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, effective July 1, 2026, allows unemployed jobseekers in Finland aged 25 or older to enroll in open-university courses without it affecting their unemployment benefits. This change removes previous restrictions where extensive studies could risk unemployment security. However, participants must still actively seek full-time work and attend employment-promoting services. The amendment specifically applies to open-enrollment studies and does not extend to individuals under 25.
Key Facts
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A legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for the unemployed 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 or older can enroll in open-university courses without restriction.
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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Even while studying, jobseekers must continue to look for full-time work and participate in employment services if offered.
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.
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The amendment does not apply to individuals under the age of 25.
The legislative amendment does not apply to people under the age of 25.
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The new rules only affect open-enrollment studies and no other programs.
The legislative amendment does not affect programmes other than open-enrollment studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for the unemployed take effect?
A legislative amendment expanding educational opportunities for the unemployed took effect on 1 July 2026.
Who can enroll without restriction in open-university courses under the new amendment?
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.
Are unemployed jobseekers still required to look for work while studying open-university courses?
Yes, 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.
Does the legislative amendment apply to people under the age of 25?
No, the legislative amendment does not apply to people under the age of 25.
What types of study programs are covered by this legislative amendment?
The legislative amendment does not affect programmes other than open-enrollment studies.
