The most popular Open University in Finland: High-quality teaching and embracing research-based knowledge
In 2025, the JYU Open University awarded more than 102,100 study credits, accounting for 24 percent of all Open University studies completed in Finland last year. The national total of study credits completed through Open Universities was approximately 417,000.
Open University studies enable the development and updating of skills and knowledge in different life situations and also provide a pathway to degree studies.
- The JYU Open University had a total of 38,919 students, of whom 24,740 were enrolled in the Open University and 3,768 came from partner institutions.
- In addition to the students of continuous learning, a total of 9,794 degree and exchange students of the University of Jyväskylä took advantage of the Open University offerings, contributing to their degree studies. Similarly, in 2024, the number of degree and exchange students was about 7,700.
- Free-of-charge study opportunities offer a chance to expand one’s competencies after completing a degree. The JYU Open University included 554 alumni, who completed a total of 2,396 study credits in 2025. Similarly, in the previous year, 259 alumni completed a total of 955 study credits.
The total number of study credits in 2025 is slightly lower than in the previous year, when it was at a record level, except for the peak reached during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many of our students have previously taken advantage of the opportunities provided by the adult education subsidy and job alternation leave to develop their competencies”, Merja Karjalainen states.
Learners interested in education studies at the JYU Open University
The most studied subjects at the JYU Open University in 2025 included Social work, Education, Business and Economics, Special Education, Psychology, Information technology, and Sport and Health Sciences. Among individual courses, the most popular one was once again Cyber Security for Every Citizen, which provides useful security information for all. Other popular courses included Introduction to Intelligence, Introduction to planetary well-being, Knowing and expertise as well as Interaction and Collaboration.
The wide range of courses includes around 60 subjects and hundreds of courses. The course offerings at JYU Open University are actively developed to meet students’ needs and demand.
The new courses offered at the JYU Open University in 2025 were also well received. The study offerings were expanded with many new courses, including free-of-charge courses, such as Introduction to carbon footprint in sustainability studies and The Opportunities of the Digital World – from Experience to Agency in information technology. Other new additions included, for example, Statistical software, studies preparing for master-level studies in social work for those with an appropriate bachelor degree and E-Learning Module: Pronunciation courses.
Online studies at the Open University can be started and completed flexibly throughout the year, in a way that suits one’s personal life situation.
- The most studied studies at the JYU Open University can be studied in Finnish. The studies offered in English are found on this page.
Slight decline in national enrolment in Open University studies
Nationally, the demand for Open University studies has declined from last year. The now discontinued adult education subsidy guided the last recipients to Open University studies in summer 2024, and the subsidy could still be used during last year. Nationally, the volume of pursued Open University studies decreased in 2025, and the number of study credits accomplished at the JYU Open University dropped by about six percent.
“In addition to those studying alongside their job, we expect that younger people interested in further education will find our study offerings in autumn 2026, taking advantage of the study voucher benefit. The study voucher is an option for those secondary education graduates who are left without a place in higher education. This benefit allows young people to take up to 30 study credits of Open University courses free of charge,” explains Merja Karjalainen.
The JYU Open University actively develops teaching in collaboration with the University’s faculties. Students are the focus of the activities and related development. The Open University student board, which was established to contribute to the development efforts, meets regularly to deal with development tasks.
Study voucher brings young people to Open University studies
The study voucher is worth 30 study credits for Open University courses, which can be used for studies at JYU Open University. It is a state-funded pilot programme designed to support higher education for young adults. The pilot is expected to increase the demand for Open University studies among young people.
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At JYU Open University, the study voucher can be used for the entire range of courses, including those required for eligibility for degree studies through the open channel or for exploring different fields.
The study voucher system will take effect in August 2026 for those who graduate from secondary education in Finland between 1 December 2025 and 30 June 2028, are under the age of 29 at the time of graduation, and who have applied for a study place but did not receive or accept it through the joint application system for higher education institutions in the spring, after completing their secondary education and the law entering into force.
