Plan your studies
By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.
Search for degree programme
When you search for a degree programme by name or by part of the name the options in the list of degree programmes below the search field is narrowed down. After this you have to choose the degree programme from the list.
Open University programmes
Bachelor's Programmes
Master's and Licentiate's Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Specialist training programmes
Instructions
Scope and structure of the degree
On this page you will find information on the structure of undergraduate degrees, or first and second-cycle higher education degrees, at the University of Helsinki.
Study planning and PSP guidance
A personal study plan (PSP) is part of every degree. In a PSP, you can yourself plan how you intend to progress in your studies. On this page you will find your degree programme's PSP instructions.
Where can I find courses?
This page provides information on where you should search for courses at different stages of your studies.
Courses for Exchange Students at the City Centre campus
On this page you will find a preliminary list of courses 2023-24 offered at the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Social Sciences.
Courses for Exchange Students at the Kumpula Campus
Here you can find courses offered by the Faculty of Science (Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Geography, Urban Studies and Planning, Computer Science, Data Science).
Courses for Exchange Students at the Meilahti Campus
This page links to the courses offered by the Faculty of Medicine (Medicine, Psychology and Translational Medicine)
Courses for Exchange Students at the Viikki Campus
Here you can find courses offered by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Curriculum and Equivalence between curricula
Here you can find information on the curriculum and the equivalence tables of your degree programme.
Language and communication studies included in a bachelor’s degree
All degrees include a certain amount of compulsory communication and language studies. On this page you will find information on language and communication studies included in a Bachelor's degree.
Language proficiency demonstrated in the master’s degree
In some cases, you have to demonstrate the language proficiency as defined in the Government Decree on University Degrees in your second-cycle degree. On this page you will find information on the demonstration of language proficiency as well as exemption from language requirements.
Transfer of credits for communication and language studies
This page provides information on how to transfer credits for communication and language studies to your degree.
Language PSP – Proficiency in the languages of Finland
The aim of this Language PSP (personal study plan) is to help you reflect on and set goals for learning Finnish/Swedish – primarily independently and, if necessary, through discussions with your teachers.
Language Centre Course Assistant Programme for international students
The idea of the Course Assistant Programme is to invite students to support fellow students in language learning. This page explains who can apply and what it means in practice to take part in the programme.
Recognition of prior learning through credit transfer
Credit transfer is a procedure whereby you receive credits for previously completed studies or other learning. On this page you will find information on recognition of prior learning through credit transfer.
Subject Teacher Education Programme in English (STEP)
The Subject Teacher Education Programme in is a one-year (60 ECTS) programme for students aiming to qualify as subject teachers.
Course selection in Swedish
On this page you will find information on the university's course selection in Swedish.
What is my language of secondary education?
In these instructions, the term ‘languages of secondary education’ refers to Finnish and Swedish. If you completed your secondary education in another language, the language of your secondary education is “other than Finnish or Swedish”. This page provides information on the language of secondary education.
Frequently asked questions
Faculties tend to have a certain deadline in the spring for extension applications, but such deadlines are not unconditional. The date tells you that the applications submitted by the deadline will be processed before the end of the academic year. Extensions can be applied for at any time. Applications will usually be processed in a few weeks.
If you are planning to take a break from studying, you should only apply for an extension once you intend to continue studies. Extensions can also be granted after the expiry of the right to study.
From any Student Services service point or by sending an email to their customer service addresses (e.g., viikki-student(at)helsinki.fi). Please include your student number and contact details (email or postal address). No fee will be charged for the certificate of student status or its postage.