Frequently asked questions

What can I study at Open University Studies?

You can study courses which are parts of degree programmes, excluding a thesis and on-the-job training. If you later decide to apply for a degree programme, your open studies can compensate part of your degree studies. The available studies cover all fields of education; they however differ depending on the University of Applied Sciences. You can get acquainted with open studies through Course Guard. If you do not find training you are looking for, you can send us information about educational need. Ask for more information about possible open studies with degree students from the nearest University of Applied Sciences.

How do I apply for Open Studies?

Get acquainted with available studies and enrol for the desired course through web or contact the nearest University of Applied Sciences for possible studies with degree students. If the number of students for a certain course is restricted, the applicants will be accepted in the enrolment order. The deadline for enrolments can be seen in the course website.

Is there a minimum or maximum age for students? What about requirements for previous studies?

There are no age limits for Open Studies, nor are there any special requirements for basic education. If there are any requirements for the course, these will be defined in the course description.

Is studying free-of-charge?

Open University Studies are not free-of-charge but fairly inexpensive, because the Ministry of Education supports them. The tuition fee can be for a course, semester or academic year, and it varies according to the University of Applied Sciences. Exact fees can be found on the website of the University in question.

How long do the studies take?

The extent of studies is informed as ECTS credits. One credit stands for about 27 hours of work. The workload for degree students is 1600 hours per academic year, standing for 60 credits. This workload is usually divided between direct contact teaching and independent work, depending on the teaching arrangements of the course.

How much can I study, can I complete a degree?

The number of open studies is not restricted. You can study all courses of the University of Applied Sciences, excluding on-the-job training and a thesis. At Open Studies it is not possible to complete a degree programme which always requires approval through normal application process. For more information about application times and admission criteria please visit e.g. the website of a University of Applied Sciences.

Why is it worth while to study at Open Studies?

You can develop and update your professional skills required in today’s working life.
You aim at applying for degree studies and want to know more about your study field beforehand.
You acquire more information/skills in topics which interest you.

If you aim at degree studies in the future, there are many benefits:
Completed open studies can compensate part of your degree studies.
You get extra points in joint application for adult degree programmes.
You are (in some universities) eligible for adult degree programmes, if you have at least 60 credits of studies suitable for the degree programme.
You have a chance to get acquainted with an interesting professional field.

Is it possible to study in addition to regular work?

Open studies are arranged as separate open courses in evenings and weekends, as web-based studying and together with the groups of degree students. Practices can vary by the University of Applied Sciences. For more information about schedules and studies in addition to work contact the University in question.

If I start open studies, do I lose my unemployment compensation?

Unemployed students can usually complete studies without losing their unemployment compensation. It is, however, recommended to always ask in advance from your labour union, an employment agency or Kela.

Do I get study grant?

Open studies are not regarded as full-time studies and the students are therefore not entitled to study grant or other financial benefits, such as discounted prices in trains and busses or meal subsidies.

How do I purchase study material and exam books, do they cost?

Information about course material and required literature is given in the beginning of the course. The literature is also mentioned in the course description. The study material is usually given to students by the lecturer and the literature can be acquired from a library. Universities of Applied Sciences have their own libraries which are glad to help you.

Can I somehow benefit from my Open University Studies if I start a degree programme?

Yes you can. Open studies are in accordance with the curricula of the University of Applied Sciences. If you apply for and are elected to a degree programme later, your open studies can compensate part of your degree studies. Curricula of different Universities of Applied Sciences vary, therefore the compensation of studies is decided case by case. Applications for degree programmes through website www.admissions.fi

Do I get a certificate of open studies?

Upon completing your studies, you will get either an official transcript or a certificate.