koulutustuki

Koulutustuki is a Finnish term describing education-related financial support intended to reduce the costs of studying and to promote equal access to education. It is not a single program, but a collection of schemes and benefits that may be administered by different authorities depending on the education sector and year.

Forms of support commonly included under koulutustuki can include general financial assistance for students in education, reimbursement or coverage of education-related costs such as study materials or travel, and additional support for students with special needs due to disability or long-term illness. The exact benefits, amounts, and eligibility criteria vary by program and over time.

Eligibility and administration depend on the specific scheme. In general, applicants must be enrolled in a recognized education or training program and meet residence or other statutory requirements for social security benefits. Applications are typically submitted to the relevant authority, such as the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) or the educational institution, and may require documentation of enrollment, income, and education-related expenses. Decisions are issued after review, and benefits can be subject to annual changes in policy or budget.

Relation to other support: koulutustuki complements other student financial aids, such as opintotuki (student financial aid) and housing benefits, and is part of Finland’s broader system aimed at maintaining access to education for all residents.

See also: Kela, opintotuki, Finnish social security.