Join the Student Union

Similar to workers' unions, student unions in Finland represent students' interests and provide a variety of services, benefits, and community activities. Membership is mandatory by law for all bachelor's and master's degree students at Finnish universities and gives access to a range of student benefits.

Student Union Membership Fee for Fulbright Master's Students

The student union membership fee (approximately 60-90 euros per year) is paid in connection with your university registration, typically in August or early September. Your host university will provide you with instructions on how to pay the fee.

Student Discounts and Benefits

Student union membership entitles bachelor's and master's students to several considerable discounts and benefits:

  • Student Health Service
  • Discounted student-priced meals in campus restaurants (examples of student cafeteria meal prices at the University of Oulu campus: basic student lunch EUR 2.60,  soup lunch EUR 1.95, deli lunch EUR 4.95, and the special lunch EUR 4.40)
  • Discounts at several shops, stores, and restaurants
  • 30-55% discount on long-distance train and bus fares

The national digital student card is provided through Frank, which issues the national student cards for higher degree students in Finland.

Doctoral Students, jatko-opiskelijat

The services and benefits for Doctoral students vary significantly from those available to Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Finland.

Student Union membership is optional for Doctoral students, and the membership benefits are far fewer. To find out what benefits you will be entitled to, contact, for example, your host university’s International Office.