Government tightens rules as foreign students face financial hardship

The Finnish government is proposing tighter rules for international students facing financial difficulties, Yle reports. The changes include stricter English-language requirements linked to residence permits and a one-year waiting period for students seeking family reunification.

More than 10,000 foreign students begin their studies in Finland each year, and their programmes last an average of five years.

Most students progress well, but the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment says an increasing number are turning to food queues because of financial problems.

The government submitted its proposal to Parliament on Thursday.