Guidelines for recognition of prior learning in Open University studies

Recognition of prior learning refers to approving a student’s previous studies, practical training, work experience or other competence as part of a degree, study module or study unit. Recognition of prior learning may take the form of either substitution or inclusion. At the Open University, prior learning can only be recognised through substitution; you cannot apply for inclusion. The Open University grants substitutions only for competences acquired in formal education.

If you are a JYU degree student taking courses at the JYU Open University, you should apply for the recognition of prior learning directly from the faculty of your degree studies. 

To apply for recognition of prior learning, you must have either an active or expired study right for studies at the JYU Open University. You can obtain an active right to study by registering for either fee-based or free studies offered by the Open University (e.g. an introductory course).

Please note that applications for the recognition of prior learning take longer to process during the summer. Applications are not processed in July. Please take this into account when planning your studies.


Substitution of Open University studies

Substitution requires studies to be equivalent in content. The Open University does not grant partial substitutions. 

1. Familiarise yourself with the principles. 

The Open University follows the Principles for recognition of prior learning at the University of Jyväskylä, together with any supplementary guidelines issued by the faculties and Movi. Subject-specific guidelines are also available on the subject pages of the Open University. Please read them carefully before submitting your application for the recognition of prior learning. 

  • At the Open University, you can apply for recognition of prior learning only for courses. 
    Please note that the studies used as the basis for substitution must be worth at least as many credits as course to be substituted.
  • You cannot apply for the recognition of prior learning for a study module. However, a previously completed study module may serve as the basis for recognition of prior learning.


2. Pay the processing fee and submit the required attachments.

You must attach copies of your certificates or a transcript of records, together with course descriptions for the studies on which your application is based. We cannot process your application without these documents. You must submit your application to Student and Academic Services within three days of paying the processing fee.

  • If the studies on which your application is based were completed in accordance with the study requirements of the University of Jyväskylä, you do not need to pay the handling fee.
  • The processing fee cannot be paid with a study voucher.
  • Applications for recognition of prior learning in language and communication studies are submitted using a separate application form. No processing fee is required; see instructions at the end of this page.
  • Pay the processing fee in the online store. You will receive a receipt by email. 
Please read the principles for recognition of prior learning and the instructions on the processing fee carefully before making the payment. The processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved, rejected or found to be unnecessary. The fee may only be used for applications for recognition of prior learning.


3. Ask for advice if necessary.

Subject teachers and programme managers can advise you on completing the application and submitting the required documents. For questions about rights to study and study fees, use the Open University study rights and study fees form.


4. Complete the online form in HelpJYU. 

Complete all required fields and attach the necessary documents: the University of Jyväskylä receipt for the processing fee sent to you by email, a certificate and/or transcript of records, and course or content descriptions for your previous studies.


5. Receive the decision 

You will receive a decision on your application within one month from submitting it. If your application is approved, the substitution will be recorded in your study register approximately two to three weeks after the decision.
 

Substitution of language and communication studies

Language and communication studies completed in accordance with the curriculum of the University or another Finnish higher education institution may substitute for language and communication studies required for a degree. Decisions on the recognition of prior learning in language and communication studies are made by the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi).

Apply for recognition of prior learning in language and communication studies using a separate form. Applications are processed by Movi.

There is no processing fee for recognition of prior learning in language and communication studies. This is because recognition may also be sought for language and communication studies included in pathway studies but not offered by the Open University itself. 

Read more about substitution of communication and language studies and how to apply.

Inclusion

Inclusion means incorporating a student’s previously completed studies into a degree without requiring equivalence in content. The studies must, however, be at the appropriate level under the relevant curriculum and correspond to the competence required for the degree.

If you intend to complete a degree at the University of Jyväskylä, you should apply for the inclusion of studies completed elsewhere only after you have become a degree student at JYU. Add the studies you wish to include in your degree to your personal study plan (HOPS). For further information, use the Open University guidance form for degree-oriented studies.

Avoimen yliopiston opintojen suunnittelu ja HOPS

Tietoa avoimen yliopiston opintojen suunnittelusta ja HOPS:sta.