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)