Registering as absent for the first year of studies
In accordance with the Universities Act (Section 39), a new student can register as absent for the first year of studies only for the following reasons:
- The student is completing their service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women’s Voluntary Military Service (194/1995)
- The student needs time off their studies to take care of their child in connection with the child’s birth or adoption
- The student cannot begin studies due to being incapacitated by a personal illness or injury
The right to enroll as non-attending must be applied for in writing from the university by a deadline that is confirmed on a yearly basis.
Should the legal grounds for the absence apply only to the second academic term (e.g. military service or maternity leave beginning in January), the student may enroll as non-attending for the entire academic year if they so wish. It is also possible to change the status from attendance to non-attendance for the spring term during the registration period of the spring term.
The duration of studies does not include absence due to a service under the Conscription Act, the Non-Military Service Act or the Women’s Voluntary Military Service Act, or due to a leave taken in connection with the birth or adoption of one’s child. Please note that if you enroll as non-attending for the other academic term without such reason, it is counted as part of the study time. Read more about the duration of the studies here: https://student.uniarts.fi/general-info/right-to-study/#duration-of-studies
If the student neglects to enroll or enrolls as a non-attending student during their first academic year without providing a sufficient report on the grounds for absence by the deadline defined by the university, the student will lose their right to study (be removed from the student register). If the student wishes to start their studies at a later point, they must reapply to the university for admission. Readmission does not require participation in the student admissions procedure.
Documents that can be used as a proof of absences due to statutory reasons
- Service under the Conscription Act (1438/2007), Non-Military Service Act (1446/2007), or Act on Women’s Voluntary Military Service (194/1995):
- Call-up order
- Maternity, paternity, or parental leave due to birth or adoption of a child:
- Kela’s certificate regarding maternity, paternity, or parental allowance period or, if the certificate has not yet been received, a medical certificate regarding the pregnancy
- Corresponding certificates from the authorities of other countries regarding statutory parental leave
- If you cannot start your studies due to being incapacitated by personal illness or injury:
- Sickness allowance decision or, if no decision exists, a medical certificate. The medical certificate must state which illness or injury you suffer from, and that this condition prevents you from beginning your studies when the study right begins.
- Obstacles caused by the practical arrangements required by the illness or injury: an adequate clarification, e.g. a certificate from the student housing foundation that you are on the waiting list for an apartment required by your injury.
The documents must be submitted in Finnish, Swedish, or English. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have any questions.