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.
Bachelor's Programmes
Master's and Licentiate's Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Specialist training programmes
Instructions
Degree structure and scope of the degree
These instructions explain the structures of the undergraduate degrees, or first- and second-cycle higher education degrees, at the University of Helsinki.
Sisu instructions for students
Here you will find current information about Sisu and available support for using it, as well as links to the system’s instructions.
Study planning and supervision
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.
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
Here you can find a preliminary list of courses 2022-2023 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, Computer 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, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Curriculum and Equivalence between curriculums
Here you can find information on the curriculum and the equivalence tables of your degree programme.
How do I register for my courses and exams?
In addition to registering as for the academic year, you will have to register separately for all courses which you intend to complete.
Registration for Language Centre courses
These instructions explain how you can register for Language Centre courses and how are students selected for courses.
Language and communication studies included in a bachelor’s degree
All degrees include a certain amount of compulsory communication and language studies.
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.
Transfer of credits for communication and language studies
Students must apply to the Language Centre for the transfer of credits for communication and language studies to their degree.
Language Centre Course Assistant Programme for international students
There are course assistants in most of the Language Centre courses.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition refers to a procedure where previously acquired learning can be accepted as part of your studies.
Changing study tracks while pursuing a degree
You can change the study track within some of the Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes.
Master's programme options
A Master’s degree is a postgraduate degree that can be completed in 60 Master’s degree programmes at the University of Helsinki.
Would you like to become a subject teacher?
The Subject Teacher Education Programme in is a one-year (60 ECTS) programme for students aiming to qualify as subject teachers.
Expiry of Studies
Disciplines are evolving and curricula are being developed to match the latest, research-based knowledge. The university has set timelines within which your completed studies are valid for degrees or study modules.
Course selection in Swedish
Courses available also 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”.
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.
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.