Opintorahoitus

Opintorahoitus is the Finnish system of financial support for students designed to cover living costs during formal studies. It is administered by Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, and is intended to enable students to focus on their studies and progress toward a degree. The typical package consists of two main elements: a monthly study grant (opintoraha) and a government-guaranteed student loan (opintolaina) offered through partner banks. In addition, many students may be eligible for housing support (asumistuki) when living away from home, and there are other needs-based allowances for special circumstances.

Opintoraha is a non-repayable monthly allowance provided to eligible students who study full-time in a qualifying higher education institution such as a university or a university of applied sciences. The amount is determined by factors such as age, housing situation, and study status, and it is adjusted periodically by Kela. The study grant is designed to help cover everyday living costs while studying.

Opintolaina is a loan that students may choose to take in addition to the study grant. It is financed by banks with a government guarantee and repaid after studies or when the student stops studying, following the terms set by the lending bank and Kela. The loan is optional and can be used to supplement the grant to meet living expenses. The overall level of financing, including the grant and the loan, is reassessed annually and varies with individual circumstances.

Eligibility generally requires enrollment in a full-time degree program, meeting study progress criteria, and Finnish residence or eligibility under Finnish rules. Applications are filed with Kela, typically online, and the outcome depends on current rules and personal circumstances.