opintoetuuksia

Opintoetuuksia are financial supports provided to students in Finland to help them cover their study-related expenses. These benefits are primarily administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The main types of opintoetuuksia include student financial aid, student loan, and housing allowance for students.

Student financial aid, or opintotuki, consists of a study grant and a housing supplement. The study grant is a monthly amount intended to cover daily living costs, while the housing supplement helps with rent expenses. Eligibility for student financial aid is based on factors such as age, place of residence, and the student's own income. The amount of aid is determined by the student's study progress and the number of credits completed.

A government-guaranteed student loan is also available to students, offering an additional source of funding. This loan can be taken out in addition to the student financial aid and is designed to cover larger expenses.

Housing allowance for students, or opiskelijan asumistuki, is a specific form of housing assistance that can be applied for by students who are not receiving the housing supplement as part of their student financial aid. This allowance helps to cover rent costs for eligible students.

These opintoetuuksia aim to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent individuals from pursuing higher education in Finland. They are a key component of the Finnish social security system, supporting the principle of equal educational opportunities.