Cost of living in Finland
In order to better prepare for your life in Finland, we have prepared information about the various costs related to living in our country.
Applying to a university/university of applied sciences in Finland is free of charge (except the application fee of 100 EUR). Applicants can receive support and information from their future universities prior and during the application process. The application process is a simple step that can (must) be undertaken by the applicant him/herself.
Quick overview
The estimated minimum living cost:
→ 800 EUR / month (this amount is required by Finnish Immigration Service – Migri when applying for a Residence Permit for Studies)
Typical student expenses include:
– Housing
– Food & groceries
– Transport
– Health care
– Phone & internet
– Study-related fees
Before you arrive to Finland
These are one-time or upfront costs you should prepare for before moving.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, tuition fees apply at Centria:
- Bachelor’s degrees: 9,500 EUR / year
- Master’s degrees: 10,000 EUR / year
Keep in mind:
- Competitive scholarships are available
- Tuition fees must be paid to be eligible for a student residence permit
- Tuition fee payments are made online via Flywire
📌 Read about Centria’s scholarships on our dedicated pages for Bachelor studies and Master studies.
If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA:
- Student residence permit: 600 EUR (online application)
- Health insurance: Mandatory (requirements defined by Migri)
🔗 Link to Migri’s official guide and insurance recommendations.
Before arrival, you may need to pay a housing deposit, typically:
- 350–600 EUR (student housing)
- May be higher on the private market
Notice, student accommodation is provided by external housing providers, not Centria. You can read about accommodation in our campus towns online.
Also budget for:
- Flights to Finland
- Transportation to Kokkola or Pietarsaari
- Possible vaccination updates (recommended)
Living costs in Finland
Once you’ve arrived, these will be your regular monthly expenses.
Housing costs depend on your accommodation type:
- 300–700 EUR / month
Most apartments in Finland are unfurnished.
Student shared apartments (e.g. Tankkari in Kokkola) are partly furnished but may require buying items such as a mattress and kitchen tools.
Useful links can be found online.
- Average grocery budget(minimun): ~250 EUR / month
Typical prices in Finland:
- Student lunch at campus canteen: 3,10–5.90 EUR
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 15 EUR
- Coffee at a café: 2.50 EUR
- Milk (1 liter): ~1,5 EUR
- Bread: ~2 EUR
- Minced meat (400 g): 4.70 EUR
- Salmon: 28.90 EUR / kg
- Internet in student housing: up to 20 EUR / month
Phone & internet
- Finnish mobile plan (unlimited data, calls & messages): ~20 EUR / month
Good news: All new Centria students starting in autumn 2025 will receive a Finnish SIM card (still to be confirmed for 2026)
All degree students enrolled as present must pay the FSHS fee:
- 35.35 EUR / semester
- 70,70 EUR / year
This gives access to:
- General & mental health services
- Oral health services
- Student wellbeing support nationwide
More details about FSHS available online.
Information about fee amounts and how to pay available on Kela’s website.
You may choose to join COPSA, the student union:
- 43 EUR / year
Membership gives access to additional student benefits, events, and discounts.
Overall cost of your degree
Below is an estimate of total costs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Minimum living cost requirement (9,600 EUR / year)
Notice: scholarships are not included in these calculations.
- Bachelor of Business Administration / Health Care (3.5 years)
66,850 EUR - Bachelor of Engineering (4 years)
76,400 EUR - Master of Business Administration (1.5 years)
29,400 EUR
Learn more about living costs
You can compare prices and living costs using these external sources:
Prices may change over time. All estimates above are correct as of 3 February 2026.