Student benefits for Open University students

Studying at the Open University is a part-time activity that does not lead to a degree. Open University students are therefore not eligible for student financial aid or any student benefits or discounts, such as discounted meals in the campus restaurants or the sporting opportunities that are available to our degree students.  

Open University students may be eligible for financial aid intended for adult students, if they are pursuing further or continuing education by taking courses at the Open University. For more information, please see the website of the Employment Fund. 

If you are unemployed, please contact the TE Office to inquire about the possibility to complete Open University courses on a part-time basis without losing your unemployment benefits. Unlike full-time studies, part-time studies will generally not make a person ineligible for unemployment benefits. You will be considered to be studying full-time, if you earn, on average, five or more credits per month. In some cases it may be possible to study full-time as part of an employment plan (read more: A jobseeker’s independent study can be supported by unemployment benefit http://www.te-palvelut.fi/te/en/jobseekers/career_education_training/independent_study/index.html). Please be sure to contact the TE Office before starting your studies at the Open University. The TE Office will consider whether an unemployed person remains eligible for benefits while studying on a case-by-case basis.    

Study leave may be granted to working adults to allow them to take time off from work to complete studies or training. Visit the TE Office website to read more.