For exchange and visiting students

On this page we have collected links to important information on the COVID-19 pandemic situation for incoming exchange students.

Read here for which student status you should apply for.

Here you find the annual application periods and deadlines for exchange and visiting student applicants.

The academic year begins on 1 August and ends on the last day of the following July.

After your Home University has nominated you for student exchange at UH, you can follow these instructions.  

If your home university does not have a student exchange agreement with the University of Helsinki or if your studies in Helsinki are not based on an exchange agreement, you can apply for the visiting student status. 

If you are interested in a laboratory or research group traineeship or wish to work on your thesis at the University of Helsinki, the best way to find a placement is to contact interesting units directly.

This page provides information on where you should search for courses at different stages of your studies.

Have a look at this list of useful hints and sources of information for house hunters.

The Faculties at the University of Helsinki consider every exchange/visiting student application individually and make the admission decision on the basis of the fully completed application form and enclosures.

It is very important that you have good health insurance that is valid during the entire time your studies last. Health insurance is one of the obligatory requirements you will need for obtaining a residence permit for studies.

You must apply for a residence permit if you are not a citizen of EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and you plan to study in Finland for longer than 90 days.

Here you will find information concerning the orientation period and student tutors.

In addition to registering as for the academic year, you will have to register separately for all courses which you intend to complete.

After arriving in Finland you will have to register with a few relevant authorities within a certain period of time.   

You can update your contact details on Sisu or notify a Student service point.

During your exchange at the University of Helsinki you will need the following documents for student discounts or for your home institution. 

Global challenges are tackled through cross-border cooperation - so internationality is important! Go on an exchange period to get to know, learn and question things. Knowledge of cultures, political systems and operating environments also contributes to international cooperation in resolving sustainability crises.

Here you can find events for incoming exchange students. Besides these events, pay attention to the events arranged by the student organisations of the university. Besides HYY, there are many other student associations in each Faculty and study programme.

Newsletters for exchange and visiting students

Here you can find information about grading scales and assessment principles at the University.

These instructions are for exchange students at the University of Helsinki. If you need special arrangements during your studies or wish to extend, cancel or suspend your exchange or if you failed a course, read these instructions.

You should prepare for your return from Finland well before the end of your exchange studies. We have listed here a few things you should not forget. 

If you are coming from abroad to the University of Helsinki as an exchange student or as a visiting student, we are here to help you! We also help degree students in matters concerning studies or traineeships abroad, as well as flexible study rights (JOO) for degree students.

Here you find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

All you need to know about living in and finding your way around Helsinki. Read more about topics like cost of living, student life, health care and well being.

See where to call if you fall ill during your exchange.

Whether you are a new or an old student, here you can find explanations for key terms related to academic studies and student life.

Here you can find information about learning facilities, such as libraries and learning centres.

Learning takes place not just in a variety of physical spaces, but also in digital learning environments.  The University of Helsinki utilises a selection of different digital services to make your studies easier.

HYY’s members consist of all basic degree students of the University of Helsinki as well as postgraduate and exchange students who have joined the Student Union. HYY serves as an advocate, service provider and community for students. The University of Helsinki student associations known as student nations (osakunta in Finnish) are crossdisciplinary communities that bring together students of different ages and fields. The members of a student nation often come from the same region of Finland, but students are free to join any student nation.

From the University of Helsinki's webshop you can purchase merchandise with the university's logo.