Open YUFE (former YUFE Student Journey)
Open YUFE a programme that allows the degree students of the University of Eastern Finland to study at universities included in the YUFE Alliance free of charge for a maximum of four semesters or until completing ones degree in the partner university.
As an Open YUFE student, you have the opportunity to do YUFE language courses, to study on virtual academic courses, and to become an exchange student at the YUFE partner universities according to your own choice. You can take courses from several YUFE universities at the same time.
After completing your Open YUFE, you will receive a certificate showing all your studies and other activities in the alliance. It is possible to transfer YUFE credits to your UEF degree.
Eligibility to apply
Participation in the Open YUFE programme is possible at all degree levels and you can apply anytime during your studies.
The Open YUFE programme lasts a maximum of 4 semesters. It usually ends when the student completes the degree. However, if the student continues studying in the same partner university, the student's Open YUFE programme can continue until all the 4 semesters are covered. There is only one Open YUFE programme period per student, so it is worth considering, at what point of our studies would you benefit the most of this opportunity.
The requirement is at least B2-level English. The Open YUFE applications are open all year round, so you can apply when it is most convenient for you.
How to apply?
Students of UEF can apply for the Open YUFE programme on the network’s Virtual Campus.
- Create your profile ("Create account")
- Fill in the application form (-> Student -> Application Form YUFE Student Journey) during the application period. The required attachments:
- transcript of records from Peppi
- language skills: English (B2)
- Is not required from students of the international study programmes in which the language of instruction is English
- Any completed B2-level course of English language in UEF (e.g. the obligatory academic English courses included in the study programme). Attach a transcript of records where the completed course is visible.
- A prior result of an English proficiency test.
- Matriculation examination certificate, when English has been one of the tests completed.
- Dialang (a free language testing service online)
For more information about the opportunities offered by the Open YUFE, it is recommended to participate YUFE's Online Open Day information sessions organized several times during the academic year. At these sessions, you can also approach the representatives of the YUFE University that you are interested in directly to request further information. These events are organised in English. The next online YUFE Open Days:
- 23 January 2025, 11:00-12:30cet (12:00-13:30 Finnish time), hosted by University of Antwerp and University of Rijeka.
- 5 March 2025, 11:00-12:30cet (12:00-13:30 Finnish time), hosted by University of Eastern Finland and University of Cyprus.
You can also contact yufe@uef.fi for more information.
Student exchange
As an Open YUFE student, you can apply for a physical exchange during UEF’s annual application rounds. Student exchange to member universities of the alliance is financed with the Erasmus+mobility grant. You may apply to YUFE exchange if you fulfill one of the criteria below:
- You have an Open YUFE status
- You are going to complete a YUFE minor during your exchange
A separate call for YUFE exchange applications will be published in the Calls for applications for student exchange page when the call is open. (look for YUFE Alliance exchanges).
YUFE Minor & student exchange
As a student of UEF you can complete a YUFE Minor (30 ECTS). YUFE Minor is a module of courses focused on a certain theme, consisting of both online and on-site courses, including electives. Physical mobility to the hosting university is required to complete a YUFE Minor. Open YUFE status is not required for YUFE Minor exchange.
There are currently several different Minors to choose from. Some of them start in spring, some in autumn and others are available in both semesters. New YUFE Minors are currently being constructed. The call for applications for YUFE Minors for autumn semester is in February-May, for the spring semester you can apply for in May and in September.
If your curriculum allows, a YUFE Minor is fully accepted as part of your degree. It is recommended to discuss your YUFE Minor plans in your own programme to confirm this.
Students are asked to contact yufe@uef.fi to express their interest towards specific YUFE Minors for more information. Online applications are sent via SoleMOVE during the application periods.
For more information on YUFE Minors, please contact UEF's YUFE Team (yufe@uef.fi), check YUFE's virtual Campus, or ask International Affairs Specialist Outi Väyrynen.
The YUFE Minors available for Spring 2025 semester
- Minor: Cities and Urbanisation: Interdisciplinary perspectives
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665490652 - Minor: Heritage and Perspectives on Design
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665477975 - Minor: Cities of Dreams and Nightmares
Host: University of Essex, UK
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665478126 - Minor: Sustainable Tourism
Host: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665478255 - Minor: Urban Sustainable Development
Host: Maastricht University, The Netherlands
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665477855
The YUFE Minors available for Autum 2025 semester:
- Minor: Borders, Europe & Russia (BEAR)
Host: University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu campus)
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665426887 - Minor: Economic Development
Host: Universidad Carlos III De Madrid
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427246 - Minor: Heritage
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427438 - Minor: Societal Issues in a Contemporary World
Host: University of Essex, United Kingdom
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665426651 - Minor: Urban ecology in Europe: public policies, cultural narratives
Host: Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris, France
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427125 - Minor: Urban Environmental and Sustainability Education
Host: University of Cyprus, Cyprus
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427600 - Minor: Urban Health & Wellbeing
Host: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427044 - Minor: Urban Sustainable Development
Host: Maastricht University, The Netherlands
More info: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427842
A link to a student’s story: https://www.uef.fi/en/article/yufe-student-journey-studies-offer-unique-degree-and-international-experience
Read more
Ask further information yufe@uef.fi.
If you are interested in solving of a real problem and belonging to a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multicultural team, then YUFE Challenge Teams or YUFETHON could be just your things.
The YUFE Challenge Teams aim to develop creative thinking and other demanding professional competencies through collaborative and multidisciplinary work. The challenges will be carried out online and in English. The expected workload is 60 hours within three months to complete the challenge. However, there can be some challenge-specific time variations.
Challenges are carried out by combined teams of students, faculty and research staff from the Alliance’s universities, and relevant representatives of the general public, local governments or the business sector. The teams must find new and innovative social, scientific, social, or technological solutions to real life challenges proposed by citizens or organizations. Any UEF student can become a member of a YUFE Challege Team.
At the end of the challenge the teams present their results, get an evaluation, and a YUFE Professional Star is awarded for their efforts. You can also apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) from your own study programme for 2ECTs.
YUFETHON is a two-day (20h) online event where participants come together to intensively solve a problem together.
YUFETHON participants must be Open YUFE students and the teams will work in English. The main prize is free access to the YUFE Idea Lab and a trip for the whole team to Madrid.
UEF students have formed part of the winning teams in 2023 and 2024 read more in this article!
The calls for new teams are published in YUFE webpages, UEF and YUFE social media channels and here in Kamu.
Read more about the YUFE entrepreneurship and Innovation opportunities or send a message to yufe@uef.fi.
Students of the YUFE Alliance Partner Universities can study languages online for free. The offer applies to English and other YUFE's national languages, namely Finnish, German, Polish, Croatian, Greek, Spanish, French and Dutch. Also some other languages such as Chinese and Russian have been available.
Currently the YUFE Language Courses are only available for Open YUFE students, so remember to apply for the Open YUFE programme first.
There are courses for basic and independent user levels, and the courses vary from 2 to 5 ECTS in size. It is also possible to gain a YUFE Language Star reward.
The Online Language Cafés maintain and improve especially spoken language skills. They are open to all UEF degree students. The Language Cafés will meet 90 minutes at a time for 8 weeks, facilitated by native or almost native tutors.
You can apply to become a tutor of an Online Language Café without the Open YUFE status. Being a tutor contributes to a YUFE Civic Star. Tutors also get credits for their efforts (study unit 1131019 Language Cafe, leader, 2 ECTS).
You can check the currently available options by visiting YUFE's Virtual Campus .
YUFE Academy is a series of free, open for all lectures and workshops offered by the ten YUFE partner universities. Anyone can take part even from the comfort of one's own couch or during the daily commute.
YUFE Academy is a chance to learn in different languages and formats. Relying in the current scientific knowledge, especially in the 4 YUFE focus areas:
- European identity and responsibilities in a global world,
- Citizens’ well-being,
- Digital societies and
- Sustainability.
The YUFE Academy activities happen through the whole academic year. However, two main editions are organised around international events that align with YUFE mission, one in a fall term and one in a spring term:
- European Researchers’ Night in September
- Europe Day in May
For further information, please visit the YUFE Academy website.
The Spring 2025 edition of YUFE Academy will take place in May-June 2025. UEF will host the hybrid YUFE Academy Event on 22.05.2025 at 15-17.30 in Educa, in cooperation with the SciFest 2025 event.
In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, the “third sector work” carried out by non-profit organisations is rapidly becoming more professional and provides duties that require special expertise to an increasing number of higher education graduates. In voluntary activities, you accumulate your skills, acquire useful working life skills, network – and get to bring your expertise to the service of others. You can participate in the activities of various organisations either directly or through the YUFE Volunteering programme.
The YUFE Volunteering programme offers participation opportunities both in your home campus city and during student exchange at YUFE partner universities. At many YUFE universities, it is also possible to volunteer remotely.
At UEF, YUFE Volunteering opportunities are offered by certain NGOs in Joensuu and Kuopio. In addition you can make your expertise available to the community through Help Desk services that answer questions on various topics. Help Desk services are provided face-to-face, online or via a hybrid model in Finnish, English or some other language.
Over 50 hours of YUFE Volunteering activities will be awarded with a YUFE Civic Star. It can be used to demonstrate competence and activity to, e.g., an employer.
Depending on your major subject, you may also receive credits (2 ECTS) for the activities. Please discuss beforehand in your programme, if your planned volunteering could fit for example your other studies, or a course where service learning is one form of study.
Read more about the opportunities on the YUFE virtual campus . If you find a suitable task, register as a user of the virtual campus (Create account) and register for this task, AND for the joint CEA Intro Training Session (duration 1.5 h), which is aimed at everyone participating in the YUFE Volunteering programme in various countries.
Induction trainings are organised around the year roughly once in every 2 months. If the next induction training is organised after your duties begin, you can start volunteering before induction. However, to be awarded a Civic Star, induction is required and should be completed as soon as possible.
If you cannot find a task that suits you, please contact yufe@uef.fi and let's talk more!
In addition to studies, volunteering and other activities, you can become involved in YUFE’s activities as a student representative. Some even find internships or jobs in YUFE.
The YUFE Student Forum ensures that the students’ voices are heard in all development and decision-making at YUFE. Each member university, including UEF, has its own Bachelor’s, Master’s and postgraduate level representative in the YUFE Student Forum. UEF student Sanni Vesala is the current president of the YUFE Student Forum.
New student representatives are usually searched for the YUFE Student Forum in the spring, but posts may open up at any time of the year following the graduation of a current representative.
If you want to get firsthand information about the role of the Student Forum Representatives, you can consult our current representatives directly by sending a message to uef-YUFEStudentReps@groups.uef.fi email.
You can inquire about YUFE related international internship opportunities at info@yufe.eu.
You can follow YUFE’s own as well as partner universities’ vacancies in YUFE's Career Opportunities page.