Study rights for alumni studies to expand: Complement your studies easily after graduation
Complementing studies after graduating from the University of Jyväskylä will become even more flexible, and it will be possible for a longer period than previously. You can continue your studies at faculties or easily choose interesting study entities and courses for your alumni studies at the Open University.
According to the updated Degree Regulations of the University of Jyväskylä, starting from the beginning of the next academic year, an alumni student can complete studies for free for two academic years following graduation in compliance with the rights the student had when the degree was awarded as well as all Open University studies. For example, a student graduating at the beginning of the academic year is able to have the alumni study right for nearly three years at the longest.
Studying with the alumni study right at the faculties
- The alumni study right applies to studies offered as optional studies at faculties without the need to apply for the right to pursue a degree during the degree course.
- The granted study rights can be checked in Sisu during the degree course and six months after graduation. The elective studies can be found from the study guide (tick: completed freely).
- Practical arrangements for the faculties’ alumni studies: Study right for alumni studies — University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi)
Studying with the alumni study right at the Open University
- You can register for the Open University’s courses by using your alumni study right free of charge throughout the year and study mainly remotely. Exceptions are the open studies requiring an application: basic studies in writing, drama education, and studies in social work.
- Practical arrangements for the Open University’s alumni studies: Instructions - University of Jyväskylä alumni student: instructions for registering for Open University studies (jyu.fi).
An alumni student graduating before 1 August 2023 can complete studies for free until the end of the academic year following graduation in compliance with the rights the student had when the degree was awarded.
Develop your expertise in different life situations
The expansion of the study right for alumni studies enables, for example, the continuation of studies alongside work or from another location in different life situations. It promotes the development and refining of your expertise after completing your degree. The alumni study right is worth taking into consideration already when planning your studies.
“Alumni are an important part of the university,” says Vice Rector Peppi Taalas who is in charge of education. “It is therefore brilliant that we can offer this type of opportunity in the future for all our university graduates. Life circumstances change, as do the opportunities for developing your own competencies. JYU wants to be involved in these different changes in a flexible manner and support goal-oriented studying also after graduation. In this way, we will also strengthen the two-way relationship between the home university and its graduates. Now, a significant first step has been taken and we hope that the cooperation will continue and develop between both sides in the coming years.”
“Graduation is an important basis and milestone for a career,” says the director of the Open University Jukka Lerkkanen. “However, it is worth continuously developing and applying your own competencies and expertise effectively. In the future, for example, an interesting study entity that supports your own degree can be studied free of charge and with very flexible study methods, for example, alongside work.”
Two stages of becoming an alumni: Continuing your studies and joining the alumni network
Alumni studies also create a meaningful connection to your home university, its science and community. This is a connection that is worth nurturing throughout your life and career. Make use of your alumni study right when you graduate and, in addition, sign up for our alumni activities.
The University of Jyväskylä offers you an opportunity to gain skills for your career, a prestigious degree, and the opportunity to remain part of the scientific community even after completing your degree. Graduation is, in fact, a transition to a community of alumni who are proud of their background while influencing different sectors of society. By joining the alumni network, you will receive information and inspiring content regularly and an opportunity to participate in the alumni events and activities. Alumni Coordinator Heli Mäki encourages everyone to be part of JYU alumni network: “Demands in the working world for networking, sharing expertise, and continuous learning are increasing all the time. The alumni activities offer a way to being part of these activities. We offer a network with thousands of university graduates who work in various roles in the society. We offer supplementary and additional studies that are important for your professional development. Stay JYUnited!”
