After arrival
On this page, you can find all practical information you need when you have arrived in Finland and Seinäjoki, and have started your studies at SEAMK.
Please note, that changes and updates are possible. Therefore, please follow this page regularly.
Welcome to start your studies on SEAMK Campus!
Studies start on SEAMK Campus in the city of Seinäjoki on 2 September 2026. If there is a delay in obtaining a residence permit, a student can start the studies online and continue studying online until 31.12.2026 in the below listed programmes:
- Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business
- Bachelor of Engineering, Sustainable Food Management
- Bachelor of Engineering, Automation Engineering
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management
- Master of Business Administration, International Business Management
- Master of Social Services and Health Care, Development and Management
Studies after 1.1.2027 will be offered only on campus.
We want to emphasize that you do not travel to Finland until you have confirmed an apartment or another place to stay.
Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing
Studies in Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing programme start on SEAMK Campus in the city of Seinäjoki on 1 September 2026. In Nursing it is necessary to participate in teaching at campus right from the beginning.
When you arrive on campus, you should check in at International Lounge, located in the 1st floor of Frami F building. Our I-Lounge is open Mon-Thu 10:00-14:00. If you arrive outside of this time, please make an appointment with the International Facilitator to complete your check-in.
International Facilitator will help you with questions concerning Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, the city of Seinäjoki and Finland. Don’t hesitate to contact him regarding any questions about the start of your studies at SEAMK.
Registering your presence in Finland is mandatory for all foreigners who move to Finland.
In Finland, a personal identity code is used to identify persons. You will receive a personal identity code after you receive your residence permit or when you register with the Digital and population data services agency after you have arrived in Finland.
You usually need a personal identity code to be able to live and operate in Finnish society. Even if you do not live in Finland, you may need a personal identity code to be able to take care of some matters.
You will also be assigned a municipality of residence in Finland on certain conditions. Your municipality of residence and the associated permanent address will also be recorded in the Population Information System.
If you choose to not get a municipality of residence, your address will be entered in the Population Information System as a temporary address.
Sometimes you also need a municipality of residence to be able to use the services provided by the local authorities or to be granted benefits or support. The municipality of residence is always recorded by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. SEAMK will assist you with visits to the registration office (DVV) upon your arrival to Seinäjoki. Read more here: Registration of a foreigner in the Population Information System.
A Finnish identity card is a document that certifies your identity when you use different official services such as opening a bank account.
The identity card is usually valid for five years at a time.
If you are unable to submit the application online, you can visit the Seinäjoki police station and request an appointment.
Please note that submitting the application online is cheaper and faster.
When you move to Finland, you can apply for a Kela card (Kela is the social security authourity in Finland). You may have the right to social benefits if you live permanently in Finland and meet the other criteria for the benefits.
More information on Kela in Finland is available here: Can you get benefits when you move to Finland?
Students who study for a degree in a university of applied sciences will be entitled to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), Finnish abbreviation YTHS).
If you register as attending for the academic year, paying the healthcare fee is mandatory. The healthcare fee for higher education students is EUR 35.35 for each term. The due dates for payment of the healthcare fee are 15 November for autumn semester and 15 March for spring semester.
Read more about the healthcare fee on the website of Kela. Please note, that you still need to have a sufficient health insurance when applying for a residence permit.
Visit Kela’s website for information about how to proceed if you have social security coverage in another EU/EEA country or in Switzerland or the United Kingdom
Students from other EU or EEA countries will have to provide a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when accessing FSHS (YTHS) services. The card must be obtained before coming to Finland. Further information: Students from other EU or EEA countries must provide a European Health Insurance Card starting 1.1.2023
Further information on the student health care & wellbeing is available on the SeAMK Intra intranet(Opens in a new window), once you have activated your user ID for SEAMK’s IT-systems.
There are a lot of things to see and do at your leisure time in Seinäjoki and Finland all year round!
Finnish nature offers wonderful experiences in every season, city of Seinäjoki is known for active cultural life and big festivals, and hobby and sports clubs offer all kinds of fun things to do and opportunities to get to know the locals.
The Student Union of the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SAMO)(Opens in a new window) is an association established and run by the students. The union’s diverse objectives range from monitoring the standard of instruction and networking with the Finnish Government to organising student parties and other leisure time activities. A special social programme is available for international students organised together with the staff of International Mobility Services and the different schools of SeAMK.
Check these websites for more information!
Student Union SAMO »(Opens in a new window)
City of Seinäjoki »(Opens in a new window)
Visit Seinäjoki »(Opens in a new window)
Events Calendar for the region of South Ostrobothnia »(Opens in a new window)