Study in Finland vs Poland: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Finland and Poland— 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 | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 9,600 EUR | 9,312 PLN |
| Living cost (per month) | 800 EUR | 776 PLN |
| Visa fee | 350 EUR | 340 PLN |
| Typical processing time | ~4 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Aug | Feb, Oct |
| 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 Poland
- Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €9,600 for Finland (≈ €7,434 less).
- Finland is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~6 for Poland).
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
- English language proof
- Tuition fees (non-EU/EEA)
- Accommodation
Unique to Poland
- Admission to a Polish institution
- Financial resources
- English/Polish language proof
- Proof of accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Finland or Poland?
By proof of funds, Poland is cheaper — €2,166/year versus €9,600 (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 Poland?
Finland typically processes faster (~4 weeks vs ~6). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Finland or Poland?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €9,600 for Finland (≈ €7,434 less). Finland is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~6 for Poland). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.