Finland lives up to its reputation for having the best education system in the world. Finnish educational institutions are known for their advanced teaching skills, world-class faculty, and affordability. However, when you go to another country, the cost of education is always a concern. That is why planning and budgeting are of the utmost importance before you move away. The cost of studying in Finland not only involves tuition fees but other expenses, such as rent, traveling, food, etc., too. So before you move to the Land of Thousand Lakes, read this article to get an idea of how much you would be spending. 

Tuition Fees 

Many public universities in Finland do not charge tuition fees to students coming from EU/EAA countries or Switzerland. So you can use the money saved from tuition to cover other expenses such as accommodation, traveling, etc. However, if you are not from one of these countries, you have to pay tuition fees. It ranges between 4,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR annually, depending on the university and program you chose. You can still apply for scholarship programs offered by Finnish universities. Some colleges grant a complete fee waiver, while others reduce the tuition fee by a significant percentage. Students with academic excellence can grab this opportunity and save money on their tuition fees.     

Accommodation 

Finland may not be the cheapest country but you can still live there on a limited budget. Renting a room in Finland can be really pricey, especially for students. To save money, you can get a place in the student residence halls or dormitories. On average, you will need about 700 to 1,000 EUR monthly, depending on which city you live in. Helsinki is one of the most expensive cities in Finland while Pori or Tampere are much more affordable. Think wisely before you choose an accommodation option as you will need the money for other expenses as well. 

Food 

You are surely going to spend a lot on food when you live in another country. If you buy groceries from the supermarket, it will cost you about 200 to 250 EUR per month. Look for the supermarkets that offer discounts on essentials and other products as well to save a few bucks. If you want to eat out in a restaurant, an expensive one will charge about 60 EUR for a meal while others can cook a meal for you for as low as 10 EUR. The best way to save money on food while studying in Finland is to learn how to cook and go out once or twice a week only.  

Traveling 

While living in Finland, you will also have to consider the traveling expenses. If your college is not that far from your apartment or you enjoy strolling, you can simply walk every day. However, if you live far enough, you will have to use some kind of transport to travel around the city. Most students prefer to take public transport as they are cheap and even available at discounts for those with a transportation pass. In Finland, a transportation pass can cost around 35 to 50 EUR per month and can get you a discounted ride on any public transportation service. 

Other Expenses   

Apart from food, rent, and transportation, other expenses you will have to bear in Finland include books, study materials, and apparel. If you want to buy books and other study material for learning, either get them from your college library or go to second-hand shops for a cheaper price. 

Moreover, you can take help from the various scholarships available for international students to fund your education in Finland.