opintotukena

Opintotukena is a Finnish term that translates to "as student financial aid" or "in the form of student support." It refers to the comprehensive system of financial assistance provided by the Finnish government to students pursuing education. This system is designed to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from obtaining higher education or vocational training.

The primary component of opintotukena is the student grant (opintoraha), a direct financial subsidy. In addition to the grant, students may also be eligible for a student loan, which is government-guaranteed and offers favorable interest rates and repayment terms. Furthermore, a housing supplement (asumislisä) can be provided to help cover the costs of accommodation.

Eligibility for opintotukena is typically based on factors such as age, the student's educational institution, the level of study, and financial need. Students must meet certain academic progress requirements to continue receiving support. The system is administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The goal of opintotukena is to promote equal access to education and support students throughout their studies, contributing to a highly educated population in Finland.