- First, fill in an application for school transport subsidy in the OmaKela e-service. Please note that the service is only available in Finnish and Swedish. For detailed instructions on how to apply, visit Kela’s website. You will need online banking credentials or a mobile certificate for strong authentication. You can obtain them from your bank or mobile service provider.
- Once you have received an electronic proof from Kela confirming your right to purchase tickets, you can activate your subsidized school journey ticket directly on the HSL app. The information regarding your right to purchase tickets is transferred to HSL electronically. Before buying your ticket, make sure you have updated the HSL app to the latest version. More information about the HSL app.
Alternatively, you can buy your ticket onto your HSL card at a service point. See service point locations. Remember to bring an identity document when visiting a service point.
Where is the ticket valid?
You can travel as often as you like within the zones covered by your HSL ticket, as long as it is valid. The zones are determined on the basis of your place of study and place of residence, so that the ticket is valid for travel between your school and your home. For instance, if you live in zone C and your place of study is located in zone A, your school journey ticket will be valid in zones ABC. More information about zones
The school transport subsidy, granted by Kela, provides compensation for the cost of travelling to and from school. Kela may grant you school transport subsidy if you are enrolled in an upper secondary educational institution, such as an upper secondary school or a vocational education institute, and if your journey to school is at least 7 kilometers long, provided you also meet the other eligibility criteria. You can apply for school transport subsidy by filling in an online application in the OmaKela e-service. Please note that the OmaKela service is only available in Finnish and Swedish. If you are unable to complete the form in Finnish or Swedish, please contact Kela. They can assist you in completing the form or can accept an oral application as an alternative.