- Where can I find the course catalogue? Are there courses in English?
You can find the course catalogues linked below and see which courses are offered in English and are available for exchange students.
Please check out the language and teaching period of the course before registering for it.
- When can I sign up for courses?
You can sign up for courses after arrival. You need a University of Helsinki IT user account for that. Follow the instructions on this from your Acceptance letter. You will receive detailed instructions for using Sisu and how to register for courses during the orientation week. Your tutor will help you with this.
- How many credits do I have to complete during my exchange at the University of Helsinki?
The average workload for one semester at the University of Helsinki is 30 ECTS credit points (60 ECTS for the whole academic year). In the end it depends on your home university how many ECTS credits you have to obtain per semester, since the sending institution is in charge of the approval of the courses. However, at the application stage your Learning Agreement should include at least 20 ECTS credit points for one semester (40 ECTS for the whole academic year).
- I am a BSc / MSc level student. Which courses can I take?
You find information on our course levels at the end of the where can I find courses instruction page linked below. In most cases we follow our course levels, but at some faculties advanced level BSc students can take MSc level courses taken that they have the required prerequisites for the courses.
- Can I take courses from any faculty / study programme?
You should choose the majority (at least 50%) of your courses from the faculty/degree programme that has the exchange agreement with your home institution. University level bilateral exchange students are required to choose the majority of their courses from one faculty. Please note that you need to have sufficient prior academic background in the disciplines taught. When planning your studies take into account that the faculties arrange their teaching on different campuses. There are programmes that have restrictions for minor students.
- Can I do my minor at University of Helsinki?
In some cases, it is possible to study full-time at a faculty that students do not have prior studies from. You need to have the required prerequisites for your minor studies in Helsinki. Please note that the basic studies are taught in most cases in Finnish. This is why we recommend you to apply for your major studies.
- What is an intensive period? Do I have to participate in it?
Participating in the intensive courses during the intensive period is optional. You can participate in the intensive courses if they fit to your schedule. Please note that the intensive periods in August and January are unfortunately arranged so that they begin before the new exchange students arrive in Helsinki. If your study right begins after the intensive period, you can not take part on the intensive period.
- What if I can’t participate in a course to which I have been registered?
Tell the teacher of the course either face to face or by email that you can’t participate in the course after all. You don’t have to remove the course registration in Sisu, because the courses which you have not completed will not show on your Transcript of Records. Check how many ECTS credits you need according to your home university and make sure that you still get enough ECTS credits even if you drop the course.
- What should I do, if I fail an exam?
Please check Moodle or Sisu to see when you can retake the examination. You can normally retake an exam twice. Participating in an exam is possible only if your study right is valid on the day of re-examination. Please note that the study rights end at Christmas/the end of May. Usually the student must register for the exam in Sisu and give the information required for example on the language of the exam.
- I will be returning / have already returned home. How can I get my transcript of records?
You can order the transcript by yourself, please see instructions for ordering the transcript.
- I have not yet graduated as a Bachelor, can I apply for master –level exchange if I will be graduating before the exchange?
Yes you can. Remember to tell us about your graduation.
- Do I have to pay any tuition fees?
You do not have to pay any fees if you come through exchange programme or as a visiting student. If you want to study some courses at the Open University of Helsinki, fees may apply.
