Anjali Bista, a nursing student from Nepal, is currently studying at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences in Kotka. She has a clear plan to excel in the Finnish language to enhance her employability as a nurse in Finland. Bista highlighted that her determination to learn the language is driven by the numerous job opportunities it would bring, especially in the healthcare sector, where Finnish language skills are crucial for effective communication with patients and colleagues.

Bista faces significant financial responsibilities as she pays annual tuition fees of €10,700, being an international student from outside the EU/EEA. The university supports international students by offering scholarships, and Bista has already received two €200 scholarships contingent on her completion of specific Finnish language courses. Additionally, she is eligible for a €5,000 scholarship upon graduation, contingent on passing a language proficiency test, which further underscores the financial incentives tied to her language studies.

Bista's story reflects the experiences of about 10,000 international students in Finnish universities who pay similar tuition fees. Her proactive approach to language learning and the financial aid structure in place enable students like her to pursue their academic dreams while managing tight budgets. This narrative sheds light on the larger context of international education in Finland and the significance of language acquisition for career success in the local job market.