Study Vouchers Drive 600+ Open University Enrolments at Tampere University; TAMK Records Just 36 Purchases

Study vouchers launched in August have been used predominantly at Tampere University's open university in Pirkanmaa, while Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) has recorded far fewer redemptions.

Since August, more than 600 registrations have used the voucher to pay for 91 different courses at Tampere University's open university. The same student can register for multiple courses. Development manager Jaana Muttonen says the pattern meets the university’s expectations and that many users appear to be gap-year young people making deliberate study choices. The voucher covers up to 30 ECTS credits, typically six 5-credit courses, and accounted for nearly one fifth of open university registrations in August and September. Popular subjects included business and administrative sciences, psychology, education, social research and technical pathway studies. The scheme is part of the national 30‑credit study voucher pilot launched in August.

TAMK recorded just 36 voucher purchases, 31 single-course purchases and five pathway study packages. Voucher signups made up about 2 percent of its open university registrations between May and October. Vice-rector Katja Komulainen says most purchases were made in the first days and tended to come from those with clear career goals. TAMK is examining whether information about the scheme has reached young people who are uncertain about their study plans.

Nationally, YLE’s survey shows roughly 3,000 young people used the voucher to claim about 27,000 ECTS credits by the end of September. The measure is part of a three-year national pilot funded with over €50 million.