Students from outside the EU and EEA will face tuition fees in Finland's upper secondary education from August 2026. The reform affects both general upper secondary schools and vocational education.
The Finnish Government submitted the legislative proposal on Thursday. Once in effect, these students will no longer be counted under the state funding model for education providers.
The changes also allow vocational education providers to offer degree-based commissioned education to citizens of EU and EEA countries. This option previously applied only to students from outside these regions.
The proposal excludes several groups from tuition liability. These include third-country nationals permanently residing in the European Economic Area, exchange students not pursuing a full degree, and individuals under temporary protection. Vocational students holding a residence permit based on employment are also exempt if studying under an apprenticeship contract.
The draft law also amends the Act on Compulsory Education. Persons from third countries residing in Finland solely for study purposes will no longer be covered by the law.
Education providers will gain the right to access information on an applicant’s or student’s residence permit status. They will also be authorised to share relevant data with the Finnish Immigration Service without a separate request.
Future residence permits for studying in Finland will require the payment of tuition fees as set by the education provider.
The Ministry of Education and Culture said the proposed law supports the goals of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government. The policy aims to increase municipal income through service fees and reduce regulatory burdens.
The reform mirrors the system in Finnish higher education, where non-EU students already pay tuition. It also enables education providers to generate revenue through commissioned education for international students.
The legislative proposal is part of the 2026 state budget and will be handled during budget negotiations. The changes are scheduled to take effect from 1 August 2026.
HT
