Frequently asked questions by theme
Course registration
How to apply for courses
In the home screen you will see all the courses offered by Helsinki Adult Education Centre. You can limit the view by selecting the desired selection on the left. SubjectIn the section you will find, for example, day courses or senior courses as a quick selection. Subject areaFrom the menu you can select one or more substances in the same search. You can refine your search course level, weekday or teaching place You can clear the filters you selected Clear selections function or by clicking Courses or Helsinki Adult Education Centre at the top of the page. Keywordfunction, you can search for a course by, for example, the name of the course or teacher.
Is online registration valid if the course fee is not paid immediately?
Registration made in the online course store will lapse if the course is not paid for at the time of registration or a new due date is agreed with the office.
What are the benefits of signing up for the queue?
If the course is full, you can register for the queue in the same way as for the course itself. However, the course fee is not paid until you receive contact from the institute about the availability of a place. It is worth registering for the queue, as some of those who have registered may have to cancel their participation. The queue also allows us to conclude that there is demand for the course and, if necessary, we can establish a parallel group for it.
Why does the college need my personal identification number?
Helsingin aikuisopisto is an educational institution that operates in accordance with a permit granted by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The use of a personal ID is required in liberal arts educational institutions for the following reasons:
- Statistic obligation. The activity is partly funded by the state and statistics must be collected from the activity, for example for the purposes of funding criteria for the National Agency for Education and Statistics Finland. Statistic collection requires the identification of the persons participating in the activity so that statistics can be compiled.
- Legal protection of the participant. Courses in liberal arts education may provide achievements, marks or certificates related to the completion of education, or the courses may be part of education leading to a degree. Information can also be transferred to the Finnish National Agency for Education's KOSKI service if the participant so wishes. In all of the above cases, it must be possible to identify individuals from each other in such a way that the performance data of different individuals cannot be mixed up.
- Billing basis if debt arises from purchasing the service.
Course start
How do I know if there is still space on the course?
You can check the registration status of the courses Course online store. Search for the course you want. Information about the course will appear on the screen, showing whether there is still space available. You can also ask about the registration status at the college office by phone or email.
How many students are needed for the course to start?
Courses usually start with 10 students, depending on the course and its teacher. Courses that do not have enough students will be cancelled a few days before they are due to start. So please remember to ensure that the course starts by registering on time.
Can I still register on the same day the course starts or when it is already underway?
In general, you can register for a course as long as there are still places available. Some courses cover the basics during the first few meetings, which can make it challenging to join in the middle of the semester. However, you can often join, but you can check with the college office. However, remember that the earlier students register, the more likely the course will start. Courses that do not have enough people registered will be cancelled a few days before their start date.
Where are the courses held?
The course location is announced in connection with the course. Most courses are held at the institute's main office at Runeberginkatu 22-24. Also check out other to locations.
What should I bring to the first meeting? What should I wear to a gym or dance class?
The course description will state if you need to bring any equipment or tools with you. You can check with the office if you wish. You will receive more detailed information from the teacher at the first meeting. The basic guideline for physical education and dance courses is that you wear clothes suitable for movement. You do not need your own platform.
Payment and benefits
Does the college offer general discounts to the unemployed, students, or seniors?
The college does not grant personal discounts to the unemployed or students.
A discount is included in the price for senior courses.
I have registered for the course, but I can't find the invoice anywhere.
When you register in the online course store, you will receive an invoice for payment immediately after submitting your registration information. If you have lost your payment information, please contact the school office immediately and we will send you the invoice information.
My employer is paying for the course, but the invoice I received when I registered is invalid.
Please contact the school office and provide your name, the course you are registered for, and your billing information. A billing surcharge of €5 will be added to the invoice.
Changing/Cancelling/Replacing a Course
Can I change courses if I have registered for the wrong course or one that is too difficult/easy?
You can change courses if there is space in another course. Please contact the school office.
I am unable to participate, can I cancel my course registration?
Course registration is binding, but cancellation and refund of the fee is possible once the cancellation conditions are met. If you have to cancel your course, please contact the office immediately. Non-payment of the course fee is not considered a cancellation.
How do I know which course or level is right for me?
If you are having difficulty choosing the right course, please contact us. for study advice, so let's think about it together.
I couldn't make it to the last class, can I make up for the missed class with another one?
Ask your teacher about the possibility of replacing the class with another class from the teacher.
Getting sick
I am ill, can I get a refund for the course fee?
Minor absences usually do not hinder progress in courses. In language courses, teachers can provide information about completed assignments, and in many physical education and dance courses, you can make up for an absence with another course.
As a rule, you can also start the course only after it has started, meaning you can be absent even the first few times.
There is no need to separately notify the office of absences.
If you become ill and cancel your registration no later than 7 days before the start of the course,
- We will refund the course fee paid via online banking, payment card or mobile payment.
- We can usually refund the course fee paid with Edenred, Epass or Smartum to your bank account if the cancellation and payment were made within the same year.
- we can transfer the course fee to another course.
A course that is starting or in progress can be cancelled based on a certificate written by a doctor or nurse. 80% of the remaining course fees will be refunded if illness substantially prevents participation in the course. The portion paid with benefits cannot be refunded, but we can transfer 80% of the course fee to another course.
Trying out a fitness and dance course
If you are having trouble choosing the right course, you can agree to try a class once.
You can try the course if there is still space on the day it starts.
Register online or by email.
Please contact us after registration. office@helao.fi, then you will receive a payment link for the individual lesson.
Trial prices:
45 mins: €12
60 mins: €15
75 mins: €18
90 mins: €20
If the course is right for you, please let us know. We will send you a payment link for the difference in the course fee.
Certificate
You can request a certificate of course completion if you have participated regularly (at least 75% of the study sessions) in the course activities.
If you have attended less than 75% of the study sessions, we can write you a certificate of attendance.
If necessary, we will also write a certificate of enrolment for studies at the Helsinki Adult Education Centre.
Send your request to the college office: toimisto@helao.fi
We will send the certificates to you by email.
Institute
Is Helsinki Adult Education the same as a workers' college?
Helsinki Adult Education Centre is a community college that falls under the scope of the Liberal Educational Work Act and is one of the largest private community colleges in the country. The owner and administrator of the college is the Student Union of the White-collar Employees' Unions. The college receives statutory government subsidies.
Can I study or take courses even if I'm not from Helsinki?
We are a learning and well-being center open to everyone, a community college, whose courses do not require any prior knowledge or skills.
Can someone under 18 years old participate in the courses?
Our courses are mainly intended for people over 15 years of age, unless otherwise stated in the course content. However, we also organize several adult-child courses. You can check this with the office or student counseling.
Lesson length
The length of a meeting is usually stated in lessons. The length of a lesson(s) is 45 minutes.