Practicalities for exchange students
We are happy to have you joining our community! To make your exchange studies smooth and enjoyable, we’ve gathered here some essential information you’ll need during your journey. Explore the details below carefully to feel prepared and ready for your adventure!
On this page
Before arrival
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Exchange Nomination and Acceptance
Once your home university has nominated you as an exchange student to Turku UAS, make sure you have applied to Turku UAS through Mobility-Online and uploaded all the required application documents.
Check that Turku UAS has accepted your application and sent you the letter of acceptance via email.
Apply for an accommodation
Finding a place to stay in Turku requires active effort from you. Turku UAS cannot guarantee or arrange housing for exchange students; you have to apply for it yourself.
We recommend that you start applying for accommodation as soon as you have received your acceptance to study / do practical training.
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Residence permit and visa
Students arriving from non-EU/ETA countries need a residence permit or visa to study in Finland. Remember to start the application process immediately after you receive the letter of acceptance.
- Staying in Finland less than 90 days?
Read more on visa on Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland’s website. - Staying in Finland more than three months?
Read more on residence permit for studies on Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website. Check out also Migri’s Guide for students on how to apply for residence permit.
Insurance
We strongly recommend a travel health insurance for all incoming exchange students.
Students arriving from non-EU/EEA-countries are required to have a health care insurance in order to achieve a residence permit to Finland.
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Health documents
In case the exchange in Finland lasts more than 3 months, for exchange students coming from high-risk tuberculosis countries (defined by the WHO) there is a voluntary and free-of charge tuberculosis screening. Such students are advised to contact the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit after arrival.
Own laptop for studies
Turku UAS uses electronic materials and learning environments. You must have your own laptop computer available during the study days. The school will provide you with the most important basic software free of charge.
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Student tutor
Student tutors are degree students who are interested in meeting people from different cultures. You don’t have to apply for a student tutor, all the exchange students who have applied to Turku UAS by the deadline will be assigned a tutor.
Your student tutor will meet you when you arrive and help you with practical matters at the beginning of your stay in Finland. She/he will contact you by email before your arrival. Please respond to your tutor as soon as possible and always keep her/him informed of your situation.
Your student tutor will also keep you informed about any free time activities with other students.
Please note that your student tutor is most likely to be able to help you with your arrival if you arrive during weekdays between 8.00-22.00.
If you for some reason do not hear from your tutor, please contact the International Office (incoming exchange).
Starting package
The student unions of the four universities in Turku run a starting package storage where exchange students can borrow a package with household items for the duration of their stay and then return it before leaving Turku.
If you are interested in borrowing a package, you can book and pay it before you arrive.
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Goin’ app
Starting your studies is easier if you know other students beforehand. If you wish, you can download the Goin’ app that allows you to connect with fellow exchange students and other Turku UAS students already before of your arrival.
During your stay
Orientation days
Orientations are held at the start of the semester. All the orientation days are mandatory for new exchange students. During the orientation you will receive all the necessary information regarding your studies at Turku UAS as well as some useful tips for your exchange life in Turku or Salo.
The general orientation is organized by the International Student Services and is aimed for all the incoming exchange students. The general orientation includes presentations and information of the practical matters (accommodation, starting package, online systems) as well as student organizations and about the Finnish culture.
Each faculty organizes their own faculty orientation where the faculty and the courses will be introduced to the exchange students.
Orientation days Spring semester 2025
General orientation for all incoming exchange students: 7th of January 2025
Faculty orientations:
- Health and Well-being: 3rd of January 2025
- Other faculties: 8th of January 2025
Student life
Get ready to make the most of your time at Turku UAS! From bustling student events and sport activities to support services, student life here has everything you need to feel at home.
During your stay with us you can learn the latest know-how available on your field of study, and on your free time you will be able to join the various activities organized for exchange students. Ready to dive in? Check out everything you need to know to make your stay unforgettable!
Health care for exchange students
Local health stations in Turku/Salo are the primary provider of health care services for accidents and sudden illness.
Read more on health station services in Turku.
Main health station in Salo.
EU nationals and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein who possess a European health care card, and citizens of Quebec should request for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country and take the card with you to Finland.
- Read more on European Health Insurance card.
- Please note that we strongly recommend travel health insurance for all incoming exchange students.
Students from other countries need to have a health care insurance covering their medical expenses as required to achieve the residence permit to Finland.
- For a doctor’s appointments use the private health care centers, for example Mehiläinen, Terveystalo or Pihlajalinna.
Emergency care for all students.
Please note that Finnish student health services (FSHS) are not available for exchange students.
Getting around campuses
Each of our vibrant campus has its own unique feel and community. Whether you’re in Kupittaa’s innovative tech hub, Linnankatu’s creative arts space, or Salo’s modern learning environment, you’ll find inspiring facilities, collaborative study spots, and the energy of students from around the world. Ready to explore your new home away from home?
More tips on student life
Want to learn about student union or support services during your studies? We got you!
Good to know during your stay
After your exchange studies
Transcript of records
After the completion of your exchange studies, you can request for the transcript of records. Electronically signed transcript of records will be emailed to you and your home university. You will receive instructions before the end of exchange on how to order the transcript of records.
You’re now a Turku UAS alumni
Don’t be a stranger!
Even after your exchange at Turku UAS, you’ll always be part of our global community! Through our alumni network, you can stay connected, grow your professional network, and keep in touch with friends and mentors. Wherever your journey takes you, we wish to keep in touch.
Contact
Here to help! We at the Turku UAS International services want to help you make the most of your exchange journey.