How to claim

Applications can be submitted online at www.kela.fi/asiointi (Finnish and Swedish only) or by completing a regular financial aid application form:

  • Students in secondary education should complete the OT1e form
  • University students should file the OT2e form
  • those studying abroad can apply for financial aid on the OT3e form
  • foreign residents should fill in the OT10e form.

When applying for additional financial aid or summer aid, use Kela's online service or complete the OT15 form. If you wish to cancel or pay back financial aid, use Kela's online service or complete the OT16 form. Application forms are available from Kela offices, Kela's website (www.kela.fi/lomakkeet), and educational institutions.

If you are submitting your application on paper, file the application and enclosures with your school or with Kela. If you attend a university you should file with the financial aid committee of your school (except if you attend the University of Helsinki or the University of the Arts Helsinki, in which case you should submit your application to Kela).

Applications for interest allowance as well as applications filed by students of upper secondary-level schools are usually determined by Kela´s local offices. Applications from students attending a Finnish polytechnic/university of applied sciences (with some exceptions) or a foreign educational institution are handled by the Kela Centre for Student Financial Aid. More information about where your application will be handled is available at www.kela.fi.

Student aid as well as separately applied for parts of the aid can be granted from the beginning of the month in which you applied for it.

To university students, aid is usually granted right away for as many months as it is available, and to other students, for the extent of the studies. The formal decision on your application is sent to the address you specify in your application. You will automatically be sent a new decision in July for the following academic year if you have been granted loan guarantees and other financial aid benefits for your entire course of study and your credit information has not changed.

Payment

Your study grant and housing supplement are paid into your designated bank account on the 4th of each month or the next banking day. Retroactive payments can be made daily.

If the amount is less than EUR 8.40, they will not be paid at all.

Study Grant is taxable income, but Housing Supplement is free from tax.

Updated 04/30/13