Financing your studies

Finnish students' subsistence usually consists of the student financial aid and general housing allowance. In addition to these, they can take out a government-guaranteed student loan. Please refer to the Students section on Kela's website for information on student financial aid. Information on other student benefits offered by Kela, such as meal subsidy, can also be found on their website.

For detailed instructions, see the Student Union's guide on subsistence.

If you are a foreign student studying in Finland, it is unlikely you are eligible for financial aid from Kela. Please refer to Kela's instructions on eligibility for financial aid.

Most students work part-time to finance their studies. However, you should not not rely on finding a job in Finland to finance your studies. Read more about working while studying.

See also the grants and scholarships offered by The University of Helsinki Funds to students and researchers of the University of Helsinki.

Where to find job postings

Signing up for job sites with your student status can help with finding a part time job to finance your studies. JobTeaser is a site which you sign up with your Helsinki university credentials for part-time jobs or traineeships related to your studies. Read more information about JobTeaser. 

Traineeship application timings

There are specific time frames for many traineeships, the application rounds for summer traineeships are usually from November to January, though they vary based on each company or organization. Some traineeships also occur within different time frames, so it is always good to keep an eye on JobTeaser for ongoing opportunities.  

Open Applications

Open applications are always a great way to express your interest in working with companies and can be done at any point in the year. As many companies do not publicly post openings, an open application can oftentimes be the best way to secure a position.  Some companies its best to update your open application every few months to stay at the top of the list, some it does not matter. 

Jobs in English

If you are just needing a part-time job in the city to finance your studies, it can be challenging to find entry-level work available in English. Try websites like Indeed and LinkedIn with filters set to English postings.  

Networking

Many research positions at the university (or jobs generally in Finland) are not publicly posted. That means you must use your network; start asking professors who do work you are interested in if they have any open positions or know of any research assistant roles. Professors are accessible here (but still human!)- don't worry about sending some emails and following up!   

Funds and Grants

University of Helsinki Funds grant a total of approximately 400,000 euros in various scholarships and grants to students and researchers each year. Check out the previous grant calls, and read more about the application process.  

While the university itself does not offer many official positions to students, there are many resources available to help you understand and navigate the work culture and market in Finland.  

Securing a job will take self-initiative and oftentimes lots of time, especially for foreigners. While job searching is primarily an independent endeavor, there are still resources offered by the University that can help prepare and guide you to employment.   

It’s good to familiarize yourself with what is available and use them to your benefit! 

Finding a job in Finland is based strongly on independent work and drive. Try and participate in the programs and services the university offers in order to best set yourself up for success!

Career Services

The Career Service helps with providing funding for unpaid internships/ traineeships, as well as put on workshops and events on career-related topics. Read more on the traineeship and subsidy funding info page , and about career services’ many programs. 

Trainee Program

Helsinki Trainee Programme is specifically for International Masters students. It provides Trainee opportunities within the University. Positions are open for second year students, and positions are usually posted in late spring with start dates around September. Read more on the Trainee Programme International Students web page.  

UniTalent

UNITalent holds programmes that connect international talent with local companies and organisations. The program runs from January to April with applications opening around the end of October. More information on the Helsinki UNITalent web page. 

Mentorship Program

Join a mentorship group that contains an alumnus of the University of Helsinki and several other students. Groups usually meet monthly from November until May. Applications are accepted in the fall. The Mentor programme has been ongoing since 2012.  

We understand that international students may take on more of a financial burden by attending the University of Helsinki, and we hope these resources help you in relieving this burden and making the most out of your time in Helsinki!