For students, summer often means a break from studies. However, it offers no such respite from paying rent and handling other necessary expenses. In this post we are going to explain the most important things that you, an international student, need to know about benefits during the summer—especially if you are struggling with matters of income. Please note that if you are not a Finnish citizen, the possible benefits and social assistance you can apply for depend on the grounds for residing in Finland. You can find more detailed information on applying for social assistance as a non-citizen from Kela’s website through this link.
If you are from another EU or EEA country, or from Switzerland of Great Britain, your residence permit in Finland is most likely fixed term despite the duration of your studies. Therefore, you are not entitled to benefits from Kela in Finland, but rather your social assistance is provided by your country of origin.
Benefits during the summer
A foreigner coming to study in Finland is not usually entitled to student financial aid. However, if a student is permanently living in Finland or if the basis of residence is something other than studying, e.g. working or family relations, they might be entitled to student financial aid. If you are entitled to the Finnish student financial aid, you can get the benefits also during the summer, but only if you acquire study credits. The study aid for summertime must be applied for separately in Kela.
The entitlement for other forms of Finnish social benefits like social assistance and general housing allowance are determined similarly. In principle, international students are not entitled to benefits if they do not reside in Finland permanently or their purpose for residence in Finland is not something else than studying, like working and family relations.
Please contact Kela if you are uncertain of what benefits you have the right to apply for.
What to do if you struggle to pay rent?
Get in touch with your landlord before your rent payment expires. Landlords often prefer to make an agreement on a payment plan than send official demands for payment. You are not the only student having challenges with income during the summer, and most landlords are aware of the students’ circumstances at the moment.
Other services offering support and guidance
The City of Tampere’s housing consultation offers urgent, short-time guidance for housing matters before things start to get out of hand. You can find more information on the City of Tampere’s housing guidance website through this link.
Ohjaamo Tampere provides information, support, and guidance for employment, education, personal finances, and managing everyday life for everyone under 30 years old. Ohjaamo offers a wide range of services that are worth checking out even if you are not in urgent need of help. You can find more information on Ohjaamo Tampere through this link.
Mieli ry offers help and mental health support in difficult situations. If there is anything troubling you, be it income or some other issues, you can contact them via variety of channels. Link to the Mieli ry’s support and help website can be found here.