (asumistuki) to help with rent or housing costs. The total support package often includes an option to combine the grant with a supplementary student loan (opintolaina), which is repayable, while the grant portion itself does not have to be repaid. The exact payment amount and duration are determined by Kela and the student’s circumstances, and the grant can be adjusted or discontinued if study progress or residence conditions change.

Applications are submitted to Kela, which assesses eligibility based on enrollment status, study progress, and living arrangements. Opintoraha does not cover tuition fees; it is intended to reduce financial barriers to successfully completing higher education and to promote continued participation in studies.