Exploring the Open University of Finland – A Newcomer’s Perspective

Somewhere near the end of my master’s, I had this mini “aha!” moment like, wait… Is that it? Are we done here? I realized the courses I had taken were great, but not enough. I still wanted to learn more and pick up new skills. 

I even caught myself thinking, “I wish I had found that course earlier… or just had more time to study at UEF!”  

The desire for continued learning

One day, out of nowhere, a wild thought popped into my head “Can I still study after I graduate?” So, like any good Gen Z, I googled it. And boom! Turns out, as a UEF alumni, I can extend my study right for two more years, for free. Yes, free!! 

Spontaneously, I started browsing the courses, and suddenly, there it was. This amazing thing is called continuous learning through the Open University of University of Eastern Finland. A whole new door opened, and I was like, “Yes, universe. I am listening. 

Dispelling myths about the open university

At first, I thought Open University meant I would have to apply for each course separately. Maybe email someone, ask for permission, and register one by one. But to my surprise, it works just like regular university studies! No special confirmation is needed for each course one by one. I could simply browse the course list, pick what interested me, and start learning. Even better, I discovered that I could explore a wide range of opportunities which is far beyond just picking minor subjects. Some of the courses offered are not only academic but also highly professional and contemporary. It makes them perfect for building real-world skills and staying updated in today’s fast-changing world. 

Honestly, when I first heard “Open University,” I thought it was only for people who had not been to university yet. I didn’t think it could be for someone like me, already wrapping up a master’s and still wanting to learn more. 

But then I realized, it is not about your background or age. It is about wanting to grow.

A seamless learning infrastructure at UEF

At UEF, everything’s smooth. Once you register, you get access to platforms like Elearn Moodle or DigiCampus where all the course materials and assignments are. Peppi helps you keep track of your courses and progress. A single random click led me to an entirely new learning path that I am excited to pursue and apply for. 

As an international student, I have often wondered what life after graduation would look like. Would my passion for my field grow stronger, or would it fade away? This is a question many of us who have traveled far from home find ourselves asking. But for me, the answer lies in staying connected with my education and university. That’s been my driving force. 

While I am not yet enrolled in an open university, I will be after my graduation in May. And honestly, the University of Eastern Finland has already been an incredible support system. It is not just a place where I study but a real partner in helping me achieve my dreams. Today, the University of Eastern Finland has become part of who I am because it is my foundation. 

Why Open University and UEF? Well, let me tell you what I found! UEF’s Open University offers over 800 courses, most of them online, so you can study from anywhere. While many courses are in Finnish, there are around 100 in English. As an alumnus, I get to take these courses for free, but if you’re outside UEF, they cost 20 euros per ECTS credit. The best part is that you don’t have to be a UEF student to join. Anyone can take these courses, even if you are in Spain, Pakistan, Australia or anywhere else! So, I would encourage my friends to give it a go.

A global learning opportunity open to all!

The Open University is a great way to get a feel for Finnish university studies, learn new skills, languages or even work your way toward a full degree. I highly recommend it to my friends all over the world. Trust me, studying in Finland, the happiest country in the world, is an experience you will not forget!

Writer

Farheen E Sehar

Marketing Trainee

The Centre for Continuous Learning, University of Eastern Finland

I bring experience in social media strategy, content creation, and digital campaign management across various industries and international markets.