Finland has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education, a safe environment, and strong connections between universities, research, and industry.

For students planning to start their studies in 2027, Finland offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as technology, engineering, business, health sciences, education, environmental studies, computer science, and social sciences.

However, studying in Finland is not automatically free for everyone. Most students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who enroll in English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programs are required to pay tuition fees. While universities may offer scholarships or tuition fee waivers, these are often competitive and may not cover living expenses.

Additionally, there are important financial requirements for obtaining a Finnish student residence permit. The Finnish Immigration Service currently requires students to demonstrate a minimum of €800 per month, or €9,600 per year, for living expenses, in addition to any necessary tuition funds.

This guide outlines how to study in Finland in 2027, including information on the best universities, tuition fees, scholarships, admission requirements, the residence permit process, living expenses, and practical advice for international applicants.

Why Study in Finland in 2027?

Finland offers a combination that appeals to many international students: strong universities, modern infrastructure, a relatively safe society and an education system closely connected to research and innovation.

For students choosing where to study abroad, the attraction goes beyond university rankings.

Finland can be particularly interesting if you want to study:

Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Data science
Engineering
Renewable energy
Business
Economics
Biotechnology
Environmental sciences
Education
Nursing
Health sciences
Architecture
Design
Telecommunications
Information technology

Another advantage is the availability of English-taught degree programmes, especially at master’s level.

The University of Helsinki, for example, has more than 30 international master’s programmes taught in English.

Is Finland Free for International Students?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about studying in Finland.

Finland is not universally tuition-free for international students.

Students who are citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland generally do not pay tuition fees for degree programmes. However, most students from outside these areas must pay tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes.

There are exemptions depending on factors such as residence-permit status and the language of instruction.

Doctoral programmes are generally not subject to tuition fees at universities such as Aalto and Tampere.

Therefore, international students should not build their 2027 financial plan around the assumption that every Finnish university is free.

Instead, consider three funding possibilities:

Full or partial tuition scholarship
Personal/family funding
Combination of scholarship and personal savings

Best Universities in Finland for International Students

Finland has several internationally respected universities.

Here are some of the institutions worth researching for 2027.

1. University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is one of Finland’s leading research universities and offers a broad range of programmes.

It is particularly attractive for students interested in:

Natural sciences
Computer science
Life sciences
Social sciences
Economics
Education
Environmental sciences
Law
Medicine
Data-related disciplines

The university says it belongs among the world’s top 1% of universities and offers more than 30 international master’s programmes.

For 2027 entry, the University of Helsinki states that applications for international master’s programmes are scheduled for 5–19 January 2027.

Its English-language bachelor’s programmes have separate application routes, with 2027 application periods currently listed as 5–19 January 2027 and 9–23 March 2027, depending on the admission group.

Tuition Fees

For English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes, the university currently lists fees of:

Bachelor’s: €13,000 per year
Master’s: €13,000, €15,000 or €18,000 per year, depending on programme.

Always check your specific programme because fees can vary.

2. Aalto University

Aalto University is one of Finland’s most attractive options for students interested in technology, business, engineering, architecture and design.

It is especially relevant if your career plans involve:

Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Engineering
Technology
Business
Finance
Architecture
Design
Telecommunications
Entrepreneurship

Aalto’s campus is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area and the university highlights its international outlook and links between different academic fields.

2027 Application Dates

Aalto currently lists:

English-taught bachelor’s: 7–22 January 2027

Master’s: 7 December 2026 – 5 January 2027.

That means applicants targeting an Aalto master’s programme for 2027 may need to start preparing their application during 2026.

Tuition Fees

For study rights beginning on or after August 2025, Aalto lists:

Bachelor’s:

Business: €12,000
Art and Architecture: €15,000
Technology: €12,000

Master’s:

Business: €15,000
Art and Architecture: €20,000
Technology: €17,000
Multidisciplinary programmes: €17,000 per academic year.

3. Tampere University

Tampere University is another strong option for international students.

It is particularly worth considering for:

Engineering
Information technology
Computing
Health sciences
Social sciences
Education
Environmental studies
Industrial fields

Tampere is also known for its student environment and relatively strong technology and industrial ecosystem.

Tuition Fees

For students admitted under the current fee structure, Tampere University lists:

Bachelor’s: €10,000 per academic year
Master’s: €12,000 per academic year.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who study English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes are generally liable for tuition.

Tampere University also offers scholarships for meritorious, high-achieving and motivated fee-paying students.

4. University of Turku

The University of Turku is another major Finnish university to consider.

It offers programmes and research across areas such as:

Business
Technology
Medicine
Education
Natural sciences
Social sciences
Humanities

International students should examine individual programme pages carefully because tuition, admission criteria and scholarship opportunities differ.

5. University of Oulu

The University of Oulu is particularly interesting for students interested in technology, engineering, health, environmental studies and northern research.

Its location can also appeal to students who want to experience a different side of Finland outside the Helsinki region.

Potential areas include:

Wireless communications
Computer science
Engineering
Environmental sciences
Health sciences
Architecture
Business

6. LUT University

LUT University is particularly well known for technology, business and sustainability-related education.

It can be attractive to international students interested in:

Energy
Sustainability
Engineering
Business
Technology
Environmental solutions
Industrial management

Students interested in renewable energy and sustainable technology should place LUT on their research list.

7. University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland has campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio and offers studies across several disciplines.

It is worth investigating for:

Health sciences
Environmental sciences
Business
Education
Computer science
Social sciences
Forestry

The university’s location can also offer a different cost-of-living profile from Helsinki.

8. Åbo Akademi University

Åbo Akademi University offers education and research in a range of disciplines and has a strong international profile.

Students should note that some programmes may be taught in Swedish or English, so applicants need to verify the language requirements of their specific study option.

Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland

International students should not focus only on traditional research universities.

Finland also has Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS).

These institutions are often strongly career-oriented and can be attractive for students interested in:

Nursing
Information technology
Engineering
Business
Tourism
Logistics
Construction
Health care
Media
Practical technology

Examples include:

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK)
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Turku University of Applied Sciences
LAB University of Applied Sciences
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Oulu University of Applied Sciences

The best choice depends on your intended profession.

Finland Tuition Fees for International Students in 2027

The exact tuition fee for 2027 depends on:

University
Degree level
Programme
Nationality
Residence status
Language of instruction

As examples of current published fee structures:

University	Typical Current Fee
University of Helsinki	€13,000–€18,000/year
Aalto University	€12,000–€20,000/year
Tampere University	€10,000–€12,000/year
TAMK	Around €12,000/year

These figures should be treated as examples rather than a universal 2027 price list. Universities can change their tuition levels and individual programmes can have different fees.

Finland Scholarships for International Students in 2027

Scholarships are one of the most important aspects of studying in Finland.

However, applicants need to understand what Finnish universities mean by “scholarship.”

In many cases, the scholarship is a tuition-fee waiver, not a cash payment for your entire life in Finland.

This distinction can dramatically affect your financial planning.

Aalto University Excellence Scholarship

Aalto University offers the Aalto University Excellence Scholarship to a limited number of tuition-fee-liable students.

The scholarship is merit-based and highly competitive.

Importantly, it is a 100% tuition-fee waiver. However, it does not cover living expenses. Aalto states that students must finance their living expenses and other study-related costs themselves.

This makes it an excellent tuition scholarship but not necessarily a completely “fully funded” scholarship in the traditional sense.

How to Apply

You normally apply for the scholarship during the university admission process.

Aalto says applicants who are liable to tuition fees can indicate that they wish to apply for the scholarship on the admission application.

You cannot simply wait until after admission and submit a late scholarship application.

University of Helsinki Scholarships

The University of Helsinki has a scholarship programme for international master’s applicants who are liable to tuition fees.

However, applicants should read the programme-specific information carefully.

The university also explicitly states on some programme pages that it does not offer fully funded scholarships, meaning students must plan for their living costs separately.

This is an important reminder that “scholarship available” does not automatically mean “all expenses paid.”

Tampere University Scholarships

Tampere University offers scholarship opportunities to eligible fee-paying international students.

Its scholarships are aimed at meritorious, high-achieving and motivated applicants.

Applicants should check the current scholarship conditions for their specific 2027 study option.

Tampere University of Applied Sciences Scholarships

TAMK offers scholarship options to students subject to tuition fees.

Its current scholarship system includes waivers or discounts based on factors such as acceptance/payment arrangements, academic progression and Finnish-language learning.

This can make TAMK worth considering if your priority is a career-focused degree and manageable tuition.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

International students should also consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

These are EU-supported international master’s programmes involving multiple higher-education institutions.

Some Erasmus Mundus scholarships can provide extensive financial support, depending on the specific programme.

They can be particularly attractive for students who want to study in more than one European country.

Official information:

https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/study-opportunities/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters

Are Finland Scholarships Fully Funded?

This requires a careful explanation.

Many university scholarships in Finland are not fully funded in the conventional sense.

A scholarship may cover:

50% of tuition
100% of tuition

while leaving you responsible for:

Rent
Food
Insurance
Transportation
Residence permit costs
Books
Personal expenses
Flights

Aalto explicitly states that its Excellence Scholarship does not cover living costs.

Therefore, if your goal is a genuinely fully funded programme, look beyond university tuition waivers and investigate external scholarships, Erasmus Mundus opportunities and other funding sources.

Admission Requirements to Study in Finland

Requirements depend on the programme.

However, international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programmes may need:

Valid passport
Previous academic qualification
Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency
CV
Motivation letter
Portfolio, where applicable
Entrance examination or SAT/ACT, where applicable
Programme-specific prerequisites
Application fee, where applicable

The University of Helsinki, for example, says master’s applicants must have completed a suitable first-cycle degree or equivalent and meet programme-specific requirements.

Can You Study in Finland Without IELTS?

The answer is sometimes, but there is no universal IELTS exemption.

Universities determine acceptable evidence of English proficiency.

Depending on the programme, they may accept:

IELTS
TOEFL
Cambridge English
PTE
Certain previous studies conducted in English
Other accepted evidence

The exact rules should be checked on the individual programme’s official admissions page.

Don’t assume that being from an English-speaking country automatically means you are exempt.

Likewise, don’t automatically pay for IELTS before checking whether your programme accepts another form of proof.

Finland Application Fee for Non-EU Students

Another important change for international applicants is the Finnish higher-education application fee.

Since 1 January 2025, applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland generally have to pay a €100 national application fee when applying to degree programmes in Finnish higher education, subject to exemptions.

The fee is collected through the national Studyinfo application process.

The University of Helsinki states that the €100 fee covers all applications to studies beginning during the same academic term.

This is an important expense to include in your 2027 application budget.

How to Apply to Study in Finland in 2027

Finland’s national higher-education application system is Studyinfo.

The general process is:

Step 1: Find a programme

Research programmes through Studyinfo and university websites.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Read the programme-specific admission requirements.

Step 3: Prepare documents

Get your:

Transcript
Certificate
Passport
Language evidence
CV
Motivation letter
Portfolio, if needed

ready.

Step 4: Check the application period

Don’t assume all Finnish universities have the same deadline.

Step 5: Submit the application

Complete the application through the relevant application system.

Step 6: Pay the application fee if required

Non-EU/EEA applicants generally need to pay the €100 national fee unless exempt.

Step 7: Apply for scholarships

Where the university allows scholarship applications alongside admission, complete that section during the same application period.

Step 8: Wait for admission

Monitor your email and Studyinfo account.

Step 9: Accept your study place

Follow the university’s deadline.

Step 10: Apply for the residence permit

Once admitted, begin the immigration process immediately.

Finland Student Residence Permit Requirements for 2027

Students from outside the EU/EEA generally need a residence permit to study in Finland for longer periods.

The Finnish Immigration Service states that a student residence permit can be granted to someone accepted at a Finnish educational institution when the studies lead to a degree or vocational qualification, among other eligible study situations.

The application should generally be made from abroad for a first residence permit.

Financial Requirement for Finland Student Residence Permit

This is one of the most important requirements.

Migri currently requires students to have at least:

€800 per month

for living expenses.

For studies lasting one year or longer, this means:

€9,600 available for the first year.

The funds are intended for living expenses such as:

Accommodation
Food
Personal expenses
Other basic living costs

What If You Have a Scholarship?

A scholarship can count toward your financial resources if it covers living expenses.

For example, if you receive a €2,000 grant toward living costs, the amount required in your own funds can be reduced accordingly, subject to Migri’s rules.

However, a tuition-only scholarship does not eliminate the need to demonstrate living funds.

This is why students should carefully read the scholarship award letter.

Do You Need to Show Tuition Money?

Potentially, yes.

If you have not yet paid your tuition fee when applying for the residence permit, Migri states that you must have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the tuition fee as well as the required living funds.

W you have already paid the tuition fee, provide evidence of payment.

If you have a scholarship covering the tuition fee, provide the scholarship certificate.

Health Insurance Requirements

International students also need appropriate private insurance.

Migri requires students to have insurance covering medical and pharmaceutical expenses.

For students whose studies last two years or longer, Migri’s guidance states that the insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least €40,000.

The exact coverage requirements can depend on the duration and type of studies.

Documents for Finland Student Residence Permit

Prepare documents such as:

Valid passport
Passport photograph
Admission letter
Proof of financial resources
Bank statements
Scholarship certificate, if applicable
Tuition-fee payment evidence
Insurance certificate
Other documents requested by Migri

Migri recommends submitting complete documentation because incomplete applications can delay processing.

Finland Student Residence Permit Application Fee

Migri currently lists the electronic application fee for a first study residence permit at:

€600

The paper application fee is currently:

€750.

Fees can change, so check the official Migri page before submitting your application.

Can Finnish International Students Work While Studying?

Yes.

Students holding a Finnish residence permit for studies are currently allowed to work in paid employment for an average of 30 hours per week.

The annual calculation allows flexibility: some weeks can involve more work, provided the average does not exceed the applicable limit.

During holidays, students can work full-time, provided the annual/average requirement is respected.

However, students should not build their residence-permit financial plan around finding a part-time job after arrival.

Migri requires proof of financial resources when you apply for the first permit, and you cannot rely on future employment to meet that initial income requirement.

Cost of Living in Finland for International Students

Finland is not one of Europe’s cheapest destinations.

Your largest monthly expenses are likely to be:

Rent
Food
Transportation
Insurance
Mobile/internet
Study materials
Personal expenses

Migri’s minimum financial requirement is €800 per month, but students should not necessarily treat that figure as a comfortable universal budget.

Actual spending depends heavily on:

City
Housing type
Lifestyle
Food habits
Transportation
Accommodation subsidy or student housing availability

Cost of Living in Helsinki

Helsinki is generally one of the more expensive places to live in Finland.

Students should budget carefully for:

Rent
Groceries
Transport
Utilities
Insurance
Personal expenses

If your university is in the Helsinki metropolitan area, securing student accommodation early can make a significant difference.

Aalto also notes that students need to finance their living expenses separately from tuition.

Cost of Living Outside Helsinki

Cities such as:

Tampere
Turku
Oulu
Joensuu
Kuopio
Lappeenranta

may offer different housing costs and lifestyles.

This does not mean every city is automatically cheap.

Instead, compare:

Tuition + Rent + Food + Transportation + Scholarship + Job opportunities

before choosing your university.

Practical Student Budget

A student might create a preliminary monthly budget like this:

Expense	Estimated Planning Range
Accommodation	€350–€700+
Food	€200–€350
Transportation	€30–€70
Phone/Internet	€20–€40
Personal expenses	€100–€200
Study/miscellaneous	€50–€100
Approximate total	€750–€1,460+

These are planning estimates, not official Finnish government figures. Your actual expenses can be higher or lower.

For immigration purposes, however, remember that Migri’s current minimum financial requirement is €800 per month.

Best Courses to Study in Finland in 2027

Finland is especially attractive for students interested in fields connected to innovation and technology.

Consider:

Computer Science

Excellent for students interested in:

Software engineering
Artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity
Data science
Cloud computing

Engineering

Popular areas include:

Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Civil engineering
Environmental engineering
Energy engineering

Business

Potential areas include:

Finance
International business
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Business analytics

Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Finland’s natural environment and research strengths make this an interesting area.

Health Sciences

There are opportunities in:

Public health
Biomedical science
Health technology
Nursing

Education

Finland’s international reputation in education makes education-related programmes particularly attractive.

How to Increase Your Chances of Admission

Choose the Right Programme

Don’t apply simply because a university is famous.

Choose a programme that matches your previous education.

Meet Every Requirement

Missing one critical prerequisite can eliminate your application.

Prepare Early

Collect documents months before the deadline.

Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain why the programme fits your academic and career goals.

Prepare for Tests

If the programme requires SAT, ACT, English testing or another assessment, prepare early.

Apply for Scholarships

If scholarship applications are integrated into the admission process, don’t skip the scholarship section.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Finland Scholarship

Scholarships can be highly competitive.

A strong applicant should demonstrate:

Excellent academic performance
Clear career goals
Strong programme fit
Relevant experience
Leadership or extracurricular achievement
Strong motivation
Evidence of future potential

For Aalto, scholarships are merit-based and awarded competitively to the highest-achieving applicants according to programme-specific criteria.

This means simply ticking the scholarship box is not enough.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

Mistake 1: Assuming Finland Is Free

Most non-EU/EEA students in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes pay tuition.

Mistake 2: Treating a Tuition Waiver as Full Funding

A 100% tuition scholarship may still leave you responsible for rent and food.

Mistake 3: Waiting Until Admission Before Checking Immigration Requirements

Financial and insurance requirements can affect your ability to relocate.

Mistake 4: Relying on Part-Time Work

You need to demonstrate sufficient funds when applying for your first residence permit.

Mistake 5: Applying After the Deadline

Some programmes have only one annual intake.

Mistake 6: Using Unofficial Agents

You do not necessarily need a paid consultant to complete the residence permit application. Migri explicitly says you do not need to use fee-based consultancy services for the application.

Mistake 7: Choosing a Programme Without Checking Its Language

Not every Finnish degree is taught in English.

Finland Study Timeline for the 2027 Intake

During 2026

Start researching universities and programmes.

Check:

Admission requirements
Tuition fees
Scholarships
English requirements
Application deadlines

September–December 2026

For some master’s programmes, applications begin before the end of 2026.

Aalto’s current 2027 master’s application period, for example, runs from 7 December 2026 to 5 January 2027.

January 2027

This is a particularly important application period.

The University of Helsinki’s international master’s applications are currently scheduled for 5–19 January 2027.

Aalto’s English-taught bachelor’s applications are currently listed for 7–22 January 2027.

March 2027

Some bachelor’s admission routes continue into March.

The University of Helsinki currently lists 9–23 March 2027 for one bachelor’s admission group.

After Admission

Once you receive your offer:

Accept your study place.
Confirm your scholarship.
Pay tuition if required.
Prepare your residence-permit application.
Purchase required insurance.
Demonstrate financial resources.
Complete identity verification.
Prepare for relocation.

Can You Stay in Finland After Graduation?

Finland offers a residence permit route for graduates who want to look for work or start a business.

Migri states that graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business after completing a degree in Finland. The permit can be granted for a maximum of two years.

The application has financial requirements, and Migri currently requires at least €800 per month for the job-search/start-business permit unless applicable rules provide otherwise.

This can make Finland particularly interesting for students who want to build a career in the country after graduation.

Can a Finnish Degree Help With Long-Term Residence?

A Finnish degree can potentially contribute to longer-term residence plans, but graduation alone does not automatically guarantee permanent residence.

Migri identifies a specific permanent-residence pathway based on a degree completed in Finland, subject to the applicable conditions.

Students planning a long-term future in Finland should therefore learn about:

Residence permits
Employment
Integration
Language learning
Permanent residence
Citizenship requirements

well before graduation.

Is Finland a Good Choice for Nigerian Students?

Finland can be an attractive option for Nigerian students who can meet the academic, financial and immigration requirements.

The key considerations are:

Academic quality

Finland has reputable universities across technology, business, engineering, health and other fields.

English-taught programmes

There are numerous English-language programmes, particularly at master’s level.

Scholarships

Universities offer competitive tuition scholarships, although many do not cover living expenses.

Safety

Finland is generally regarded as a safe and well-organised country.

Employment

International students can work within the limits of their residence permit.

Post-study options

Graduates can potentially apply for a residence permit to look for work or start a business.

The biggest challenge for many applicants will be financing tuition and living expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Finland free for international students in 2027?

Not generally for non-EU/EEA students studying English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes. Most such students are liable for tuition fees.

How much does it cost to study in Finland?

Tuition varies by university and programme. Current examples include €10,000–€12,000 at Tampere University, €13,000–€18,000 at the University of Helsinki, and €12,000–€20,000 at Aalto depending on degree and field.

How much money do I need for a Finland student residence permit?

Migri currently requires at least €800 per month, equivalent to €9,600 for one year, for living expenses. Tuition funds may need to be demonstrated separately if tuition has not already been paid.

Can I work while studying in Finland?

Yes. Students with a study residence permit can currently work in paid employment for an average of 30 hours per week, subject to the applicable rules.

Can I study in Finland without IELTS?

Possibly. The accepted proof of English depends on the university and programme. Check the specific programme’s official language requirements before paying for a test.

What is the Finland student residence permit fee?

Migri currently lists an electronic first residence permit application fee of €600 and a paper application fee of €750.

What is the application fee for international students?

Since 1 January 2025, non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants generally pay a €100 national application fee for degree-level higher education applications in Finland, subject to exemptions.

Can I bring my family to Finland as a student?

Family members can potentially receive residence permits under Finland’s family-ties rules. The exact requirements and financial conditions depend on the circumstances, so families should check Migri’s current guidance before applying.

Does Aalto University offer fully funded scholarships?

Aalto offers Excellence Scholarships that provide 100% tuition-fee waivers, but these scholarships do not cover living costs.

What are the best universities in Finland?

Among the universities international applicants should research are:

University of Helsinki
Aalto University
Tampere University
University of Turku
University of Oulu
LUT University
University of Eastern Finland
Åbo Akademi University

The best option depends on your course, budget, scholarship prospects and career objectives.

Official Websites to Explore

Studyinfo Finland:

Finnish Immigration Service – Student Residence Permit:

Migri – Income Requirement for Students:

Final Thoughts

Studying in Finland in 2027 can be an excellent opportunity for international students who want a respected European education, modern research facilities and a potential pathway into the Finnish labor market after graduation.

However, applicants should approach Finland with realistic financial expectations. Finland is not generally tuition-free for non-EU/EEA students in English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. Tuition can range from around €10,000 to €20,000 or more depending on the university and program.

Scholarships can substantially reduce the cost. Aalto, for example, offers competitive 100% tuition-fee waivers, but its Excellence Scholarship does not cover living expenses. Other Finnish universities also offer various tuition discounts and scholarship arrangements.

The residence-permit process is another major consideration. At present, students need to demonstrate at least €800 per month for living expenses, and additional funds may be required for unpaid tuition. Students also need appropriate health insurance.

For the 2027 intake, start early. Some master’s application periods begin in December 2026, while major January 2027 application windows include the University of Helsinki’s international master’s programs and Aalto’s English-taught bachelor’s programs.

If you are serious about studying in Finland, don’t wait for admission before planning your finances and residence permit. Research your program, scholarship, tuition, accommodation and immigration requirements together.

Most importantly, use official university, Studyinfo and Migri sources when making decisions. Rules, fees and deadlines can change, and official information should always take priority over old blog posts or social-media claims.