Nepalese Students Association -Finland

🇫🇮🇳🇵 Finland’s 2026 Joint Application Trends & What You Should Know

Finland’s first joint application round for spring 2026 has just closed, and the results show a major drop in international applicants, including a significant decline from Nepal.

- Overall applications dropped by more than 25%.
- The biggest decreases came from Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Many applicants still submit forms but don’t pay the €100 application fee, which leads to automatic removal later.
- Tuition fees remain high for non‑EU/EEA students.
- Applicants represented 147 nationalities.
- Largest groups: Finland (39%), Pakistan (10%), Bangladesh (8%), Nigeria (6%), India (5%).
- Finnish applicant numbers stayed stable, but their share increased.

Fields with the most interest:
- Most applications went to business, administration & law, and ICT.
- Toughest competition (applicants per study place):
- Arts & culture: 9.2
- Social sciences: 8.7
- Education: 4.9
- Least competitive:
- Engineering & technology: 2.6
- ICT: 2.8

📅 What happens next?
- Institutions are now reviewing applications and running entrance exams.
- Results begin rolling out late January–early February, all published by 27 May 2026.

A recent social-media call to boycott a Nepalese restaurant emerged after its name appeared in an article linked to the book "Pitkä Vuoro", winner of the Finlandia Award 2025. The book documents labour exploitation across multiple sectors of Finnish society, including Nepalese restaurants. And, when ethnic Nepalese restaurants sector is negatively branded, it also affects how Nepalese culture is perceived in Finland.

The book explains that such abuse has persisted partly because it benefits the majority. When migrant workers are underpaid or silenced, society benefits from cheaper lunches and services, while the victims remain largely invisible. The publication also highlights the structural pressures within the restaurant sector. Many restaurants operate on extremely thin margins, facing rising costs, intense competition, and limited incentives to hire staff legally, ethically, or locally. While these realities do not excuse exploitation, they help explain the financial pressures under which many businesses operate.

At the same time, an investigative documentary has shown that South Asian students—including those from Nepal—often face unemployment, unstable work, and limited integration pathways in Finland. Instead of the anticipated opportunities, many end up relying on food-aid queues or living in social isolation, and labelled as “Finland’s new poor.”

The objective of this discussion is to move beyond problem identification and toward practical remedies grounded in academic research and the financial, digitalization, and advisory support provided by Helsinki. Instruments such as wage subsidies, youth employment support, employer training reimbursements, business advisory and digitalization grants, and the Helsinki International Talent Voucher could be used to transform ethnic restaurants into ethical and sustainable employers, while simultaneously creating employment and integration pathways for unemployed South Asian students, addressing two challenges through a single framework.

However, financial tools alone are insufficient. Sustainable change requires service-quality reform, ethical branding, corporate social responsibility, and transparent communication. Restaurants are expected to standardize operations, adopt fair labour practices, and rebuild trust through authentic storytelling and visible community engagement in order to establish a credible and respected presence in Finnish society.

This framework is not limited to Nepalese restaurants; it could be adopted by any ethnic restaurant in Finland. Participating businesses may benefit from improved branding, customer trust, and long-term cost efficiency, while Helsinki gains an exploitation-free service sector, a stronger multicultural identity, reduced poverty, and a more effective integration and employment pathway through Helsinki Employment Services. Over time, such an approach contributes to a more just and fair society, not only in Helsinki, but all over Finland.

Finland Study Application Checklist (Autumn 2026): For applicants from Nepal
Joint Application Period: 7–21 January 2026. Apply via https://opintopolku.fi/konfo/en/
Applying to higher education studies in Finland is pretty straight forward! You can apply on your own through with support from the university’s Admissions Services. If however you are thinking of applying with the help of an educational consultant, each university's website provides a list education consultants they partner with — just check once you know which university you want to apply to.
1️⃣ Before Applying
✔ Programme Selection
Choose up to 6 English‑taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes
Review eligibility, admission criteria, and required documents for each
✔ Prepare All Documents
Valid passport
Academic certificates & transcripts (official + in English)
English language test (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE), if required
CV and motivation letter (mostly for Master’s)
Pre‑assignment or portfolio (if required by programme)
2️⃣ During Application (7–21 Jan)
Fill out the online application on Studyinfo
Upload all required documents
Pay the €100 application fee.
Accepted: VISA, Mastercard, Apple Pay
The payment needs to be made within seven (7) days after you have sent in the application. Please note that it is not possible to pay the application fee after the due date.
⚠️ Applications without payment are not processed.
3️⃣ After Submission
Upload any missing attachments (usually by 28 January)
Check your email regularly (including spam)
Prepare for a possible interview or entrance exam
4️⃣ If You Receive an Offer
Accept only ONE study place
Download your official admission letter
Review tuition fees and scholarship details
Keep in mind
Applying for admission with the help of an educational consultant does not bring you any advantage in the student selection process.
Some consultants charge fees, so make sure you know what you’re getting and what services you pay for. And if a consultant isn’t listed on the university’s website, be careful — some unapproved agents might not have your best interests in mind. When in doubt, reach out directly to the university’s Admissions Services. They’re always happy to help!

Call for Board Members: Formation of an Official Association of Nepalese Students in Finland
Are you a Nepalese student currently studying at a Finnish University or University of Applied Sciences?
We are forming an official nationwide association of Nepalese students in Finland to strengthen our community, support students’ well-being, and promote cultural and academic exchange.

We are currently seeking motivated and responsible individuals to join the Founding Board of the association. Positions available include:

Chairperson

Vice Chairperson

Secretary

Treasurer

Communication and Media Coordinator

Regional Representatives

Eligibility:

Currently enrolled in a degree program at any Finnish University or UAS (listed above)

Committed to volunteering time and skills to develop the association

Interested in community building, networking, and representing Nepalese students in Finland

Why join?

Be part of a historic initiative

Build leadership experience

Network with students, institutions, and stakeholders

Promote Nepalese culture and student welfare in Finland

To apply or express interest, please send a short introduction including your:

Name

University/UAS and study program

Contact details

Position(s) of interest

Email us at: [email protected]

Let’s come together and create a united voice for Nepalese students across Finland!

Here's a comprehensive checklist for new international students arriving in Finland:

*Pre-Arrival Checklist*
1. *Acceptance Letter:* Secure and print your acceptance letter from the Finnish university.
2. *Residence Permit:* Apply for a student residence permit (if needed) through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
3. *Health Insurance:* Obtain mandatory health insurance covering your stay in Finland.
4. *Accommodation:* Arrange student housing or other accommodations before arrival.
5. *Travel Arrangements:*
- Book your flight and confirm transportation from the airport.
- Familiarize yourself with public transport options in your destination city.
6. *Finances:*
- Open an international bank account or ensure you have access to funds.
- Budget for initial expenses, including rent, groceries, and settling in.
- Set up mobile payment options like MobilePay if possible.
7. *Essential Documents:*
- Passport and visa/residence permit.
- Health insurance card/policy.
- Acceptance letter and university documents.
- Birth certificate and other identification documents.
- Vaccination records and medical prescriptions.
8. *Packing:*
- Warm clothing and winter gear.
- Basic kitchenware and personal items (most housing is unfurnished).
- Electronics, including power adapters.
- Medications and toiletries.
- Cultural items or foods from home.

*Post-Arrival Checklist*
1. *Register with Local Authorities:*
- Obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) by registering at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).
- Register your residence at the local magistrate if staying longer than 3 months.
2. *University Registration:*
- Attend the university’s orientation and register for courses.
- Get your student card (e.g., Frank app) for discounts and access to facilities.
3. *Health Care:*
- Register with the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
- Find the nearest health center or hospital.
- Set up any necessary prescriptions or medical appointments.
4. *Banking:*
- Open a Finnish bank account (optional but recommended).
- Link your account to MobilePay or other payment apps.
5. *Phone and Internet:*
- Get a Finnish SIM card with a suitable mobile plan.
- Set up internet in your accommodation, if not provided.
6. *Transportation:*
- Get a local public transport card (e.g., HSL card in Helsinki).
- Consider buying a bicycle for easy travel.
7. *Student Benefits:*
- Explore student discounts on transportation, food, and leisure activities.
- Familiarize yourself with Unicafe or other student-friendly cafeterias.
8. *Social Integration:*
- Join student organizations or clubs for networking.
- Attend social and cultural events organized by the university.
- Explore language courses or tandem programs to learn Finnish/Swedish.
9. *Safety and Legal Awareness:*
- Understand Finnish laws regarding alcohol, drugs, and behavior.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers (112) and local safety tips.
10. *Explore Finland:*
- Visit local attractions and cultural landmarks.
- Learn about Finnish customs, holidays, and traditions.

*Ongoing Checklist*
1. *Residence Permit Renewal:* Monitor your permit’s expiration date and renew on time.
2. *Track Academic Progress:* Keep track of credits and maintain good standing in your studies.
3. *Career Planning:* Use university career services for internships, jobs, or career advice.
4. *Stay Connected:* Maintain connections with student support services and international offices for help.
5. *Well-being:* Engage in physical activities, maintain a work-life balance, and seek mental health support if needed.

This checklist should help you stay organized and make the most of your experience in Finland!

30.11.2022 Webinar: Studying a Master's degree at the University of Vaasa

https://link.webropolsurveys.com/Participation/Public/cec88171-37af-4bc1-a4d6-30b81bd37ad5?displayId=Fin264159

International Applicants Webinar: Survey Powered by Webropol