The goal is to reserve 10% of student places for applicants who have completed open university courses.
The University of Helsinki is increasing the number of student places offered through the open university route in its bachelor's programmes. The goal is that, in the coming years, 10% of places in these programmes will be allocated to applicants who have previously completed open university studies. In many disciplines, this is already the case.
"Experience has shown that students admitted through the open university route are motivated and committed to their studies. They already have a realistic understanding of university studies, and many have completed parts of their degrees before becoming degree students," says Head of Services Jenni Krapu.
Developing the open university route is important to the University of Helsinki, as it enables students to demonstrate their skills on the basis of completed studies. This is opposed to admissions being based solely on entrance examinations, the Finnish matriculation examination, or equivalent international qualifications. In addition, increasing intake through the route makes admissions routes overall increasingly equal.
Open university route to nearly 30 bachelor's programmes
The open university route currently serves as a channel to almost 30 bachelor's programmes at the University of Helsinki on the basis of completed open university studies. One of the latest additions is the Bachelor's Programme in Pharmacy.
The most popular options available through the open university route include the Bachelor's Programme in Law; the Bachelor's Programme in Politics, Media and Communication; the Bachelor's Programme in Society and Change; and the Bachelor's Programme in Social Research. Open university education is organised both online and on campus. Openly available courses can also be completed during the summer teaching period.
Admissions criteria vary by degree programme. The required scope of completed studies is usually 25 to 60 credits, and consideration is usually also given to academic performance. Programme-specific admissions criteria must always be checked in the Studyinfo service.
The spring 2027 criteria for the open university route will be published in Studyinfo by the end of October 2026.
