Interrupting studies

What does interrupting studies mean? 

In order to be eligible to apply for unemployment benefit, the Finnish labour administration requires that the studies of students do not prevent them from being available to take up work. A full-time student does not have a right for the unemployment benefits. This restriction applies also for the holiday breaks. A student who has studied full-time is considered a full-time student until he/she can prove that he/she has ended the studies. A person who is applying for work is not considered a full-time student if it is obvious for the reasons of regular working or entrepreneurship during the time of studies that the studying does not prevent taking up full-time work. A university student who has interrupted his/her studies for at least one year is not considered a full-time student.

Interruption of studies can be done by filling in a form at the Registrar's Office. The interruption period is at least 12 months and during this period the University does not register any credits for the student. The interruption announcement cannot be backdated or withdrawn.

An example: Interrupting studies in order to be eligible to apply for unemployment benefit

A student studying for both a lower and a higher degree first studies 4 years. During the fourth year the student completes the lower degree and embarks on master's studies. After that fourth year the student decides to take a year out from studies without providing written notification to the registrar's office.

One year later s/he resumes the studies and studies for the next three years. Seven years of the completion time are now deemed to have elapsed.

If the student does not succeed in graduating at the end of the seventh year, his/her right to study will be cancelled, i.e. s/he will need to apply for an extension and provide a feasible plan for the completion of studies.

Absence may not be used once the completion time for the degree has elapsed.