opintovelan
Opintovelka, often referred to in Finnish as the loan component of the student financial aid system, is the loan portion of Finland’s support package for students. It is designed to help cover living costs during eligible studies, complementing the study grant. The loan is arranged through banks in cooperation with Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, with the state providing guarantees that support favorable terms for borrowers.
Eligibility and amounts: The loan is available to students enrolled in higher education or vocational programs
Interest and repayment: The loan accrues interest, with rates set by government policy and revised periodically.
Purpose and interaction with grants: The opintovelka forms part of the overall student aid package administered
Impact and policy: The opintovelka is a central instrument for supporting access to higher education in Finland.