How Much Does a Finnish High School Actually Cost?

Jul 29
2 min read

A Simple Tuition Fee Guide for International Students

Finland is known for its excellent education system. For students who live permanently in Finland, upper secondary school (lukio) is free.

However, international students who come to Finland through a study pathway usually need to pay tuition fees. The amount depends on the school.

This guide explains the main costs you should expect when planning to study at a Finnish high school.

Why do international students pay tuition fees?

From 1 August 2026, a new Finnish law requires third-country nationals (students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland) to pay tuition fees if they study in a Finnish upper secondary school with a study-based residence permit.

Some students are exempt from this rule, including:

students who are still within Finland's compulsory education age
exchange students
students with a permanent residence permit

The law also sets a minimum tuition fee. Schools cannot charge less than Finland's official average cost of providing upper secondary education. For 2026, the minimum tuition fee is: €8,953.47 per year. Schools may charge more if they include additional services, such as learning materials or accommodation.

Source: Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture

Tuition Fees by Region

Tuition fees vary depending on the school and region.

Region	Tuition Fee
North Karelia	€8,953.47/year
Lapland	€9,000/year
South Savo	€10,000/year
Uusimaa	€10,600/year
Ostrobothnia	€12,000/year
Kymenlaakso	€15,000/year
Central Finland	€15,400/year

All tuition fees shown are based on current partner-school information and are confirmed during consultation. Prices and availability may change between admission periods.

Some partner schools have not yet published their final tuition fees for 2026. During your consultation, we will provide the latest confirmed prices for each school.

Other Costs to Consider

Tuition is not the only expense when studying in Finland.

You should also plan for:

Learning materials: Some schools include these in the tuition fee. Others charge about €1,000 during the first year.
Matriculation examination fees: These are often charged separately.
Accommodation: If housing is not provided, students typically pay around €200–400 per month in smaller towns. Prices are usually higher in larger cities.
Finnish language preparation: Some study pathways include an intensive Finnish language course before school starts. Our preparation camp includes dormitory accommodation and four free meals every day.

Book a free consultation to learn more about our preparation camp and available study pathways.

Which School Is Right for You?

Tuition fees are only one part of the decision.

You should also consider:

school size
the school's location
available study programs and specializations (e.g. creative arts, research, business, vocational combination)
accommodation options
the total cost of living

Choosing the right school depends on your goals, budget, and future plans.

Need Help Choosing?

We can help you compare Finnish high schools, understand the total costs, and choose the best study pathway for your situation.

Book a free consultation with MOIKKA Plus, and we'll explain the latest tuition fees, housing options, application timelines, and everything you need to know before applying.