Eurostudent survey provides insight into the everyday life and future expectations of higher education students
The Eurostudent 9 student survey 2025 examines the social conditions of Finnish higher education students, including their sources of income, progress in studies, employment, international mobility and plans for the future.
The findings indicate that participation in higher education has increased significantly during the 2020s. Student entry pathways have changed, with more students transitioning from employment into higher education, and many have previously completed other forms of study, such as open university courses.
“Our aim is to open doors to higher education for as many young people as possible. To support this, student surveys provide valuable and up-to-date insights into students' everyday lives, wellbeing and future prospects. Based on these findings, we can improve higher education to ensure that more students receive support for their studies where needed and can progress in their studies smoothly and confidently towards working life,” says Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.
Approximately half of the students report relatively high levels of satisfaction with their studies. Most students consider that their degree programme provides good preparation for the labour market. Studies are generally perceived as meaningful and as meeting expectations in many respects. Almost all students are planning to graduate from their current degree programme.
Combining paid employment with studies is common, and many students gain relevant work experience in their field during their studies. One fifth of students are employed in demanding expert roles, strengthening the link between their studies and working life. Seventy per cent of students expect to find employment corresponding to their level of education within three years of graduation.
Challenges also associated with students' daily lives
More than half of the students report experiencing at least some financial difficulties, with challenges related to sources of income having become more common in recent years. The financial situation of students is also reflected in their wellbeing and study progress.
According to the survey, one in three students has reduced study capacity, meaning that their study progress is affected by health-related factors. The most commonly reported health issue is mental health, experienced by one in four students.
Paid employment is identified as the most significant factor slowing study progress. In addition, study-related strain, challenges related to motivation and coping, and experiences of stress also affect progress. However, one quarter of students report that no factors are slowing down their studies.
Eurostudent 9 Student Survey 2025
Inquiries:
- Juhani Saari, Senior Statistician, Statistics Finland, tel. +358 295 513 575
- Kaisa Saarenmaa, Senior Statistician, Statistics Finland, tel. +358 295 513 517
- Tuomas Parkkari, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 244
- Samuli Maxenius, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 295 330 019