How to apply for admission to Open University courses through the admission service
Contents:
Further details:
FAQ: admissions | Pricing policy | Open University’s payment terms and cancellation policy
Changes to registration in spring 2025 – check the registration method on the course page
Starting from the spring of 2025, students will register for the majority of Open University courses through the Sisu system.
However, this new registration method does not apply to courses where admission depends on the completion of specific prerequisites or students’ aptitude. For these courses, students apply for admission through the Open University’s admission service.
The instructions provided on this page apply to course applications submitted through the admission service.
All our course and module pages include a direct link to the appropriate registration or admission service. If course registration is initiated by clicking the “Sign up” link on the course page, please read the instructions for registering for courses via the Sisu system.
How to apply for admission
- 1
Search for courses that match your interests
Explore the Open University’s course offerings online.
- 2
Check registration dates and course prerequisites
When you find courses that interest you, visit the course pages to check the registration dates.
Seats are typically filled on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the application submission dates. Intermediate courses are an exception, as students are selected according to specific criteria, which will be listed on the course pages before registration opens.
In addition, the course page will indicate if certain prerequisite courses must be completed before registering for the course.
- 3
Check our study fees, payment terms and cancellation policy
Study fees are shown on the course pages. Please note that your registration is binding and our study fees are non-refundable unless the cancellation is due to medical reasons.
- 4
Once registration opens, go to the Open University’s admission service and select the courses you wish to attend
- Go to the admission service and search for the courses you wish to complete. You can search courses by course code, course name, faculty or location.
- Select the course implementation rounds and modules you wish to complete.
- Click Sign up.
- You need to verify your identity using your online banking credentials before accessing the application form. Choose the appropriate option:
- Application form: select this option if you can verify your identity using online banking credentials, a mobile certificate, a citizen certificate or eIDAS identification token.
- Staff: select this option if you a member of Tampere University staff.
- Other: select this option if you do not have online banking credentials, a mobile certificate or a Finnish personal identity number.
- Fill out the application form. Please ensure you enter your email address correctly.
- If you selected the “Other” option, fill in the course code or course name and the method of completion in the Message field.
- Go to the admission service and search for the courses you wish to complete. You can search courses by course code, course name, faculty or location.
- 5
Monitor your email and pay the study fee within the next 3 days
After processing your application, we will notify you via email about the outcome of your application or if you have been placed on a waiting list. This email will be sent to the address you provided when you registered. If you cannot find this email in your Inbox, please check your Spam and Junk folders.
If you are admitted, you will also receive instructions for paying the study fee via email, with a separate payment link for each unit of study.
The study fee must be paid within three days. Otherwise, you will forfeit your place at the Open University, and it will be offered to an applicant on the waiting list. Once you have paid the study fee, your acceptance of our offer of admission is binding.
- 6
Activate your user account and complete mandatory information security training
Before you begin your studies, you must activate your Tampere University user account, which you need to access our student systems, and complete our mandatory online course on information security. Detailed instructions will be provided via email.
- Activate your user account.
- Complete the mandatory information security course.
Read more about activating your user account and completing information security training
Contact us
Do you need assistance with applying for admission or planning your studies? Please contact us via email at open.studies.tau [at] tuni.fi (open[dot]studies[dot]tau[at]tuni[dot]fi) or by phone at +358 294 520 881. You can reach us by phone from 12:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday. Please check below for any changes in our service hours.