Print
version
version
What has happened? The Finnish authorities reported that the number of applications for residence permits submitted by foreign students for the purpose of studying has significantly increased this year.
Numbers. According to the Finnish Immigration Service, by the end of July 2023, a total of 8,762 non-EU students had submitted their first residence permit application. In addition, during the same period, Finland issued a total of 7,039 first residence permits for studies.
Compared to 2022, when 5,911 first applications for a residence permit for the purpose of study were registered in Finland, the number of applications recorded this year was 48 % higher.
Where do the students come from? Most of those who applied for a residence permit for the purpose of study this year came from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India and Russia.
Quote. “Of those who applied for a residence permit for studies in January-July 2023, a clear majority were degree students. They accounted for 86 per cent of all applicants. The highest number of applications are currently coming from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India and Russia,” the statement of the Finnish Immigration Service reads.
Denials. Although 95% of residence permit applications submitted by international students from the beginning of this year until July were approved, the Finnish Immigration Service explained that most applications that received a negative decision did not have sufficient evidence of financial means.
Problems. While a large number of international students have been granted residence permits this year, the authorities stressed that the country is currently dealing with a high backlog of applications. For this reason, the authorities decided to increase the number of staff in order to speed up the processing period.
Currently, students applying for a first residence permit for studies receive a decision within 30 days.
Source: Schengen Visa Info
