The authorities and Finnish Government have updated their coronavirus guidelines. The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK) stress that the key concern under the circumstances is to guarantee the safety of students and staff in higher education. SYL and SAMOK are working closely with the authorities and higher education institutions to ensure that studies can continue with as little disruption as possible.
SYL and SAMOK are following and complying with guidelines issued by the authorities at all times. We will comply with any changing guidelines and share any necessary information.
Higher education institutions are actively preparing measures and action plans so as to be able to react to any eventualities effectively and ensure the safety of students and staff, despite the coronavirus. SYL and SAMOK are monitoring the preparation of such measures and will cooperate with local student organizations to ensure that students are properly informed.
Any short-term illness or exceptional situation should result in as few problems as possible in terms of study progress.
Pursuing studies may become very difficult during the epidemic. If necessary, higher education institutions must ensure that students have access to as many flexible ways of studying as possible. If, owing to illness or quarantine, students cannot attend lectures, other ways of completing their courses should be organized on a flexible basis.
Because the student grant is only available for those who have made sufficient progress in their studies, we will work with the authorities and higher education institutions to ensure that students are guaranteed income in the current, exceptional circumstances. We encourage higher education institutions and students to ensure that individuals stay at home whenever any symptoms appear and find alternative ways of completing their courses.
More information:
Tapio Hautamäki
SYL President
Tel. +358 44 906 5007
Anna Laurila
SAMOK President
Tel. +358 50 389 1000
Latest updates on the coronavirus by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (https://thl.fi/en/web/infectious-diseases/what-s-new/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-updates)
