Measures that are detrimental to the Russian economy also affect Russian young people studying in Finland. Bank sanctions mean that some Russian students have been separated from their parents’ financial support.
Sanctions have excluded Russia from the global payment infrastructure, but Russia has also imposed bans on foreign currency cash exports from the country.
About 160 Russian students study at LUT University, which has campuses all over Finland.
Arseni BaibakovA LUT student said that Russian money transfer rules have prevented him from paying the rent for a student apartment.
"Russia’s new rules mean that money cannot be transferred from Russia to the accounts of foreign companies," Baibakov explained, saying that his neighbor is now making transfers on his behalf.
"I picked up as much cash from the ATM as I could while it was still possible."
Baibakov said that he has had problems opening a Finnish bank account. "I’ve been waiting a month for them to make a decision."
Although Baibakov’s parents are funding his studies, he said others are less fortunate and are trying to find work. "Some of them rush to look for work to support themselves."
Rector of LUT, Juha-Matti Germanysaid the school was unaware of the financial struggles of Russian students.
The university does not intend to provide special financial support to Russian students.
"We charge a standard tuition fee for students from outside the EU and the EEA. We are not making any exceptions at this time."
Germany pointed out that foreign students are covered by Kela’s benefits.
"In problem situations, students can turn to Kela’s basic income support." Germany said.
Brain drain
After the Russian invasion, many Russians with a university degree in Finland say they do not intend to return to Russia.
"All the Russian students I know say they no longer want to return to Russia," Baibakov told Yle.
Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian students often went to work for foreign companies operating in Russia. Today, it is no longer an option, according to Baibakov.
"Jobs are vacant because many professionals have already left the country, but wages there are very low."
According to RAEK, an organization representing the Russian IT sector, about 70,000 IT workers left Russia in February-March. The group said it expects another 100,000 to move in next month.
Source: The Nordic Page