Exchange students starting their studies in the autumn 2021 semester can register either online or in person at the Student and Learning Services after arriving on campus. Please note that you can only come on campus after you have observed the possible required self-quarantine period after your arrival in Finland. You can only come on campus if you are healthy and have no COVID-19 symptoms. You can find information on the current coronavirus guidelines above.
Please read through these instructions carefully.
Registration
Exchange students who start their studies in the autumn 2021 semester must register as present before they can start their studies. Upon registration, your information will be entered into the student register and you will be given a student number. After this, you must activate a user account for the university's information systems. Please note that if your study period continues after December, even for one month, you must also register as being present for the spring semester.
Registration online
To register online, you must fill out your personal information and submit the online registration form (opens in a new tab). Please go through the form thoroughly before submitting it. If you wish to join the Student Union, you must attach the receipt for the Student Union membership fee to the form. You can find the payment instructions below.
Registration in person
Alternatively, you can register in person at the Student and Learning Services’ offices once you are in Finland. Please note, however, that you cannot come on campus unless you are asymptomatic and have observed the possible required self-quarantine period after arriving in Finland.
Please present the following documents upon registration:
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- your identification card (ID card or passport)
- your registration form (docx) duly filled out and signed
- your receipt for the payment of the Student Union membership fee (a receipt issued by your bank, an ATM receipt or a print out from your online bank), if you choose to join the student union. See the next chapter 'Student Union Membership'.
Student and Learning Services’ contact information
Student and Learning Services’ current opening hours
Student Union membership
The Student Union membership fee for the full academic year is 71,50 EUR; and 35,50 EUR for the autumn semester only or 36 EUR for the spring semester only.
The Student Union (ISYY) membership is voluntary for international exchange students. The Student Union (ISYY) membership will entitle you to many benefits. You can find information on the membership benefits for exchange students on the ISYY website (opens in a new tab).
If you wish to join the Student Union (ISYY), you can pay the membership fee either at the Student Union offices (opens in a new tab) after arriving on campus or as a bank transfer to the Student Union bank account following the instructions below. At the Student Union Offices you can pay with cash or card, however, please note that 50€ is the largest banknote they accept. Remember to show the payment receipt when you are registering. If you pay the fee abroad, please note that you are responsible for any transfer fees or service fees that your bank may charge!
Payment details:
Recipient: Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
Recipient's address: Yliopistonranta 3, 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: Student’s name and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Fee: 71,50 €/academic year or 35,50 €/autumn semester or 36 €/spring semester
Student card
Students who have paid the Student Union (ISYY) membership fee may order a student card. For information on ordering your student card, see Student card and the term sticker (opens in a new tab).
When you register at the university, you will receive a confirmation of registration. By showing this confirmation, you will get a discount on meals at the campus restaurants.
Finnish personal identity code
International students staying in Finland for longer than three months should obtain a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus). You need it for, e.g., activating your digital student card, opening a bank account, and for the university’s database and statistical purposes. The personal identity code will also help with identification when you are in contact with different Finnish authorities.
In order to get a Finnish personal identity code, you have to visit the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency offices (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 are issued a personal identity code and your postal address in Joensuu/Kuopio is registered.
After receiving the identity code, please inform the Student and Learning Services about it either by visiting the office or sending an email. You can visit our office and present the identity card or another document that displays the identity code. If you are unable to visit our office in person, and wish to handle the matter via email, please contact opiskelu@uef.fi and request instructions for sending the identity code in an encrypted email message. Do not send your identity code directly to opiskelu@uef.fi. Wait for instructions before sending the identity code.
Your identity code will be entered into the student register only after the Student and Learning Services receive it, and only after that will you be able to order your digital student card.
Students from non-EU/EEA countries can apply for a Finnish personal identity code (opens in a new tab) when applying for a residence permit.
Activating your UEF user account for the university's information systems
All UEF students must have a UEF user account. The user account is needed to log in to the university electronic information systems, to use your UEF email account and to sign up for courses and exams electronically.
Here you can find information on activating your UEF account (opens in a new tab). Please read through the instructions carefully.
Exchange students starting in the autumn 2021 do not need to be strongly identified. You will receive an automatic message prompting you to activate your UEF account and to contact the IT services about strong identification. However, you do not need to do this. You will be marked as strongly identified once your registration is complete.
NOTE! Your UEF account will only start working properly once you have registered as present, activated the account, and your study right has started.
Contact information
Student and Learning Services’ contact information
Student and Learning Services’ current opening hours
Registration at the university comes under the provisions of the Universities Act (558/2009).