Healthcare for students of higher education
All higher education students at universities of applied sciences and universities receive healthcare services from the Finnish Student Health Services FSHSOpens in a new window..
You have the right to use the services of the FSHS if you are a student enrolled at a university or a university of applied sciences.
The FSHS has a service unit in more than 30 localities in various parts of Finland.
You should primarily use the service point in the locality where you study.
If necessary, you can also make an appointment at another FSHS service point. Please note that if the service point is not run by the FSHS but a partner of the FSHS, it can only be used by students studying in that locality.
Once you are entitled to use the FSHS's services, you can book appointments with public health nurses, general practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, dentists and dental hygienists. You also have use of laboratory and imaging services. The FSHS also offers a limited amount specialist services as well as the services of physiotherapists, speech therapists, nutritionists and guidance on travel-related health.
You can seek help with issues related to sexual health and substance abuse. The FSHS also provides help with anxiety, eating disorders or weight issues.
Students are generally young adults and may need help in gaining independence. The FSHS and Nyyti ryOpens in a new window. organise life skills courses, which cover topics such as good everyday life, sleep, rest, the importance of exercise and eating, stress management, self-esteem and interaction skills. They also offer short-term group therapy activities. where issues related to weight management, depression or anxiety are discussed. The FSHS carries out joint educational cooperation with educational institutions in order to improve the healthiness and safety of the study environment and to promote the welfare of the student community.
If you need urgent care, please contact your on-call health care services or the evening and night-time at local hospital.
Higher education students must pay a health care fee of EUR 36.80 to Kela twice a year. You must pay the fee on your own initiative. As a higher education student, you have to pay the health care fee to Kela even if you do not use the services of the FSHS. The FSHS does not charge students any appointment fees.
However, if you have booked an appointment but do not use it, you will be charged a no-show fee.
The FSHS has published guides for students on topics such as mental health, illnesses, oral health, a healthy lifestyle, the musculoskeletal system and communal health. Other student guides cover topics such as human diversity, improving study skills and exercise recommendations. A separate guide has been written for students who have children. The guides can be read on the FSHS website and some are available in paper format from FSHS service points.
Useful information intended for students can also be found, for example on the Nyyti ry website and Mental Hub website (in Finnish)Opens in a new window..