The European Students’ Union (ESU), together with the Finnish student unions National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK) and National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL), express their concern about the worsening situation of students in the Finnish housing market.

The position of higher education students in the housing market has significantly deteriorated. The government is currently moving students from general housing allowance to the study grant’s housing supplement starting in August 2025. This change is reducing the total financial support available to students by up to 2065 euros per year and marks the end of year-round housing assistance. This constitutes a severe cut to students’ livelihoods and will further increase the demand for affordable housing.

The transfer has been justified by the assumption that it will encourage students to seek cheaper housing options. However, less than a quarter of higher education students have access to affordable student housing currently. The situation is exacerbated by cuts to investment subsidies for housing construction, limiting the amount of new student housing being built.

In 2023, the average housing expenses for single student households were €565.81 per month. For single student households in government-supported housing, the average cost was €482.20 per month (Kela, Social Insurance Institution of Finland) with these figures already accounting for the students living in shared apartments. It is essential to set the maximum acceptable housing costs under the housing supplement at a level that reflects the average housing expenses of students.

Exchange students face particularly difficult challenges in the Finnish housing market. They are often provided with misleading information about housing costs, and they may also face discrimination in private rental markets. These issues similarly affect international students who are permanently studying in Finland.

A recent European Commission memo promises the appointment of a commissioner responsible for housing and outlines plans to introduce the first European strategy for affordable housing. This strategy must also address the specific needs of student housing.

With the united voice of European students, ESU, SAMOK and SYL call for:

• Funding for student housing must be increased to improve the availability of student housing.
• The level of housing support for students must be raised.
• Housing supplement must be provided year-round.
• Challenges in student housing production must be addressed in the European Commission’s strategy on housing.

More information:

Linda Vallenius, Board member (student housing), SAMOK
050 389 1015
[email protected]

Saku Pesonen, International Affairs and EU Advocacy Adviser, SYL
040 017 4913
[email protected]