Apply for Open University studies and register
Helsinki Adult Education Centre organizes Open University studies in cooperation with the Universities of Helsinki, Eastern Finland, Jyväskylä, Turku and Vaasa. Explore the Open University's study offerings and find the studies that suit your goals!
Academic year 2025-2026
Registration is underway.
What are the benefits of completing Open University studies?
Studying at an open university gives you the opportunity to study at a university without age limits or basic education requirements.
The aim of studying is often to strengthen your own competence and develop professionally. With the help of studies, you can complement your professional skills and, among other things, improve your chances of finding a job or changing fields. The studies also prepare you for university entrance exams and, through the open university pathway, it is possible to progress to a degree student. The studies are online, which means they can be completed flexibly regardless of location.
What is it like to study at the Open University?
Students are admitted to the studies in the order of registration. Some subjects may involve a qualifying initial examination. The studies include, among other things, following lectures, group work, exercises, and independent work on literature and various tasks. Most of the studies are organized as online studies. The studies consist mainly of independent work, which can be a considerable amount.
An Open University student receives a certificate of their achievements from the university and can include their academic achievements in their degree if they later qualify to become a full-time student at the university. Students can apply for a separate quota to become a full-time student at the university after completing a certain number of studies.
Enrollment and registration
You can register for study modules as well as for individual courses within a study module, unless otherwise stated in the program. Students are admitted to individual courses if there are places available.
In addition to registering, you must register as a student at the open university that organizes the studies. Once the studies have been confirmed, Helsinki Adult Education Centre will send you a link to register with the university.
The university's tuition fee is paid in the online bank upon registration. After that, the registration is binding and cannot be canceled. If you are unable to register using the registration link provided, you can contact the subject's study secretary at the Open University.
What does studying cost?
Tuition fees consist of fees charged by both the Helsinki Adult Education Centre and the universities and vary between subjects. Fees are shown for each subject. The student fee for open university education usually covers the duration of the course.
Can I replace my previous studies?
If you want to have a previously completed course credited, you must submit a replacement application to the Open University.
How do I register for exams?
For all exams held at the adult education centre, including the main exams and retake exams for lecture series, you must register at least 10 days before the exam, unless otherwise stated for the exam. Those who do not register cannot participate in the examinations. You must always bring your ID and the student number you received from the university when you registered.
The arrival time of exam results and other coursework varies, but we aim to make them available to students on the university's Moodle or WebOodi no later than one month after the exam.
Where can I get a certificate of my completed studies?
You can request an official transcript from the Open University's student advice service.
Cancelling registration for Open University studies
If you wish to cancel your registration, please notify us by email. office@helao.fi.
Will I get my course fee back?
- If you cancel your registration no later than 7 days before the start of the course and you have not registered with the university, we will refund the fee paid.
When is a payment non-refundable?
We will not refund the course fee if
- you are registered at the university
- you cancel the course less than 7 days before the start of the course
- you have registered for the course, but you are not attending
- you discontinue your participation in the course.
Will the university refund the fee?
Registration with the university and course enrolment is binding, and the university will not refund the fee.
Check out the free study skills webinars!
The webinars will cover mindfulness skills and self-compassion as study facilitators, interaction in an online course, and performance anxiety. The webinars are aimed at supporting students pursuing open university studies.
Is there anything left to ponder?
Study advice related to the Open University at the Helsinki Adult Education Centre is provided by Marita Parkkonen, 050 477 3866, marita.parkkonen@helao.fi
Questions about the content of the subject are answered by the university organizing the studies.
The Open University's study guidance service provides help and support for planning your studies, developing your own study skills, or dealing with learning difficulties.
For questions related to registration, Moodle, and the progress of your online studies, you can contact the Open University that organizes your studies and the study secretary or educational planner for your subject.
