FAQ

Q: I am not Finnish and do not yet live in Finland. How can I enrol to study for a degree at the Finnish Virtual University?

A: The FVU is not a separate university but a form of co-operation between Finnish universities. You should apply for enrolment in one of the Finnish universities. After you have obtained the right to pursue a degree programme, you have the right, in principle, to also participate in the online courses available in the course database of the portal, providing they are suitable for your degree programme.

Q: Can foreign students spending their student exchange year in Finland complete online courses following on the same terms as students studying for a Finnish degree?

A: Students can apply for online courses provided by their own exchange university on the same terms as Finnish students. The rights of exchange students with respect to online courses in other Finnish universities are defined by each university individually. Thus, it is best to ask your academic advisor about this.

Q: Can students complete online courses at their home university, or at other Finnish universities, from abroad during their student exchange year?

A: The main principle is that if Finnish students are enrolled in their own university during their exchange year, and have registered themselves as present in their exchange year, they can take online courses from abroad. The procedures, however, vary by university, so you should check on this in advance with your own academic advisor.

Q: Where is the Finnish Virtual University located?

A: The FVU campus exists only on the web, but it also operates in all the Finnish universities and in the co-operative networks between them. The FVU Development Unit operates in a decentralized manner in connection with different universities.

Q: Is it possible to complete international online courses in Finland? Are courses provided by foreign universities available?

A: In principle, applying for the right to enrol in virtual courses by foreign universities is similar to course exchange between domestic universities: students need a statement from their home university that the studies can be accepted as part of their degree, as well as a payment undertaking in order to obtain the courses free of charge. The international study opportunities are used to a varying degree at different universities and faculties, and their use is usually based on framework contracts or network agreements between universities.