Opintotukijärjestelmässä

Opintotuki is a Finnish term referring to the student financial aid system in Finland. It is administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The system is designed to help students cover their living expenses while pursuing education.

Opintotuki consists of several components. The primary component is the student grant, which is a monthly payment provided to eligible students. This grant is typically tax-free. In addition to the grant, there is often a housing supplement, which is a separate benefit aimed at covering a portion of the student's rent. The amount of the housing supplement depends on factors such as rent costs and the student's living situation.

Eligibility for opintotuki is based on several criteria. Students must be pursuing a recognized course of study at an educational institution. They also need to meet certain academic progress requirements, meaning they must complete a specified number of credits or study units per academic term. Income limits also apply; if a student earns too much during the academic year, their opintotuki may be reduced or they may have to repay some of it.

The student loan guarantee is another aspect of the Finnish student financial aid system, though it is not directly part of the opintotuki itself. The government guarantees student loans, making it easier for students to obtain loans from banks to supplement their opintotuki and cover tuition fees or higher living costs. Repayment of these loans typically begins after the student has completed their studies and entered the workforce.