Open University
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 1000 implementations in Finnish and 200 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.
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
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. Apply now for the studies in the spring semester! The application periods vary, so please check detailed information under the information section of each course unit or study module. Please note that we also have continuous application for some studies.
How can you apply for a study right at Open University?
You can apply for the studies via Open University’s admission service. Students are mainly admitted in the order of arrival of the applications, so please familiarise yourself with the application instructions and apply to our studies among the first ones! On our webpage Applying to Open University, you will find more information about course fees, terms of payment and cancelling the studies.
The student well-being and life skills courses
Did you receive a study right for Open University studies? Tampere University organises a free of charge course for Open University students. The topics of this 1 ECTS course include, e.g., skills for coping with thoughts and emotions, improving your psychological well-being, psychological flexibility and self-compassion.
Apply by 12 February 2025!
More information about the student well-being and life skills course
Come and try the Pomodore technique
The Get Stuff Done! -study sessions aimed at students will help you to work independently. In these sessions, you will study independently with a staff member timing your work and breaks. You can come along to, for example, read for an exam, write your study diary, do research for a thesis or compose an essay. The sessions will be held online and as hybrid. The study sessions are organised in a cooperation involving four universities, and you can attend the sessions several times a week until the end of the semester!
Read more about the study sessions (Tuni account required)
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.
Get to know library's services
A broad range of Tampere University Library’s services is also available to Open University students. Please visit the Student's Guide and the Library’s website for more information.
Watch a short presentation of Tampere University Library’s services (panopto.eu)
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 about applying or planning your studies? Do not hesitate to contact us by email open.studies.tau@tuni.fi or by phone +358 294 520 881. You can reach us by phone at 12-14 on weekdays. Please check any changes in the schedule below.