The Government is planning two legislative amendments concerning the income requirements for international students
The Government is addressing the income difficulties of international students with two legislative packages. On 30 April 2026, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on the first legislative package, which would strengthen the monitoring of students’ use of social assistance. With its second legislative package under preparation, the Government aims to secure students’ subsistence.
Resorting to social assistance may indicate income challenges, in which case cancelling the permit may, also under the current rules, be considered. In the future, however, receiving social assistance would be a specific ground for cancelling the permit. This would mean that drawing social assistance even once would, as a rule, lead to permit cancellation. As is the case now, an overall consideration would be carried out before the permit is cancelled.
The change would apply to students in higher education and upper secondary education from outside the EU and EEA countries. It would enter into force in autumn 2026.
In addition to this proposal, the Government is preparing a second legislative package to prevent international students from ending up in a vulnerable position and income difficulties. The Government is scheduled to send the second legislative package for public consultation in spring 2026.
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