VA

Costs for your studies at Vaasa Vocational Institute

The studies doesn´t cost you anything in Finland! Besides you´ll get the school lunch for free!
The students buy their study books themselves and all other studying materials which may be required during their studies, but they have the possibility to use school computers and school’s library for free. The students pay for their working clothes and take care of the laundry for themselves. All students must buy their own working clothes both for the kitchen and restaurant, and a cook knife set (only required for cooks) for kitchen work. Cook’s uniform cost approx. 120 Euros, and waiter’s uniform approx. 100 Euros. Orders of books and uniforms are made for an entire group; the teacher responsible gives the information needed to the students when the school starts.

Accommodation option

Vaasa Student Housing Foundation. Contact information + 358 6 327 6511, address: VOAS, Olympiakatu 3 Q, 65100 Vaasa, Finland) or by E-mail: asuntotoimisto(a)voas.fi.

A shared flat usually accommodates 2 - 4 students. Each student has his or her own room with lock and key. The kitchen and bathroom are shared. Students are advised to bring their own bed linen. The number of small flats for single students is limited. Demand for them is the highest even though they are more expensive than a room in a shared flat.

A family flat usually includes 2 - 3 rooms and a kitchen or kitchenette. Family flats are available to couples with or without children. The kitchens are equipped with a cooker and a fridge/freezer.
The amount for the rent at VOAS is today from approximately 250€ to 400€ per person per month.

The water cost is NOT included in that fee. There are no furnitures in the flats (there could be some exceptions). BUT there´s free internet (Wifi) in almost all flats.
Another option for the renting is the private market.

Student´s financial aid

Persons coming to Finland for the purpose of only studying are not permanent residents in Finland. Thus, they are not entitled to the government-funded social benefits (such as the students financial aid). But you can check with your home country, if there is any financial aids for you when studying abroad.
More information: The Social Insurance Institution in Finland

Student Health Services

At the Institute we have our own Nurse and Curator. Their consulting hours are on display outside their office on the door and also you will find the all information in the Student's Handbook. Doctor services are also available regularly for students. These services are for free for the students.

Total spending per month

Prepare that you´ll have a monthly spending amount of about 800€ for  food, residential rent and other living costs. That´s why one of the requirements to get your Residence permit is that you have 6000€ on your account.

4.12.2012