OpenYUFE is a programme through which you can study at YUFE Alliance partner universities for up to four semesters, free of charge. As an OpenYUFE student, you can:
- take credit-bearing language courses and academic courses at other YUFE universities
- go on exchange to a YUFE partner university
- participate in YUFETHON innovation challenges, where the winning team travels to Madrid
- study courses at several different universities simultaneously
Credits earned through YUFE can be included in your UEF degree. When your OpenYUFE studies end, you receive a certificate listing all your studies and participation in Alliance activities.
Who can apply?
- The programme is open at all degree levels (bachelor's, master's, doctoral)
- You can apply at any time
- The requirement is at least B2-level English
Duration of the OpenYUFE programme
The programme lasts up to 4 semesters. It usually ends when you graduate. If you continue your studies at the same university (e.g. move from bachelor's to master's), your programme may continue until the 4 semesters are completed. Each student has only one OpenYUFE programme period, so consider at which stage of your studies you would benefit most from this opportunity.
How to apply
- Create your Student profile on the YUFE Virtual Campus (new tab) ("Create account") – use your UEF email address.
- Complete the application form: Student → OpenYUFE Programme → Apply for this programme.
- Attach the following:
- transcript of records from Peppi
- proof of English language skills (B2 level)
How do I prove my English language skills?
You can prove your skills in one of the following ways:
- Students in international degree programmes taught in English: no separate proof needed
- Any B2-level English course completed at UEF (e.g. compulsory academic English courses) – attach your transcript showing the completed course
- A previous language test result (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS)
- Finnish matriculation examination with English as one of the subjects
- If you cannot prove your skills through any of the above, you can do a self-assessment using the EnglishScore app's Core Skills Test
For more information about the OpenYUFE programme, join one of the YUFE Open Day info sessions held online throughout the academic year. You can also contact: [email protected].
As an OpenYUFE student, you can apply for physical exchange at other YUFE member universities. You are eligible for an Erasmus+ mobility grant if one of the following conditions is met:
- You are participating in the OpenYUFE programme OR
- You have registered to complete a YUFE Minor during the exchange.
Duration
- Long-term exchange: 1 or 2 semesters. Minimum duration is 2 months (Erasmus+ requirement).
- Short-term exchange: Shorter periods are also possible. Minimum duration is 5 days.
Fully virtual exchanges are not funded through Erasmus+.
Applying
YUFE exchange application periods:
- Main round: 1–15 February annually (exchange during the following academic year)
- Supplementary round: 1–15 May and 1–15 September annually
The supplementary round is announced separately. Submit your application in the SoleMOVE system.
Funding
All YUFE exchanges are funded through the Erasmus+ programme. The Erasmus+ grant is €490/540 per month (academic year 2025–2026). In addition, you receive travel support and 2 grant-eligible travel days. More details about funding and top-ups are available in the Funding your studies abroad page.
The Erasmus+ 12-month rule per degree level applies. For more information, see the FAQ page.
Digital Learning Agreement
Complete the Digital Learning Agreement (DLA) before the start of the exchange via SoleMOVE.
UEF Erasmus code: SF KUOPIO12
YUFE Minors are 30-credit study packages that you complete at one YUFE partner university. A YUFE Minor includes:
- required and elective courses, part of which you can complete online
- at least one semester of physical exchange at the partner university
You can apply for a YUFE Minor even if you do not have an active OpenYUFE status. You apply for YUFE Minor exchange in the same application round as other YUFE exchanges (in SoleMOVE).
YUFE Minors available in 2026–2027:
The YUFE Minors available for Autumn 2026 semester
- Minor: Design and Perspectives on Heritage
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665619138 (new tab)
- Minor: Natural Sciences for Sustainability
Host: University of Bremen, Germany
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665619487 (new tab)
- Minor: Economic Development
Host: Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427246 (new tab)
- Minor: Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture
Host: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665810820 (new tab)
- Minor: Energy Sustainability in the Cities
Host: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665810699 (new tab)
- Minor: Urban Environmental and Sustainability Education
Host: University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665427600 (new tab)
- Minor: Sustainable Business
Host: University of Eastern Finland, Finland
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665812925 (new tab)
- Minor: Borders, Europe & Russia (BEAR)
Host: University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665426887 (new tab)
- Minor: Societal Issues in a Contemporary World
Host: University of Essex, United Kingdom
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665426651 (new tab)
- Minor: Post-growth Cities: from theory to practice
Host: Maastricht University, The Netherlands
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665798043 (new tab)
- Minor: Urban Policy and Governance
Host: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665814169 (new tab)
- Minor: Urban Inequality
Host: University of Rijeka, Croatia
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665620833 (new tab)
The YUFE Minors available for Spring 2027 semester
- Minor: Cities and Urbanisation: Interdisciplinary perspectives
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665490652 (new tab)
- Minor: Heritage and Perspectives on Design
Host: University of Antwerp, Belgium
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665813801 (new tab)
- Minor: Natural Sciences for Sustainability
Host: University of Bremen, Germany
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665619487 (new tab)
- Minor: Cities of Dreams and Nightmares
Host: University of Essex, United Kingdom
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665478126 (new tab)
- Minor: Sustainable Forestry
Host: University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665708176 (new tab)
- Minor: Sustainable Tourism
Host: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665478255 (new tab)
- Minor: Urban Ecology: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Changes
Host: University of Rijeka, Croatia
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665623006 (new tab)
- Minor: Work and Wellbeing
Host: University of Rijeka, Croatia
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665657397 (new tab)
- Minor: Transformations in Politics, Policy, and Society
Host: University of Rijeka, Croatia
More information: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665657509 (new tab)
- Minor: Applied Kinesiology
Host: University of Rijeka, Croatia
Lisätietoja: https://virtualcampus.yufe.eu/p/programme/76561193665623096 (new tab)
Read more
A list current YUFE Minors.
Read a student’s story: https://www.uef.fi/en/article/yufe-student-journey-studies-offer-unique-degree-and-international-experience
For further information, email [email protected].
As an OpenYUFE student, you can study languages for free online. The languages available include English and the national languages of YUFE universities: Finnish, German, Polish, Croatian, Greek, Spanish, French and Dutch. Other languages (e.g. Chinese and Russian) have also been available.
Language courses are offered at beginner and elementary levels, and their scope ranges from 2 to 5 ECTS. By completing a language course and supplementing it with practical language practice (e.g. an online language café or exchange studies), you can earn the YUFE Language Star recognition.
Online Language Café
The online language cafés help you maintain and strengthen your conversational skills in different languages. They are open to all UEF degree students – you do not need OpenYUFE status. The cafés meet for 90 minutes at a time over 8 weeks, led by native or near-native tutors.
You can also apply to be a language café tutor without OpenYUFE status. Tutoring earns you the YUFE Civic Star recognition.
Explore the language course offerings and language cafés on the YUFE Virtual Campus (new tab) and YUFE website (new tab).
YUFE Academy is a series of free, open-to-all lectures, workshops and events offered by the ten partner universities. You can participate from anywhere – even from your sofa at home.
YUFE Academy covers four main themes:
- European identity and responsibility in a global world
- citizens' wellbeing
- digital societies
- sustainable development
Individual YUFE Academy events may take place at any time during the academic year. Two larger event series are organised annually:
- European Researchers' Night → YUFE Academy series in October
- Europe Day → YUFE Academy series in May–June
More information: YUFE Academy website (new tab). You are welcome to share interesting content with people outside UEF – YUFE Academy is open to everyone worldwide.
Volunteering helps you develop your skills, gain professional competences, build networks – and serve others with your expertise.
YUFE Volunteering programme
YUFE Volunteering offers volunteer opportunities both in your campus city and during exchange at a YUFE partner university. Several Some YUFE universities also offer remote volunteering options.
At UEF, you can volunteer with selected organisations in Joensuu and Kuopio, or contribute your expertise through Help Desk advisory services on various topics. Help Desk services are offered in person, online or in hybrid format, in Finnish, English or other languages.
More than 50 hours of YUFE Volunteering activity earns you the YUFE Civic Star recognition, which you can use to demonstrate your engagement to employers, for example.
Depending on your major, you may also earn credits (2 ECTS) for volunteering. Discuss in advance with your department whether the volunteering could be included, for example, in your elective studies, work-life training or a learning-by-doing course.
How to get involved
- Explore the opportunities on the YUFE Virtual Campus (new tab).
- If you find a suitable task, register as a Virtual Campus user ("Create account").
- Sign up for your chosen task and for the English-language CEA Intro Training Session (duration 1.5 hours).
Intro training sessions are held approximately once a month throughout the year. You can also start volunteering before the training, but the Civic Star recognition requires completing the intro training.
If you cannot find a suitable task, contact: [email protected].
YUFE Challenge Teams bring together students from different YUFE universities to solve challenges raised by various stakeholders in international teams. Teams work online supported by an academic advisor for approximately two months and report their findings to those who presented the problem. For completing the Challenge Team, students receive a Professional Star certification and 2 credits.
YUFETHON is a 20-hour hackathon aimed at solving a problem together with an international team. The winning team of YUFETHON will receive free access to the Idea Lab, a program for startups, and will be invited to Madrid
The application deadlines are typically about one month before the first online session.
More information: tomi.tuovinen(at)uef.fi
YUFE offers learning opportunities also for people outside YUFE universities.
- YUFE Academy – free lectures and workshops on current topics, twice a year (see above)
- Skills of the Future programme – selected courses from European partner universities supporting future skills (e.g. leadership, sustainability, European perspectives). Most courses are fee-based, but through the SoF programme you may receive significant discounts, for example on the YUFE partners’ summer school fees.
- Online Language Practice – fee-based online language cafés for developing language skills (available in at least English, Dutch and French)
As a degree student, you can also benefit from the Skills of the Future programme by registering for free on the YUFE Virtual Campus (new tab). You register for individual courses first on the Virtual Campus and then in the organising university's own systems.
In addition, people outside YUFE universities can participate in volunteering and entrepreneurship-related activities through YUFE.
YUFE Student Forum
The YUFE Student Forum ensures that the student voice is heard in all YUFE development and decision-making. Each member university has its own representatives at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level.
New student representatives are usually recruited in spring, but a position may also open at other times. Serving as a student representative can earns you credits (OP00ET82 Participation in international administrative and working group activities).
If you would like to hear more about being a representative, you can contact the current representatives: [email protected].
International traineeship and career opportunities
