Finland tuition fees for non-EU students will officially take effect in August 2026, marking a major change in the country’s upper secondary education system. The policy will apply to both general upper secondary schools and vocational institutions across Finland.
The Finnish Government formally presented the legislative proposal on Thursday. When the reform takes effect, students from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area will no longer be included in the state funding model for education providers. Instead, these students will be required to pay tuition directly to their schools.
Under the same reform, vocational education providers will gain new flexibility. They will be allowed to offer degree-based commissioned education not only to students from outside the EU and EEA but also to citizens within these regions. Previously, this type of education was restricted to non-EU participants.
Not all students will be subject to these tuition fees. The proposal outlines several exemptions. Third-country nationals who live permanently in the European Economic Area will remain free from payment obligations. Exchange students who are not pursuing a full degree and people granted temporary protection are also excluded. In addition, vocational students who hold a residence permit based on employment will continue to study without fees if they are enrolled through an apprenticeship contract.
The draft law includes amendments to the Act on Compulsory Education. Once approved, foreign nationals residing in Finland solely for educational purposes will no longer be covered by that law. This change will redefine who is considered eligible for state-supported secondary education.
Education providers will also gain new administrative rights. They will be able to verify an applicant’s or student’s residence permit status directly and share this information with the Finnish Immigration Service without needing a separate request. Future residence permits for studying in Finland will be granted only after the applicant has paid the tuition fee set by the institution.
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture, this reform aligns with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government program. The policy aims to strengthen municipal finances through service fees and to reduce the overall administrative load on education providers. The move also mirrors Finland’s higher education system, where non-EU students already pay tuition.
Beyond financial goals, the change gives educational institutions new ways to generate revenue. By expanding commissioned education to include EU and EEA students, schools and vocational providers will be able to build international programs that bring in additional funding and partnerships.
The legislative proposal is tied to Finland’s 2026 state budget and will be reviewed during the upcoming budget negotiations. If approved, the law will come into effect on 1 August 2026.
