Opintotuki

Opintotuki is the Finnish state system of financial aid for students pursuing higher education in Finland. It is administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The purpose of opintotuki is to reduce poverty among students, support continued study, and promote equal access to higher education.

The system has three main components. Opintoraha is a monthly study grant that does not have to be repaid. Opintolaina is a government-backed student loan that students may borrow to supplement their income and that must be repaid after completing or leaving studies. In addition, many students can receive housing support, paid as a housing allowance or other housing benefits, depending on residence, income, and housing costs.

Eligibility is assessed by Kela after an application is submitted. Generally, eligibility requires enrollment in a higher education program (such as a university or university of applied sciences), lawful residence in Finland, and other criteria set by law. Residents of the EU/EEA and Switzerland may qualify under applicable rules. Amounts and precise conditions depend on factors such as age, study status, and living arrangements.

Payments are issued monthly for the duration of the eligible studies, subject to meeting study progress requirements and reporting changes in status or residence. The loan portion is available to borrow to supplement the grant and is repaid after completion of studies, according to the terms set by the state.