A legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for the unemployed took effect on 1 July 2026.
Unemployed jobseekers who are 25 years of age or older can now enroll without restriction in open-university courses at universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centers and summer universities. This change applies to studies beginning on or after 1 July 2026.
Previously, the duration and scope of open studies were limited. Any long-term or extensive studies may have prevented eligibility for unemployment security if the employment authority has determined that the studies were full-time.
The employment plan must also be followed during studies
Jobseekers will continue to be required to look for work in accordance with their employment plan and to accept full-time work even while they are studying. Participation in services that promote employment if they are offered is also required.
The legislative amendment does not apply to people under the age of 25. They may continue to enrol in open studies, but the employment authority will assess the impact of such courses on their unemployment benefits. Studies considered full-time prevent the payment of unemployment security.
The legislative amendment does not affect programmes other than open-enrollment studies.
Read more (only in Finnish): Opiskelua työttömänä helpottavat lakimuutokset voimaan 1.7.2026 – Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö (Legislative changes to make it easier to study while unemployed to take effect on 1 July 2026 – Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment)
The article was published on the KOKO Fund’s website on 1 June 2026.
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Summary
A legislative amendment taking effect on 1 July 2026 makes it easier for unemployed jobseekers aged 25 or older to enroll in open-university studies without restrictions. Previously, extensive open studies could lead to loss of unemployment security if assessed as full-time by employment authorities. Under the new rules, eligible jobseekers can study at universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centers, and summer universities, provided they continue looking for work according to their employment plan and remain available to accept full-time employment. The change does not apply to people under 25 or to degree programmes outside open-enrollment studies.
Key Facts
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A legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for unemployed jobseekers took effect on 1 July 2026.
A legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for the unemployed took effect on 1 July 2026.
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Unemployed jobseekers aged 25 and older can enroll without restriction in open-university courses across universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centers, and summer universities.
Unemployed jobseekers who are 25 years of age or older can now enroll without restriction in open-university courses at universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centers and summer universities.
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Jobseekers remain obligated to actively search for work under their employment plan and accept full-time work while studying.
Jobseekers will continue to be required to look for work in accordance with their employment plan and to accept full-time work even while they are studying.
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The legislative amendment does not apply to unemployed individuals under 25 years of age.
The legislative amendment does not apply to people under the age of 25.
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The amendment applies exclusively to open-enrollment studies and does not affect other educational programmes.
The legislative amendment does not affect programmes other than open-enrollment studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enroll without restriction under the new rules?
Unemployed jobseekers who are 25 years of age or older can enroll without restriction in open-university courses at universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centers, and summer universities.
Are jobseekers still required to search for employment while studying?
Yes. Jobseekers must continue looking for work in accordance with their employment plan, participate in employment-promoting services if offered, and be prepared to accept full-time work while studying.
How does the amendment affect jobseekers under 25 years of age?
No, the legislative amendment does not apply to individuals under 25. They may still enroll in open studies, but the employment authority will evaluate whether the courses count as full-time studies, which would prevent the payment of unemployment security.
What types of study programmes are covered by this legislative change?
The amendment applies strictly to open-enrollment studies; other educational and degree programmes are not covered.
Entities
Educational programmes provided by higher education institutions and adult education centers in which unemployed jobseekers aged 25+ can now enroll without restrictions.
Finnish ministry responsible for labour policy and employment legislation updates regarding studying while unemployed.
Unemployment fund whose website originally published information regarding the open-university study amendment.
Public authority responsible for evaluating employment plans, employment-promoting services, and study full-time status for jobseekers.
