Open University studies
Take advantage of the Open University’s high-quality instruction in music, fine arts, theatre and dance at Uniarts Helsinki.
Courses we offer
The Open University provides high-quality, research-based university education that corresponds with our degree requirements. You can apply for Open University studies regardless of your basic education or age.
Teaching is organised in various forms: some of the studies are arranged independently while some are integrated in Uniarts Helsinki’s degree-oriented instruction. We also offer courses arranged in different parts of Finland by our partner institutions, such as summer universities, adult educations centres and folk high schools.
At Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, you can pursue studies in the arts with English as the language of instruction.
Applying
You can register for our courses by filling in a course-specific registration form online. The application period for autumn studies is in June–August, for spring studies in November–December, and for summer studies in April–May. The application periods for individual courses may be extended past the application periods, or the application period for individual courses may also be scheduled for other times.
Open application
If an applicant has justified reasons, in special cases they may apply for a right to complete Uniarts Helsinki’s studies that are not offered at the Open University. By submitting an open application, an applicant may be given the right to participate in lectures or group instruction. An open university tuition fee is charged for these studies. A study right for Open University studies cannot be granted for one-to-one instruction.
Applying is possible through Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University during the Open University’s regular application periods. The application must concern a certain study unit that is offered as part of the academic year’s course selection. The right to study can be granted if the applicant’s educational background and skills are sufficient and if the group has room for more participants.
Curricula that follow Uniarts Helsinki’s degree requirements and the up-to-date course selection for the academic year is available in Uniarts Helsinki’s study guide. Not all of the study units that are included in the curriculum are offered each year.
You can contact the Open University Office for more information on submitting an open application: open@uniarts.fi.
Student selection
As a rule, there are no age limits for studies, and most studies do not require previous university studies. Each course description mentions the criteria that are applied when selecting students to Open University studies. Students are selected for the courses either in the order of registration or based on the skills required for the course. The application process may include a motivation letter, a pre-assignment, a proficiency test or an audition. We do not accept minors as participants in student groups where studying is based on embodied learning processes and physical contact. However, certain courses are suitable for upper secondary school students, and these are listed in the course calendar using a separate filter.
Studies organised by the Open University
Decisions on student selection to the Open University’s studies are made by Uniarts Helsinki’s Open Campus and the teacher-in-charge of the course. Instruction is scheduled mostly for evenings and weekends, and the participants are usually Open University students. Student selection is made based on the criteria mentioned in the course description.
Studies integrated into degree-oriented instruction
Decisions on student selection to studies integrated into Uniarts Helsinki’s regular degree-oriented instruction are made by the unit in charge of teaching. Instruction takes place mostly during the day as part of regular university teaching in groups together with degree students. Student selection is made based on the criteria mentioned in the course description.
Study fees
Open University studies are subject to a fee. The right to study at the Open University can only be granted after the study fee has been paid. All applicants will be informed on the selection decision by email before the start of the studies. If you are accepted to open university studies, you have three (3) days to complete the payment for the course fee. Only by paying the course fee within the deadline will you confirm your place on the course. Please remember to actively check your email after the application period has ended, and also check your spam folder. If you do not pay the course fee by the deadline, you will lose your place on the course. Read more about fees and cancellation terms for open university studies.
Free studies for upper secondary level students
Starting in autumn 2023, Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University will be offering courses suitable for students in upper secondary level education. These courses are free of charge for this group. See the course selection and instructions for upper secondary level students.
Studying at the Open University
When the course organiser is Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, the course participants are mainly Open University students and teaching usually takes place in the evenings, weekends or in shorter periods. When the Open University studies are integrated into degree studies, Open University students attend the course alongside Uniarts Helsinki degree students. Integrated studies are usually daytime studies.
At Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, you can also complete path studies to two different degree programmes: the early music programme or the arts management, society and creative entrepreneurship programme. You can Open University path studies as the basis for eligibility to apply to a degree programme in a separate admissions group. If you are planning to apply to these degree programmes, read more about Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University path.
Since studying at the Open University is considered part-time studying, Open University students are not eligible for the state-paid financial aid for students (study grant aid or student loans) or for any discounts or benefits given to full-time students.
Studying at an Open University while unemployed and receiving an unemployment benefit is possible under certain conditions. You must agree on the matter with the employment office (TE Office) before applying to studies. Visit the Job Market Finland website for more information on your individual situation.
Subscribe to our newsletter
By subscribing to the Uniarts Helsinki continuous learning newsletter, you will receive an email with up-to-date information about the Open University’s course selection and application periods about five times per year. Subscribe to the continuous learning and Open University newsletter.
Admissions guide
Application instructions for this programme haven't been published yet.
You can apply to
Open University studies
Application period
The course selection for summer 2026 will be published by 17 March 2026. The application period begins on 31 March 2026 at 9:00 AM and ends on 21 April 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Unit
Explore Uniarts Helsinki‘s Open Campus
Ask about the programme
open@uniarts.fi
Courses we offer
The Open University provides high-quality, research-based university education that corresponds with our degree requirements. You can apply for Open University studies regardless of your basic education or age.
Teaching is organised in various forms: some of the studies are arranged independently while some are integrated in Uniarts Helsinki’s degree-oriented instruction. We also offer courses arranged in different parts of Finland by our partner institutions, such as summer universities, adult educations centres and folk high schools.
At Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, you can pursue studies in the arts with English as the language of instruction.
Applying
You can register for our courses by filling in a course-specific registration form online. The application period for autumn studies is in June–August, for spring studies in November–December, and for summer studies in April–May. The application periods for individual courses may be extended past the application periods, or the application period for individual courses may also be scheduled for other times.
Open application
If an applicant has justified reasons, in special cases they may apply for a right to complete Uniarts Helsinki’s studies that are not offered at the Open University. By submitting an open application, an applicant may be given the right to participate in lectures or group instruction. An open university tuition fee is charged for these studies. A study right for Open University studies cannot be granted for one-to-one instruction.
Applying is possible through Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University during the Open University’s regular application periods. The application must concern a certain study unit that is offered as part of the academic year’s course selection. The right to study can be granted if the applicant’s educational background and skills are sufficient and if the group has room for more participants.
Curricula that follow Uniarts Helsinki’s degree requirements and the up-to-date course selection for the academic year is available in Uniarts Helsinki’s study guide. Not all of the study units that are included in the curriculum are offered each year.
You can contact the Open University Office for more information on submitting an open application: open@uniarts.fi.
Student selection
As a rule, there are no age limits for studies, and most studies do not require previous university studies. Each course description mentions the criteria that are applied when selecting students to Open University studies. Students are selected for the courses either in the order of registration or based on the skills required for the course. The application process may include a motivation letter, a pre-assignment, a proficiency test or an audition. We do not accept minors as participants in student groups where studying is based on embodied learning processes and physical contact. However, certain courses are suitable for upper secondary school students, and these are listed in the course calendar using a separate filter.
Studies organised by the Open University
Decisions on student selection to the Open University’s studies are made by Uniarts Helsinki’s Open Campus and the teacher-in-charge of the course. Instruction is scheduled mostly for evenings and weekends, and the participants are usually Open University students. Student selection is made based on the criteria mentioned in the course description.
Studies integrated into degree-oriented instruction
Decisions on student selection to studies integrated into Uniarts Helsinki’s regular degree-oriented instruction are made by the unit in charge of teaching. Instruction takes place mostly during the day as part of regular university teaching in groups together with degree students. Student selection is made based on the criteria mentioned in the course description.
Study fees
Open University studies are subject to a fee. The right to study at the Open University can only be granted after the study fee has been paid. All applicants will be informed on the selection decision by email before the start of the studies. If you are accepted to open university studies, you have three (3) days to complete the payment for the course fee. Only by paying the course fee within the deadline will you confirm your place on the course. Please remember to actively check your email after the application period has ended, and also check your spam folder. If you do not pay the course fee by the deadline, you will lose your place on the course. Read more about fees and cancellation terms for open university studies.
Free studies for upper secondary level students
Starting in autumn 2023, Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University will be offering courses suitable for students in upper secondary level education. These courses are free of charge for this group. See the course selection and instructions for upper secondary level students.
Studying at the Open University
When the course organiser is Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, the course participants are mainly Open University students and teaching usually takes place in the evenings, weekends or in shorter periods. When the Open University studies are integrated into degree studies, Open University students attend the course alongside Uniarts Helsinki degree students. Integrated studies are usually daytime studies.
At Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University, you can also complete path studies to two different degree programmes: the early music programme or the arts management, society and creative entrepreneurship programme. You can Open University path studies as the basis for eligibility to apply to a degree programme in a separate admissions group. If you are planning to apply to these degree programmes, read more about Uniarts Helsinki’s Open University path.
Since studying at the Open University is considered part-time studying, Open University students are not eligible for the state-paid financial aid for students (study grant aid or student loans) or for any discounts or benefits given to full-time students.
Studying at an Open University while unemployed and receiving an unemployment benefit is possible under certain conditions. You must agree on the matter with the employment office (TE Office) before applying to studies. Visit the Job Market Finland website for more information on your individual situation.
Subscribe to our newsletter
By subscribing to the Uniarts Helsinki continuous learning newsletter, you will receive an email with up-to-date information about the Open University’s course selection and application periods about five times per year. Subscribe to the continuous learning and Open University newsletter.