Non-degree study right

Non-degree study right can be granted for single courses or study modules. You can apply for a right to study at the faculties, the Language Centre and the International Studies Centre at the University of Lapland.

A non-degree study right covers only the period and the courses or course modules it has been granted for. The non-degree study right can be granted if the courses or course modules has room for additional students.  Non-degree studies have a fee, and it does not give the applicant degree student status. 

If you have graduated from the University of Lapland, you can continue your unfinished degree studies as a non-degree student. You must indicate in the application which study modules or courses you wish to expand on. The studies are free of charge for two years if you have started them before graduating.

Non-degree students take part in the same teaching as degree students. The teaching will primarily take place during daytime.

Non-degree students are not entitled to financial aid or other social benefits for students, as they do not have the right to take a degree.

If you are unemployed you should contact employment office (TE-toimisto).

All Open University studies (Finnish language studies, non-degree studies etc.) are targeted for those already living in Finland, and have an address in Finland.

Foreign students may need a visa or a residence permit depending on their citizenship. Please note that studying in Open University does not entitle to visa or residence permit. For more information can be seen on the home pages of Finnish Directorate of Immigration at http://www.migri.fi

It is recommended to apply approximately one month before the start of the course. Always pay attention to teaching schedules! Applications for studies starting in the autumn semester will be processed from August.

Apply for a non-degree study right with the electronic application form for academic year 2024 -2024 (click) 

The application period for the studies of the academic year 2024-2025 begins in August 2024.

Check always first the Open University’s studies www.ulapland.fi/avoin  -> Opintotarjonta

If you do not find the studies you are interested in, you can apply for a separate, non-degree study right. You will find the studies in Peppi study guide

Please, observe some restrictions. A Non-degree right to study is not granted e.g. for the following studies:

• Advanced special studies
• Bachelor’s and Masters’ seminar and thesis
• Teachers multidisciplinary studies
• Teachers specialization studies
• Teachers pedagogical studies
• Fine Art Education
• Graphic design studies
• Photographing

There may also be other restrictions, especially in the Faculty of Law and all studies where group size is very limited.

Planning of studies and guidance on the application process and general matters concerning studies is available at the Open University. The head of study affairs of each faculty will provide guidance on the contents.

Open University

• Customer service: Tel 040 484 4495
• Email: avoin@ulapland.fi
• www.ulapland.fi/avoin

Faculties of the University of Lapland

• The Faculty of Education https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Education
• The Faculty of Social Sciences https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Social-Sciences
• The Faculty of Law https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Law
• The Faculty of Art and Design https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Faculty-of-Art-and-Design
• The Language Centre https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Units/Language-Centre
• International Student Services https://www.ulapland.fi/EN/Studies/Go-International-at-University-of-Lapland

You will be notified of receiving the right to study via e-mail. You will also be notified if the right to study is denied. The rights to non-degree studies are awarded depending on the resources of the faculties, i.e. if they have room for Open University (non-degree) students.  If you do not receive a response to your application within one month, please contact avoin@ulapland.fi

Course, 1 point, ECTS cr. 10 €

Course, 2 point, ECTS cr. 20 €, other courses 35 €

Basic Studies 25 ECTS cr. 135 €

Subject Studies 35 ECTS cr. 170 €

Registration to the Open University is binding and the paid fees are not refundable, as only a limited number of rights to study are awarded for Non-degree studies.

However, in the event that the University of Lapland or Open University has to cancel a course due to low attendance, or other similar reason on part of the organisation, the study fee is refunded in full.

If you develop medical or health problems lasting at least one month, your study right can be extended for a short period.  In that case, provide a medical certificate detailing the medical or health problem that prevents you from continuing studies. A medical certificate must be presented during your valid study right.  The study fee is not refunded.

Studies are free of charge for the staff of the University of Lapland and for those graduated students who complete their unfinished studies.

The study right is valid from the 1st day of the of the decision-making month. The right to study is valid for one year in individual study courses and basic study units, and for two years in subject study units. In language studies, the right to study is valid for one academic semester (1.8. - 31.12 or 1.1. - 31.7.).