The student meal subsidy is a discount applied at participating student restaurants. In practice, you normally do not apply for it separately. The restaurant deducts the subsidy before you pay for lunch.

According to Kela, the discount is 2.80 euros per meal. After the subsidy, a standard student meal costs at most 3.10 euros, while a special meal made from more expensive ingredients can cost 4.50-5.90 euros. Checked from Kela on 26 June 2026: kela.fi/ateriatuki.

How does it show up at checkout?

Most restaurants show the subsidised price directly on the menu or at checkout. You usually need a student card or another accepted way to prove your student status.

If the restaurant participates in the Kela meal subsidy system, you should not need to calculate the discount yourself. The price is normally already marked as the student price.

Why do prices still vary?

Restaurants may offer different meal types, sides and special portions. That is why prices can vary even when the basic subsidy works the same way.

JYU food menu brings restaurants, daily menus and opening hours into one place, so you can choose lunch without opening several separate sites.