Study in Finland vs the UK: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Finland and the UK— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Finland | the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 9,600 EUR | 10,539 GBP |
| Living cost (per month) | 800 EUR | 1,171 GBP |
| Visa fee | 350 EUR | 524 GBP |
| Typical processing time | ~4 weeks | ~3 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Aug | Jan, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Finland vs the UK
- Finland needs less money up front — about €9,600/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €2,799 less).
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for Finland).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Finland
- Admission to a Finnish institution
- Income requirement
- Health insurance
- English language proof
- Tuition fees (non-EU/EEA)
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Finland or the UK?
By proof of funds, Finland is cheaper — €9,600/year versus €12,399 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Finland or the UK?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~4). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Finland or the UK?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Finland needs less money up front — about €9,600/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €2,799 less). the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for Finland). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.