The Harsh Truth About Moving to Finland for Study or Work!
There is no denying that Finland looks like a dream destination from the outside. Clean cities, top ranked education, and a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world. But the reality for foreigners trying to study, work or build a life in Finland is often far more difficult and far less discussed. Before you pack your bags, here’s what you seriously need to consider.
Let’s talk about the job situation first. Getting a job in Finland is not easy. Most companies want employees who speak Finnish or Swedish, and English alone might not cut it. Even highly educated people from abroad, including those with master’s degrees, often struggle to land even entry level positions. There are cases of skilled workers and graduates applying for hundreds of jobs over months without a single response. It’s not just about skills. It’s about integration, networks, and language. And if you’re coming from outside the EU, the pressure is even higher because your residence status often depends on finding a job.
Now add the language barrier to that. Finland is a bilingual country, with Finnish and Swedish as official languages. Many Finns speak English well, but the work environment is still largely conducted in the local languages. Public services, job listings, company portals, and even workplace meetings are usually in Finnish. Without serious language commitment, you might end up isolated both professionally and socially. Language courses are available, but fluency takes years and the road is tough.
Another major shift that many don’t realize is that studying in Finland is no longer free for everyone. If you are a student coming from outside the EU or EEA, you now have to pay tuition. Depending on the university and program, fees range from 5000 to 18000 euros per year. Scholarships exist, yes, but they are extremely competitive. Also, having a student visa doesn’t guarantee a right to work full time. There are limits on how many hours you can work during the semester. Which brings us to the cost of living.
Finland is not a cheap place to live. Cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere are expensive. Rent alone can take up most of your monthly budget. Then you’ve got transport, food, utilities, health insurance, and other everyday costs. If you don’t have a stable source of income or enough savings, you’ll feel the weight of it quickly. Some students and immigrants have had to leave because they simply couldn’t afford to continue staying.
@monteozafrica The Nordic lifestyle is sweeping me off my feet 🥶🏂… I finally carved out my first “AVANTO” (ice plunge hole) on a frozen lake in Padajoski, a scenic municipality in the Southern province of Finland 🇫🇮. One more adventure checked off the list… I’m officially halfway through experiencing every bit of the Finnish Adventure! #creatorsearchinsights #finland #visitfinland #livinginfinland🇫🇮 #visitlahti #suomi #lahti #finnish #finnishtiktok #suomitiktok #finns #monteoz #travel #traveltofinland #finnishnature #avanto #iceplunge #lifeinfinland #nordic #nordicstyle #nordiclifestyle #nordictiktok ♬ Mozart/Requiem “Lacrimosa”(1394506) – Mint
Then there’s the weather. The winters in Finland are long, dark, and brutally cold. Temperatures can go as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, especially in the north. There are days when you see only a few hours of light. Snowfall can be heavy and unrelenting. For people coming from warmer climates, the cold is not just uncomfortable, it’s mentally exhausting. Seasonal depression is a very real thing here. And no, it’s not just “something you’ll get used to.”
Let’s also be honest about the silence of the Finnish government on certain issues. While Finland is known for its transparency and strong governance, there has been little active support or discussion about immigrant unemployment. Many skilled immigrants feel stuck. Some are overqualified but working odd jobs just to survive. Others feel abandoned by a system that welcomed them with open arms, then left them on their own.
Yes, Finland has its strengths. It is safe, stable, and has a strong education system. But the full picture is layered and complex. This country is not a fairytale for everyone. If you are planning to move here, make sure your eyes are fully open. Know what you are walking into. Do your research. Talk to people who are already living here. Be prepared to hustle, to adapt, and to face the cold in more ways than one.
