Study voucher for the Open University
What is the study voucher?
The study voucher is a payment method funded by the Finnish Government under a three-year pilot programme. The voucher enables holders to complete courses that carry up to 30 ECTS credits free of charge at a Finnish open university or open university of applied sciences. According to the preliminary plan, the voucher will become available in the autumn of 2026.
The voucher is expected to remain valid for two years after the results of Finland’s national joint application round have been published.
Who is eligible to receive the study voucher?
You are entitled to the study voucher if:
- you completed your first upper secondary qualification in Finland (matriculation examination, vocational upper secondary qualification or vocational qualification) after 1 December 2025;
- you are under the age of 29 at the time you complete your upper secondary qualification;
- you applied for a study place in the joint application round in the spring of 2026 but were not offered a place, or did not accept one, at a higher education institution.
Please check whether you are eligible for the study voucher and activate your voucher via the Opin.fi service in August 2026.
Start pursuing the degree of your dreams at the Open University
Do you already know which degree you would like to pursue, or are you still weighing your options? With the study voucher, you can either explore your options by taking basic and introductory courses in different fields or focus on a specific subject area as preparation for your future degree.
Click the links below to browse the courses available in the 2025/26 academic year.
The course offerings for the next academic year will be published in the summer.
Do you know what type of learner you are? You can also use the study voucher to attend courses designed to develop your academic preparedness. These courses help you build your study skills, plan your study schedule and find ways to look after your well‑being. The study voucher also gives you access to study guidance and academic advising throughout your studies.
You can complete, for example, these courses to develop your study skills and promote your well-being:
Course: Academic Study Skills (available in Finnish only)
Frequently asked questions about the study voucher and the Open University
Do you need more information?
- If you have any questions about studying at the Open University, please contact the Student Affairs Office.
- For more information about the study voucher, please visit the Opin.fi website.
- Instructions for Open University students are available in our Student’s Guide.