These registration instructions are for exchange students starting their studies at UEF. If you are a new bachelor’s or master’s degree student, here you can find the registration instructions for new bachelor’s and master’s degree students.
The academic year at the University of Eastern Finland officially begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July. The autumn semester courses will begin from 1 September 2026 and the spring semester courses from 7 January 2027.
As a new exchange student, you must register as being present before they can start their studies. You can register either online or in person at the Student and Learning Services after arriving on campus.
On this page you can find information on the following subjects:
- How to register (online or in person))
- Student Union membership
- Activating your UEF user account
- Finnish personal identity code
- How to get a student card
- Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information
How to register
We recommend you register online before arriving on campus. If this is not possible, then you can register in person at the Student and Learning Services’ Customer Service on campus.
Option 1: Register online
To register online, fill out and submit the online registration form (opens in a new tab). If you choose to join the Student Union, attach the receipt for the Student Union membership fee to the form. You can find the payment instructions in the Student Union membership section below.
Option 2: Register in person
If you do not register online, you must register in person at the Student and Learning Services’ customer service once you are in on campus.
When you register in person, bring the following documents with you:
- Your registration form (docx) filled out and signed
- A valid ID document (for example, your passport)
- Your receipt for the Student Union membership fee, if you choose to join the Student Union (see the next section for details). Accepted receipts include a receipt from the student union (if you paid at the student union office), a receipt issued by your bank, a printout from your online bank or a picture of these.
Student Union membership
Student Union (ISYY) membership is voluntary for international exchange students. You can find information on the membership benefits for exchange students on the ISYY website (opens in a new tab).
If you want to join ISYY, you can pay the membership fee in one of the following ways:
- In person at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab) after arriving on campus. You can pay with cash or credit card. Please note that banknotes larger than 50 € are not accepted.
- By bank transfer to the Student Union bank account using the payment details below.
Membership fees:
- Spring semester 2026: 37€
- Full academic year 2026-2027: 73€
- Autumn semester 2026: 36€
- Spring semester 2027: 37€
Please note:
- Remember to keep the payment receipt – you will need it when you register.
- You are responsible for any transfer fees or service fees that your bank may charge.
Bank transfer details:
Recipient: Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
Recipient’s address: Yliopistonranta 15, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Bank name: Osuuspankki/OP Bank/Pohjola Bank Pl
Bank address: Koskikatu 9, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
IBAN: FI37 5770 0520 2461 63
BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH
Message: Your full name and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Activating your UEF user account for the university’s information systems
All UEF students need a UEF user account. You need the account to, for example:
- log in to the university’s information systems
- use your UEF email
- sign up for courses and exams
After you have received a confirmation email about your successfull registration, you will need to follow these steps in order to get a UEF user account (instructions are also in the confirmation email):
- Follow the instructions for getting a UEF user account
- Complete strong identification. This is a security step required by Finnish regulations.
- Register as an MFA (multi-factor authentication) user. MFA adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second verification step (for example, a code sent to your phone) when you log in.
Here you can find more detailed information on activating your UEF user account (opens in a new tab).
Your UEF user account will start working once all of the following conditions are met:
- you have registered as present
- your study right has started
- you have activated the account
- you have been strongly identified and
- you have registered as an MFA user.
If you have any questions regarding activating your account, please contact the Digital Services (opens in a new tab).
Finnish personal identity code
If you stay in Finland for longer than three months, you should obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus in Finnish). The identity code is important because it is used to transfer information between the university and various services. You will also need it for everyday matters such as:
- opening a bank account
- visiting a hospital or health centre
- interact with Finnish authorities.
It is highly recommended that you apply for the identity code as early as possible.
Students from EU/EEA countries
As an EU/EEA citizen, you do not need a residence permit, but you should register your residency in Finland by visiting the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) (opens in a new tab) after your registration to the university is confirmed. Ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and you will receive your Finnish personal identity code.
Students from non-EU/ETA countries
When you are granted a residence permit or a residence card, or when your right of residence is registered by the Finnish Immigration Service, your personal information will in most cases be automatically registered in the Finnish Population Information System. You will usually receive your Finnish personal identity code at the same time
If you did not receive a personal identity code together with your residence permit, visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) (opens in a new tab) during the first three months of your stay. Ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System – this means that you will be issued a personal identity code and your Finnish postal address will be registered.
After you receive your identity code
Once you have your identity code, it is very importat that you inform the Student and Learning Services’ customer service (contact information at the bottom of this page) so that it can be saved to the student register. You can do this in two ways:
- In person: Visit the office and present your identity card or another document that shows your identity code.
- By email: Contact the Student and Learning Services’ customer service and request instructions for sending the identity code in an encrypted email message. Wait for the instructions before sending your identity code – do not include the code in an unencrypted email for security reasons.
How to get a student card
For exchange students joining the student union is voluntary. If you do not join the student union, you can use the digital student card Tuudo. If you join the student union and pay the student union membership fee, you can use Tuudo, Frank or Slice. You can also order a plastic student card, if you wish.
Before you receive your student card, you can get a meal discount at the campus restaurants with a certificate of study. You will receive the certificate as an attachment in the confirmation email once your registration is complete
Student and Learning Services’ customer service contact information
If you have any questions regarding registration, please do not hesitate to contact us.