Financial aid and grants for students

Society supports studies by adults and children with study grants of various kinds. Financial aid is provided once a student has been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution. Support for studying promotes educational equality and ensures that people are able to study irrespective of their financial situation or family background.

Full-time students get financial aid comprising a study grant, housing supplement and a government-guaranteed loan. Study grants and housing supplements are state-funded assistance paid to students every month. A study grant is taxable income which does not need to be paid back to the state once studies have been completed.

A student can apply for a loan from the bank of their choice. The student must agree to the terms of the loan at the bank, and the loan must be repaid to the bank as agreed, once the studies have been completed. The government guarantees the student’s loan, and no other security is required.

Mature students who are working can apply for an adult education allowance. An unemployed job-seeker can attend labour market training and receive an educational allowance.

KELA provides information on the support provided for students. Organisations and foundations provide support for students in the form of scholarships and grants.