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Open University

Open University is an excellent option in many situations. You can complete parts of your degree, deepen and update your knowledge, or study the fields you are interested in for fun. The course offerings are wide, the fees are affordable, and course units are implemented in a variety of ways, for example, as contact and distance teaching. Open University offers studies for everyone – regardless of age, previous studies, or life situation.

What can you study at the Open University?

At the Open University, you can complete course units and study modules included in the degree studies organised by Tampere University. There are teaching offerings available from all the seven faculties at the University, varying from basic to advanced studies. You may select one or more course units from almost 1800 implementations in Finnish and 400 implementations in English-language per year to suit your needs. After you have completed certain Open University studies, it may also be possible to apply for a place in degree programmes.

Browse our course offerings

Please note however that Open University studies are mainly targeted for those already living in Finland. It is usually not possible to get a long-term student residence permit to Finland based on Open University courses.

If you are considering coming to Finland and wish to study at our Open University, you can find useful information about migration to Finland on the Finnish Immigration Service website. Please note that Open University students are not entitled to the same financial or social benefits as degree students.

Current issues at Open University

Are you looking for studies to quench your thirst for knowledge or to develop your competence? Study for the future and pursue the career path of your dreams. You can apply for the studies beginning in the fall semester from 7 August at 10:00 am onwards. However, the application periods vary so do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail: open.studies.tau@tuni.fi or by phone: +358 294 520 881.

Pricing policy and how to apply to study at the Open University

Open University studies are open to everyone regardless of age or previous studies.
 
Tampere University’s Open University is set to revise its pricing policy in August 2024 in response to the Finnish Government’s recent decision to increase the cap on open university tuition fees.

The tuition fees charged by Tampere University’s Open University will change at the beginning of August 2024, when the Open University introduces three pricing categories. 

  • The first category includes studies that are free of charge. These include foundation courses that prepare candidates for admission to university and can lead to direct entry into a degree programme as well as courses supporting studies and introductory courses.
  • The second category includes basic and intermediate studies as well as other studies. The tuition fee charged for these studies will be €20 per ECTS credit from August onwards.
  • The third category includes advanced studies, which will be priced at €30 per ECTS credit.

The Open University’s tuition fees will also apply to other fee-based, non-degree studies that are completed at Tampere University.

You can apply for the implementations of studies via the Open University admission service. Student admissions are generally made based on the order in which applications are received.

Please see the guidelines for applying

What is it like to study at the Open University?

As an open university student at Tampere University you usually study in the same group as the degree students. The course units are therefore implemented in a variety of ways, for example, as contact and distance teaching, online, or via other completion methods. You will find the possible completion methods under the information section of each course unit or study module. Read more on studies and other practical issues related to studying at the Open University below.

Practical instructions for students in the Student’s Guide

Open University Routes

Tampere University offers alternative ways to apply for a study place in our degree programmes. Having completed studies in one of our Open University Routes, you may be eligible to apply to a degree programme later. Our English-language routes are offered in the field of technology. We are offering one route to the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Science and Engineering, and several routes to our master’s degree programmes.

Contact us

Do you need advice or guidance on planning your studies or applying for studies? Please feel free to contact us by e-mail: open.studies.tau@tuni.fi or by phone: +358 29 452 0200.