Academic calendar

The academic year has two semesters. The autumn semester generally runs from late August/early September to December, and the spring semester from January to April/May. There is no summer semester, but some summer courses may be arranged.

Exchangel students’ semester begins with the Orientation Days which are arranged at the beginning of each school year. Orientation is also arranged for new international degree students at the beginning of the academic year.

More information also:  Schedule for academic year

Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland apply to the European Credit Transfer System ECTS. According to the system a student´s annual workload is 1600 hours. The workload is arranged evenly between not only different study years in the curriculum but also during the individual study year so that workload will not be excessive. For the student the academic year consists of 40 working weeks. Thus the average workload is 40 hours per week. It includes all the work needed for learning – contact studies, independent studying, practical training, project works and preparation for study performances.

Public holidays

New Year's Day	01 January	All Saints' Day	03 November 2018
Epiphany	06 January	Independence Day	06 December
Good Friday	30 March 2018	Christmas Day	25 December
Easter Day	01 April 2018	Boxing Day	26 December
Easter Monday	02 April 2018
May Day	01 May
Ascension Day	10 May 2017

During national holidays all banks and shops are closed, apart from some kiosks. Public transport also follows specific timetables during national holidays.

Information for exchange students:

The academic year for exchange students usually ends at the end of April/early May.

Autumn 2017

Orientation days for incoming exchange students on 30-31 August 2017.

Spring 2018

Orientation day for incoming exchange students on 9 January 2018.