International students in Finland could lose their residence permits after applying for welfare support just once under proposed new rules from the Finnish government.
Under the proposal, foreign students who receive social assistance could have their residence permits cancelled. The proposal was submitted to parliament on 30 April.
The changes would apply to students from outside the EU and EEA studying in both higher education and upper secondary education.
Additional stricter rules planned
Finland’s government says the aim is to ensure students can financially support themselves while studying in the country.
The government is also preparing additional measures, including stricter language requirements and tougher rules for family members joining students in Finland.
According to Finnish authorities, more than 37,000 student residence permits were reviewed between September 2023 and December 2025, with 333 cases involving applications for social assistance.
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