How is the coronavirus affecting studying in Finland?

The Finnish Government has outlined emergency measures to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. These include, among other things, the closure of educational institutions - including universities. These measures are planned to remain in force until 13 May 2020.

What is the current coronavirus situation in Finland?

You can find up to date information on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: https://thl.fi/en/web/infectious-diseases/what-s-new/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-updates

Also, you can follow the governmental updates on the coronavirus situation at:
https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/information-on-coronavirus/

Are the universities now closed?

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the premises of universities and universities of applied sciences will be closed until 13 May 2020, and contact teaching will be suspended. However, teaching and guidance will be organised as widely as possible in alternative ways, including distance learning, various digital learning environments and, where necessary, independent learning. Check with your hosting university for details!

I have applied for admission for autumn 2020, what happens now?

The university you have applied to is your best source for admission-related advice in this exceptional situation. Follow the social media and website of the university and contact their Admissions Services if necessary. You can find a full list of the universities, with links to their Admissions-related pages at https://www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view

Also you can follow the admission-related updates on the Studyinfo.fi site:
https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/valintojen-tuki/covid-19-and-student-admission/

In your student residence permit matters, follow the advice and news updates by Migri and the Finnish diplomatic missions: 

• Finnish Immigration Service: https://migri.fi/en/coronavirus 
   
• Finnish diplomatic missions abroad: https://um.fi/missions

I am already studying in Finland, what should I do?

Your hosting university will contact you with further information on what to do and how you can continue your studies, and what steps to take – whether you wish to remain in Finland or decide to return home.

If you wish to return to your home country, remember also to check with the local authorities what COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations they may have in this situation for those returning from abroad. 

(Edit 31st March: governmental measures to remain in force until 13 May 2020.)