The study voucher is a flexible pathway to a degree
What is a study voucher?
The study voucher is a temporary pilot programme by the Ministry of Education and Culture, starting in August 2026. With the voucher, you can study up to 30 ECTS credits of open courses at Finnish universities of applied sciences and universities.
- Validity: 2 years (from August 2026, after joint application results and waiting list decisions are published)
- Usage: Study at your own pace — you do not need to use all credits at once
- Target: Open University of Applied Sciences courses
At Diak, the study voucher allows free study in selected Open UAS courses.
Who can receive a study voucher?
You may be eligible in August 2026 if:
- You completed your first post-secondary qualification (matriculation exam, vocational qualification, or professional qualification) after 1 December 2025.
- You are under 29 years old on your graduation date.
- You participated in the spring 2026 joint application but did not receive or accept a study place.
- You check your eligibility and activate the voucher on the Opin.fi service in August 2026.
How to activate the study voucher?
If you are eligible:
- Log in to Opin.fi using your Suomi.fi credentials.
- Activate your study voucher after joint application results and waiting list decisions are published (after 4 August 2026).
- Enrol in courses offered via Diak’s study voucher programme through Opin.fi.
You do not need to apply for the voucher separately, and activating it does not commit you to anything. You decide what and when to study.
Which studies can I take with the voucher?
You can take up to 30 ECTS credits of open university courses. At Diak, this includes selected pathway studies and parts of degrees.
Are the courses really free?
Yes. Courses included in the study voucher are free of charge, up to 30 ECTS credits.
Can I use the voucher for multiple courses?
Yes. You can use the voucher for several courses as long as the total does not exceed 30 ECTS credits and is used within the two-year validity period.
Will studying with the voucher affect benefits?
The effect on benefits such as student financial aid depends on your personal situation. Check the latest information from Kela.
Do I need prior education?
You need a post-secondary qualification. Any other prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. Check the Open UAS courses search for details.
3 Reasons to use your study voucher at Diak
1. Strong specialised expertise
Diak focuses on fields that require both professional skills and a human-centred approach. Courses are designed for practical, real-world work. Our fields include social services, health care, church work, and interpreting.
2. Clear pathway to a degree
Diak’s education is practical:
- Skills you can apply immediately
- Strong connection to current workplace themes
3. Support and guidance during studies
You receive guidance throughout your studies to help you progress. At Diak, you are never left alone.
Diak’s Study Voucher Offerings
Our study voucher courses will appear on the Opin.fi website. We offer preparatory, orientation, and basic studies in addition to degree-oriented studies.
For study voucher holders, we offer:
- Ready-made study voucher packages towards a degree
- Freely selectable Open UAS courses
- Courses introducing higher education studies
Why Open UAS is a great alternative pathway to a degree
At an Open University of Applied Sciences, anyone can study UAS-level courses without being a degree student.
1. Start your studies without an entrance exam
You can begin higher education studies without taking the joint application entrance exam.
2. Credits can be transferred to a degree
If you are later admitted to a degree programme, the studies you completed at Diak Open UAS can be recognised as part of your degree.
3. Demonstrate your motivation and skills
Open UAS studies are concrete proof that you are capable of completing higher education studies. This can support your application to a degree programme, for example through the open pathway.
4. A possible route to a degree without an entrance exam
Certain study modules may give you the opportunity to apply for a degree programme through a separate application route without an entrance exam.
5. Try a field before committing
You can find out:
- whether the field interests you
- what the studies feel like
- what higher education studies are like in practice
This helps reduce the risk of choosing the wrong field.
6. A student-friendly atmosphere
Studying at Diak is human-centred and approachable. At Diak, you are genuinely seen and supported.
