Studying while working in Finland
Studying while working overview
Finland strongly supports lifelong learning and offers numerous options for combining work with education. The open university system (avoin yliopisto) allows anyone to take university courses without formal admission. Many employers provide training support or allow study leave. The study leave system (opintovapaajärjestelmä) gives employees the legal right to take time off for education, and Kela's study grant and student loan guarantee may help fund your studies if you qualify. Online degree programs and flexible scheduling make it possible to earn qualifications while maintaining your career.
- Open university requires no admission
- Legal right to study leave for employees
- Online and part-time degree programs available
Part-time study options
Flexible study arrangements for working professionals in Finland.
- Evening and weekend classes available at most universities and UAS
- Part-time degree programs designed for working adults (typically 5–7 years)
- Blended learning combines online modules with occasional campus sessions
- Individual course enrollment allows you to build qualifications at your own pace
Open university (avoin yliopisto)
Taking university courses without formal admission requirements.
- Study university-level courses without entrance exams or degree enrollment
- Course fees are low, up to €45 per credit (ECTS, legal cap)
- Credits can be transferred to a full degree program later (pathway studies)
- Wide range of subjects from business to technology to social sciences
Employer-supported education
How Finnish employers support employee education and training.
- Many employers fund training relevant to your job role
- Some companies offer tuition reimbursement for degree programs
- In-house training programs and partnerships with educational institutions
- Collective agreements often include provisions for professional development
Online degree programs
Fully remote or hybrid degree programs from Finnish institutions.
- Several UAS offer fully online Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English
- FITech Network University offers free online courses in technology fields
- MOOC.fi provides free programming and AI courses from the University of Helsinki
- CampusOnline.fi aggregates online courses from Finnish UAS institutions
Study leave and time management
Managing your time and legal rights when studying alongside work.
- Study leave (opintovapaajärjestelmä) allows up to 2 years of leave for full-time study
- You must have worked for the same employer for at least 1 year to qualify
- The adult education allowance (aikuiskoulutustuki) has been abolished: it is no longer granted for studies starting on or after 1 August 2024, and study leave itself is unpaid
- Discuss study plans with your employer early — many are supportive of employee development
Financial support for working students
Financial aid and tax benefits for employees who study.
- Adult students who qualify can still apply for Kela's study grant and student loan guarantee
- Education-related expenses may be tax-deductible if tied to your profession
- Municipal employment services may fund retraining courses for career changers
- Some unions offer scholarships and training grants to their members
Important considerations
Key points to keep in mind when combining work and studies.
- Plan your workload carefully — burnout is a real risk with work and study
- Talk to your employer about flexible work arrangements during exam periods
- Check whether your collective agreement includes study-related benefits
- Open university credits are a low-risk way to test a field before committing to a full degree