About the Open University
At the Open University of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥, you gain access to the internationally regarded Finnish education, which the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ has had a historically key role in building and fostering. Since its founding in 1863 as the country's first Finnish-language teacher seminary, JYU has been a community of educational excellence, and we have since grown into a multidisciplinary and globally ranked research university.
Finnish open universities provide anyone the opportunity to pursue university studies, regardless of age or educational background.
Our English-language course offering encompasses educational science courses as well as courses on ICT in education. While JYUOpen doesn't offer degree studies, all courses in our selection are true university studies from JYU's curricula, and credits can usually be accepted as part of your degree studies.
Values and vision
The Open University adheres to the values and ethical principles of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. Our values are openness, integrity, quality, trust and community spirit.
The Open University of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is a pioneer in lifelong learning, offering science, competence and opportunities for everyone. According to our strategy, in 2030, JYU Open will be a unique, sustainable and highly modern open university community with a personal approach and national and international impact.
What does open university education mean in Finland's context?
A open university is a place for lifelong learning.
- The Finnish Universities Act (558/2009) provides that universities must promote lifelong learning by degree-awarding, continuing, or by open university education. Open universities are integral parts of their universities, and they can also operate regionally.
- The objective is to offer everyone opportunities to develop their competences, to raise their level of education and to receive retraining. The courses at the Open University are open to everyone: there are no age limits or previous education requirements.
- Methodologies of adult education are an area of specialisation for the Open University
- Open universities are funded from two sources: 50–70 % of funding comes from the Ministry of Education and Culture (results-based), while the other 30–50 % is derived from study fees
