Studying in Turku
Turku is Finland's oldest city (around 200,000 people) and its historic former capital, set on the Aura River at the edge of a vast archipelago. With two universities and a large applied-sciences institution, it has one of the highest student densities in the country — and a relaxed, riverside quality of life.
Cost of living in Turku
A realistic monthly student budget in Turku is €800–€1,050, comfortably below Helsinki thanks to lower rents.
| Monthly expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Student housing (TYS shared / studio) | €330 – €520 |
| Private studio rent | €520 – €720 |
| Groceries | €200 – €280 |
| Föli public transport (student) | €30 – €40 |
| Phone & internet | €20 – €30 |
| Leisure & misc. | €90 – €180 |
Universities in Turku
University of Turku
A large multidisciplinary research university in Finland's oldest city, strong in medicine, natural sciences and the humanities.
View programmes, rankings & admissions →Åbo Akademi University
Finland's only Swedish-language university, with international English-taught master's programmes and a strong research profile.
View programmes, rankings & admissions →Interested in studying in Turku?
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Student housing in Turku
TYS (Student Village Foundation of Turku) provides most student accommodation, with rooms and studios from roughly €330–€520 a month, much of it within cycling distance of both universities. Apply immediately after admission. Private studios run €520–€720 on Vuokraovi and Oikotie.
Getting around
Turku's Föli bus network offers a student-discounted monthly ticket at around €30, and Föli also runs a popular city-bike scheme. The compact centre is easy to cycle, and trains reach Helsinki in about two hours. Ferries to Stockholm depart daily from the harbour.
Student life
Turku's student scene is anchored by the TYY and ÅASH student unions and a dense network of subject associations. The Aura riverbanks fill with terraces, boat-bars and festivals in summer, the medieval castle and cathedral anchor the old town, and the surrounding archipelago is a short cycle or ferry away. Bilingual (Finnish and Swedish) and international, Turku is an easy place to feel at home.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Turku as a student?
- Turku is one of the more affordable Finnish student cities. Budget €800–€1,050 per month. TYS student housing costs about €330–€520, and student canteens serve subsidised lunches from around €2.95.
- Which universities are in Turku?
- Turku hosts two universities — the University of Turku (Finnish-language, multidisciplinary) and Åbo Akademi University (Sweden's-language) — plus Turku University of Applied Sciences. It is one of Finland's densest concentrations of higher education.
- What is Turku known for?
- Turku is Finland's oldest city and its former capital, set on the Aura River at the gateway to a stunning archipelago. It has a compact medieval core, a lively riverside café and festival culture, and easy ferry links to Sweden.
- How much money do I need for a residence permit?
- Migri requires proof of at least €800 per month (about €9,600 per year) for a student residence permit anywhere in Finland, including Turku.