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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 autumn semester from 2 August 2023 onwards. We are currently updating the course offerings for autumn 2023. More detailed information on the teaching in the autumn semester will be published in July.

How to apply to study at the Open University?

Open University studies are open to everyone regardless of age or previous studies. The studies are mainly subject to a fee (€15 per credit).

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.

Frequently asked questions about studying at Open University (in Finnish only)

Practical instructions for students in the Student’s Guide

Open university courses for Ukrainian students

Tampere University offers free study opportunities to degree students who arrive in Finland due to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

The English-taught courses are aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s level students whose studies in a Ukrainian higher education institution have been interrupted. Tampere University wants to support students by offering them the possibility to study open university courses without fees until 31 July 2023. 

Please note that studying at the Open University does not lead to a degree. Students are therefore not eligible for student financial aid or any student benefits or discounts.

Application form

More information for students arriving from Ukraine

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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. Application period for Master's routes is from 29 June to 12 July 2023. Application period for Bachelor's route is from 31 July to 13 August 2023.

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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: avoin.tau@tuni.fi or by phone: +358 29 452 0200.