Student life

This section provides guidance on visas, residence permits, and the right of residence in Finland. Always refer to the official websites listed for the most up-to-date information, and contact the relevant authorities directly for specific questions, as they can provide the most accurate guidance.

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The information is divided to following categories:

• Finnish personal identity code
• Non-EU citizens
• Citizen of the Nordic countries
• Citizen of an EU Member State, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
• Right to work

Official instructions can be found behind these links:

• Instructions for  students | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi)
• Entering Finland – Ministry for Foreign Affairs (um.fi)
• Study in Finland (infofinland.fi)

Finnish personal identity code

All the SEAMK students’ needs the Finnish personal identity code. This code is needed for the “Peppi” study register we use at SEAMK.  You either get this code through “Migri”, Finnish Immigration service or via “DVV”, Digital and Population Data Service Agency.  Your Finnish ID code will stay the same for the rest of your life, so it will be the same also if you ever come back to Finland later!

None-EU citizens

A temporary visit less than 90 days – Schengen visa

A visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit less than 90 days.

Please read more detailed instructions Visa to visit Finland – Ministry for Foreign Affairs (um.fi).

You are allowed to study at Finnish educational institutions for three months (90 days) without applying for a residence permit. You can then complete your studies within the period of validity of your Schengen visa or while an agreement on the abolition of the visa is in force. Please note you need to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.

A visit to Finland more than 90 days – Residence Permit

If your studies last longer than three months (90 days), you need to apply for a residence permit from the Finnish embassy or mission that represents Finland in your home country before your departure.

For further information visit the following websites: 

• Residence permits to Finland – Ministry for Foreign Affairs (um.fi)
• Residence permit application for studies | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi)

If you apply Residence Permit, you will get the Finnish personal identity code via Migri.  Please contact coordinator,  if you have not received your personal identity code (henkilötunnus) through this process.

Non-EU citizens with a residence permit for studies in another EU country

If you have a valid residence permit for studies issued by another EU Member State and if your studies are covered by a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or by an agreement between two or more higher education institutions, you have the right to carry out part of your studies in Finland. With a mobility notification, you can study in Finland for a period up to 360 days.

Please read the instructions: Mobility notification to Finland | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi)

Please contact coordinator, if you have not received your personal identity code (suomalainen henkilötunnus) through this process.

Citizen of the Nordic countries

For you to get a personal identification code you must join DVV visit. You do not need a visa or a residence permit to study in Finland.

More information can be found here.(Opens in a new window) We will organise a DVV visit from SEAMK, this is just for your information now.

Citizen of an EU member state, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland

More than three months in Finland

You to get a Finnish personal identification code you must join DVV visit. We will organize a DVV visit from SEAMK this is just for your information now.

In addition, ff you plan to stay for longer than three months (90 days) without interruptions in Finland, you need to register your right of residency with Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).  In other words, if you plan stay in Finland three months (90 days) without travelling to other countries, you need to register your right of residency in Finland. We will go through this process during the orientation days, so do not worry about it now!

In the process, you will legally register your stay in Finland as an EU citizen.

Please find detailed instructions and electronic application here:  I am an EU citizen | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi).

You will need following attachments:

• Copy of passport or identity card
• Proof of funds for you and your family members (a written explanation how you will cover the costs of your stay for example Erasmus+ grant).
• Certificate of attendance from SEAMK (given to you on an orientation day)

Less than three months in Finland

If you plan to travel to other countries within the 90 days of your stay in Finland, you do not need to register your right of residence with Migri, but instead register at the “DVV”, Digital and Population Data Services Agency. You will get the Finnish personal identity code. We will organise a DVV visit from SEAMK, this is just for your information now.

Right to work

EU citizens can work while studying in Finland and do not need to acquire a special work permit to do so. Students with a residence permit granted for study purposes may work within certain limits.

Further information about right to work in Finland can be found here: Finnish Immigration Service.(Opens in a new window)

Understanding insurance requirements is crucial for a smooth stay in Finland.  This section provides detailed information on insurance matters for different groups of students:

• Non-EU Citizens
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• Exchange and Double Degree Students 

Ensure you have the right coverage to protect your health and well-being during your studies. If you have questions related to these matters, contact the officials directly, as they have the latest information to assist you.

Official instructions can be found here:

• Study in Finland (Opens in a new window)
• Migri  (insurance)(Opens in a new window)

Non-EU Citizens’ Health Insurance

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it’s essential to bring it along.

These cards ensure that you receive the same pricing for public healthcare services as local residents. Your card must remain valid for the duration of your stay in Finland. According to EU legislation, you have the right to access healthcare at the same cost and under the same conditions as Finnish residents. With the card, you can receive medical treatment for sudden illness or accidents, as well as for chronic conditions requiring ongoing care. Additionally, it grants access to necessary treatment during pregnancy and childbirth. The European Health Insurance Card is accepted in both public healthcare services and by private doctors and hospitals that have signed health insurance agreements.

Exchange and double degree students

Each incoming exchange and double degree student must have a valid insurance package for the duration of their programme. Insurance must cover the school time as well as free time and travelling. The accident insurance, health insurance, especially in case of training also liability / legal insurance. SEAMK does not provide any insurances for exchange and double degree students.

The double degree students are entitled to the Finnish Student Health Services.

Finding a good place to live is an important part of student life. Here are the main housing options in Seinäjoki.

Please do not arrive in Seinäjoki without having a place to stay, as securing accommodation after arrival is not any easier than it is from your home country.

Sevas – Student housing in Seinäjoki

Students accepted to study at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences can apply for student housing in Seinäjoki through Sevas, a private company organising student housing in the city. The housing options are conveniently located near the campus and city center, offering furnished studio or shared apartments. Rent typically ranges from 300 to 600 euros per month and includes utilities, internet, and access to amenities like laundry rooms and saunas.

Instructions on how to apply for housing will be provided after acceptance. However, for students with specific accessibility or accommodation requirements, it’s advisable to contact coordinator and Sevas in advance.

• Student apartments – Sevas kodit

It’s crucial, especially for degree students with families, to begin housing preparations well before the start of studies, as family housing for students is limited in the area.

Other suitable options for families:

• Sevas homes (not student housing) (Opens in a new window)

Additional student housing:

www.hostelbjorkenheim.fi

This hostel offers rooms and shared rooms for special prices for SEAMK students. For more information, please contact the hostel directly.

Private housing options

For alternative housing options in Seinäjoki, please note that rentals from the free market typically do not include furniture, electricity, or water in the rent.

• • Vuokraovi.com(Opens in a new window)

Renting from the private market may pose challenges due to requirements for Finnish identification and bank accounts.

The easiest way to get to Seinäjoki is by arriving at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Once at the airport, you can take a train to Seinäjoki. You can book your train tickets in advance online,  purchase them from R-kioski, or use the ticket machines at the train platform. Please note that Student Tickets are available with a student card, which you can apply for only after arriving in Seinäjoki.

If you book your train ticket online, make sure to allow enough time between your plane landing and the train departure, as it will take time to collect your luggage and find your way to the train station. The railway station at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is in the Arrivals Hall. Take the local I or P train to Tikkurila/Dickursby. From Tikkurila/Dickursby station, you can continue with a long-distance train directly to Seinäjoki. All announcements on trains are also in English. The travel time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

The train station of Seinäjoki is on a short walking distance from both the student housing office and most of the student apartments, as well as the campus. All incoming students should agree with Sevas on how to get the key for the student housing well before arrival.

See for more information about arriving to Seinäjoki here: Location and Arrival | SeAMK.fi

We warmly welcome families to Seinäjoki. To ensure we can provide assistance tailored to your family’s specific needs, please contact us  beforehand to discuss your unique family situation.

For bachelor or master’s students, please reach out to the student facilitator. If you are a double degree or exchange student, please contact the coordinator. We are here to support you every step of the way.

More information about family life in Finland: For families – Work in Finland

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences strives to offer its students the opportunity to study in accessible learning environments. We try to accommodate students with different learning difficulties, illnesses, disabilities, or mental health challenges the best we can.

To discuss exchange period at SEAMK, please contact coordinator for incoming exchange students.

To discuss degree studies at SEAMK, please contact international facilitator.

Read more about Accessibility at SEAMK .(Opens in a new window)

Embark on an exciting journey in Finland by getting to know the area! Explore the vibrant South Ostrobothnia region and the charming city of Seinäjoki, offering a wealth of opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

During the winter season, Seinäjoki offers a variety of outdoor activities to embrace the snowy landscape. Enjoy ice-skating, skiing, and downhill skiing right in the city, and the best part? Most of these activities are free; all you need is your own equipment. For the adventurous, there’s even the option to try winter swimming!

In the summer, bask in the sunshine at the beaches around Seinäjoki, and don’t miss out on the lively events that animate the city. Explore hiking trails in the forests or indulge in berry picking during the autumn months. Finns have a deep appreciation for nature and outdoor activities, so be sure to immerse yourself in these experiences during your time in Seinäjoki!

Find out more information: 

• Visit Seinäjoki (Opens in a new window)
• Visit South Ostrobothnia region (Opens in a new window)
• Visit Finland (Opens in a new window)

During the Welcome Days, SEAMK staff members and various departments will give important presentations.

You will also learn about campus services and other information necessary for your studies at SEAMK. After your arrival you need to present your original certificates, which you used to apply to the school (remember to bring the originals with you).

For those who are unable to join on-campus Welcome Days, we will provide a separate Welcome Days online session. Details about online Welcome Days schedule will be shared with each group a few weeks before the start of the autumn semester.

Welcome days provide the information and resources you need to start your academic journey successfully, offering a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about the campus, and understand available support serves. Make the most of these days to ensure a smooth transition into your studies at SEAMK.

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences’ Student Union – SAMO(Opens in a new window) is a student advocacy and service organisation founded in 1996.

SAMO protects and enables the students to have a carefree student life both inside and outside the school. SAMO is formed and managed by students and is the students’ most trusted partner, and every member has the opportunity to influence its activities. SAMO organizes exciting events and weekly sports sessions.

SAMO’s international  tutors are there to welcome all  international students and exchange students.

Please check out SAMO and follow SAMO’s social media channels: 

• Student Union SAMO(Opens in a new window)
• SAMO’s events and parties ((Opens in a new window)Instagram)
• Student Union SAMO (Instagram) (Opens in a new window)
• SAMO Sports (Instagram) (Opens in a new window)

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Library is open to everyone.

Library collections include professional and scholarly literature and journals on several subject areas both in printed and electronic form. The library produces services and acquires resources for students, teachers and researchers at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

Library staff is willing to help you in finding information and using collections and e-resources. Welcome to the library!

More information about library services 

• SEAMK Library (Opens in a new window)
• Seinäjoki Public Library (Opens in a new window)

SEAMK student life: Beyond the books!

At Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, student life extends far beyond studying. Each semester, we organize a wide variety of extracurricular events and activities in collabvoration with international office, student union SAMO, wellbeing team and various SEAMK programmes.

International students: Keep an eye on your @seamk.fi email and WhatApp groups as important event information will be sent directly to you throughout the academic year.

As an international student in Finland, it’s crucial to have financial independence to focus on academic goals and to integrate into Finnish society without financial stress.

Part-time work, summer jobs, or traineeships serve as ways to connect with Finnish society, improve your Finnish language skills, and earn additional income, while also helping to build important networks for future careers in the region.

Although jobs for international students are hard to come by, Finnish companies sometimes offer summer jobs and traineeships. Securing part-time employment often requires active engagement with events organized at SEAMK and in the city of Seinöjoki, not forgetting networking, attending recruitment events, and taking part in company visits. Please bear also in mind that it is difficult to find a job, even part-time, if you do not speak any Finnish.

More tips and links related to working as a student can be found on page Working life orientation for students.

Graduation at SEAMK: Flexible and student-centered

At SEAMK, we offer continuous graduation instead of fixed graduation dates, allowing you to graduate as soon as you’ve completed all your studies and fulfilled other obligations. Once you’ve submitted your degree application and all required course credits are completed and registered, the processing time is a maximum of 30 days. Degree certificates are issued throughout the year, except in July and during the end-of-year holiday season (weeks 52-1).

We proudly celebrate our graduates twice a year, in December and May, with ceremonies that can be viewed via livestream. This flexible approach ensures you can complete your academic journey at your own pace, while still enjoying the opportunity to celebrate your achievements with the SEAMK community.

Further information about SEAMK’s Graduation Celebration event here »