How to manage with a student budget?

When studying in Finland students are required to bear the costs for their own living. Living costs in Finland are close to Western European average. The costs of student life consist mainly of accommodation, food, public transport, study materials, clothing, and leisure activities. Average monthly living costs for students are estimated to be about 750 – 1200 euros, depending on the housing, habits, and needs of an individual. International students must make sure that their incomes cover basic living costs for the entire time spent studying in Finland and that they have valid health insurance with adequate coverage. Additional information.

  • housing (student accommodation) 270-500 euros + initial expenses, such as the housing deposit.
  • food 300 euros
  • bus tickets about 60 euros
  • leisure and other expenses 100-150 euros
  • Tuition fees for students outside EU or EEA countries studying in a degree programme: 8000€ (bachelor) 9000€ (master). JAMK UAS has set the tuition fee to 8,000 €/academic year for bachelor’s degrees and 9,000 €/academic year for master’s degrees. Read more.

Tips to an affordable student life

Apply for housing at KOAS.

The rental fees of student accommodation are far more affordable than renting from the private market. Read more.

Join JAMKO 

Students who have paid the membership fee and present a student card are entitled to discounts in student restaurants, public transport, leisure activities, services, and in some shops. Keep your student card at hand and remember to ask for student discounts. In addition JAMKO members have a completely free gym at their use in the Main Campus.

Buy second hand

Second hand shops and flea markets are popular in Finland. Finnish second hand shops sell used but very good quality clothing, furniture, kitchenware and other small items. You can find great bargains for a fraction of the item’s original cost.

  • Keskustan kirppis:  Vapaudenkatu 40 – 42, 40100 Jyväskylä
  • Fida: Tapionkatu 12, 40100 Jyväskylä
  • UFF: Vapaudenkatu 48-50, 40100 Jyväskylä
  • Ecocenter: Sorastajantie 4, 40320 Jyväskylä 
  • Kirpparilla: Sorastajantie 1, 40320 Jyväskylä

Plan your travels

When you buy your train ticket weeks beforehand you might save up to 50-70 percent. If you travel a lot inside Jyväskylä, consider buying a Linkki – bus card which is valid inside Jyväskylä. It is much cheaper in the long run than a one time payment everytime. Jyväskylä is also a quite compact city, so you might want to consider investing in a bike or renting one.

Buy together or borrow

Small packages of groceries might be relatively more expensive than the larger one’s, so it pays off to team up with friends or room mates and buy together larger quantities of food and share the expenses. KOAS’ recidence committees have some tools for shared use, so it wise to check if you can lend something rather than buy. JAMKO offers also sports and recreational equipment, like outdoor games, basket and footballs and such that can be borrowed.

Financial support for students

The majority of Finnish students are financially supported by the Finnish state in the form of

International students are entitled to the Finnish financial aid for students only on certain conditions, but meal subsidy and discounts from bus tickets, train tickets etc. are intended for all full-time students and exchange students with a valid student card!

Financial Aid by Education Fund

Adult students who have been employed may receive financial aid for their studies under certain conditions from the Education Fund. 

Read more about unenmployment benefits in international situations

Affordable transport during your stay