Open University – Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the studies suitable for?
There are no prior education requirements or age limits for studying at the Open University. Some courses may have prerequisites, which are listed in the course information. 

Can I study alongside work?
Yes. Course schedules and modes of study may include in-person or remote teaching during the daytime, but there are also many online and blended learning options available. Check the mode of study for the course before registering. 

I was not accepted through the joint application. Can I make progress with my studies at the Open University?
You can complete parts of a degree at the Open University and use them later in your degree studies. 

Can I apply for a degree programme based on Open University studies?
You can apply for a degree programme either through the joint application by taking entrance examinations, and/or through the Open University route based on studies completed at the Open University. If you are accepted, the studies you have completed at the Open University are already in the University of Eastern Finland’s study register. Find out more about the Open University route to degree studies. 

I have a need for special support in my studies. Where can I ask about individual study arrangements?
Individual study arrangements can be granted on health-related grounds (e.g. extra time for an examination). See Individual study arrangements. 

Am I entitled to financial aid or other student benefits?
Studying at the Open University is voluntary, part-time study. Open University studies do not entitle you to student financial aid or student discounts. In some cases, it is possible to study while receiving unemployment benefits. 

Can I study while unemployed, and do I get a discount on study fees if I am unemployed?
Studying while unemployed is possible under certain conditions. Before starting your studies, your assigned service specialist at your regional employment service will assess whether you meet the criteria. Find out more about studying while unemployed. Study fees are the same for everyone. 

Can I study from abroad?
Online studies are generally possible from abroad, provided that your internet connection and access to study materials allow it. Check the course completion instructions and study materials.

When can I register?
The general registration periods are shown on our website. You can find the registration period for each course in the course information in the course search and Studyinfo. See the next question. 

How do I register for studies?
Search for the course in the search for continuous learning possibilities or in Studyinfo and follow the link to register. Identify yourself using the Suomi.fi service, complete your details on the registration form and confirm your registration. Pay for your studies at the time of registration. Processing your registration usually takes 2–5 working days, up to a maximum of 10 working days. Once processed, you will receive an email with a link to the getting started guide. Please note: registration is binding. Read the Open University pricing and payment and cancellation terms before registering. 

I do not have online banking credentials. How can I register?
Contact the Open University at [email protected]. 

What is a study right?
A study right refers to the period during which you can complete your chosen studies within a given timeframe. See the next question. 

How long is the study right valid?
The study right is valid for the duration of the teaching schedule, but no longer than until the end of the academic year (31 July). 

Can I register for just one course?
Yes, you can choose one or more courses. See the course offerings. 

How do I know that my registration has been accepted?
You will receive a notification by email once your registration has been processed. Most online and blended learning courses are open to everyone. Some individual courses may have a limited number of places, which is indicated in the course or study module information. 

I cannot register in the Open University registration service. What should I do?
Try a different browser or try again later. If the problem persists, contact the Open University. 

Can I cancel my registration?
A study right cannot be cancelled and study fees are not refunded. If you wish to relinquish your study right, contact the Open University. 

My study right is ending and my studies are not yet complete. What should I do?
You can continue your studies by registering and paying the study fee again. Please note that when the academic year changes, there may be changes to the curriculum and pricing. 

I have completed studies at another university or a university of applied sciences. How do I apply for recognition of my previous studies?
If you have previously completed studies of equivalent content and scope, you can apply for recognition of prior learning. Find out more: Recognition of prior learning and credit transfer.  

How do I get a UEF user account?
Your account is created automatically after your study right has been granted. You can find instructions for activating your account on Digital Services website. 

How long is the UEF user account valid?
Your user account is valid for the duration of your study right. After your study right ends, your UEF account access rights expire as follows: 

• Remote access to library services: immediately 
• Peppi, Moodle, password change, student email: 60 days 

My account is not working. What should I do?
Log in using the format [email protected] (not the student email address). If necessary, change your password. See the next question. 

I have forgotten my username or password
You can change your password using online banking credentials or a mobile certificate. Your username is displayed in the user management portal when you change your password. See how to change your password. 

Where can I get guidance?
You can receive guidance via Teams, by phone and, if needed, in person on campus. Book a personal appointment with the relevant subject specialist or through the guidance appointment calendar. Read more about guidance services for continuous learning students. 

What does PSP mean?
PSP stands for Personal Study Plan. A PSP is a tool for planning your studies and clarifying your goals. It helps you progress from your starting point towards your objectives and makes the choices related to your studies visible. By planning your studies, you can make well-informed choices and avoid overlapping courses. It is well worth investing time in planning your studies, setting goals and scheduling. See Personal Study Plan and find out more on the study guidance pages. 

I cannot find my course in Moodle / What is an enrolment key?
The getting started guide you received contains instructions for accessing your Moodle course. Find out more: Getting started with your studies. It is also possible that the course instructions will be sent to your student email when the course begins. If you have not received the message or have lost it, contact the Open University office at [email protected]. 

Where are the lecture materials?
Study materials are shared through the learning environments (Moodle, DigiCampus). Log in to the online learning environment for your studies (see the previous question). 

Where can I find the timetables?
You can find course timetables (including lecture schedules and details of where lectures are held) in the Peppi study guide, in the detailed course information or in the course’s Moodle / DigiCampus environment. 

How do I find the lecture room/classroom?
You can find campus maps in the Tuudo student app. You can search for a lecture room/classroom in the campus map using the room identifier. Campus maps are also available on the UEF website. 

Where can I borrow course books?
You can borrow course books from the campus libraries. Library course books are very popular, so it is a good idea to borrow or reserve a book early. You can also access the library’s electronic resources through the UEF Primo remote access service. Find out more about remote access to e-resources. It is also worth making use of the library services in your own locality. 

I cannot log in to UEF Primo
As a new library user, you must first register as a library customer. Find out more in the library guide for new customers. 

Does the Open University have general examination dates?
No. Because Open University teaching is integrated with degree student teaching, no separate general examination dates are arranged for Open University students. 

Can I arrive late to an examination?
Arrive at the examination on time. However, if you are late, you can usually still enter up to 30 minutes after the announced start time. Find out more about examinations in Kamu: Examinations. 

Where can I see my examination results?You can find your results in Peppi. The marking period for examinations is three weeks from the date of the examination. Holiday periods – Christmas, Easter and the summer period from 15 June to 15 August – are not included in the marking period, so holidays will extend the processing time.  

Can I retake an examination?
You usually have one examination attempt plus 1–2 retake opportunities. Retakes must be completed within the validity of your study right. If your study right has expired, you will need to register for the course again. 

Is it possible to complete the studies in a way other than described in the teaching programme?
No. The available mode(s) of completion are always described in the teaching programme. The mode of completion may only vary if you have been granted a recommendation for individual study arrangements. Individual study arrangements are personalised solutions related to modes of completion that help you achieve the course learning outcomes. Individual study arrangements 
do not mean lowering the requirements or learning outcomes of the course. 

Why am I still receiving messages from Moodle about a course I have already completed?
Moodle sends messages to all course participants. On some courses, you can remove yourself once you have completed the course and received a completion mark. Log in to Moodle, navigate to the right course > click the gear icon or “More” tab > select Unenrol me from the course. 

I cannot find all my results in Peppi
In Peppi, your study records may be spread across different study right numbers.  

Where can I get an official transcript?
You can save an electronically certified transcript of academic records from Peppi. If you are unable to save the electronic transcript yourself, you can order one using the online form. 

Will I receive a certificate for my studies?
Once you have completed the courses included in a study module and the studies have been recorded in the study register, the study module can be assessed and a certificate can be issued. Find out more:  Completed studies and certificates. 

Where can I give feedback on courses?
The course teacher may collect feedback in Moodle using a separate feedback form. You can also give general feedback to the Open University.