Absence during studies
On this page, you will find all the information you need about absence during your studies and the related procedures.
You are entitled to register as absent for a maximum of one academic year (two semesters) after the first academic year of your studies for any reason. You may also have a statutory reason for being absent.
The regulations regarding absence differ depending on whether the absence period takes place during your first academic year or later during your studies. Below you will find information on both; absence during studies and postponing the start of your studies. Please read the instructions relevant to your situation carefully.
Absences after the first academic year
Students have the right to register as absence for one academic year (two semesters) after the first academic year for any reason. This period of absence does not count towards the student’s study entitlement period.
In addition, students have the right to register as absence on statutory reasons. Statutory reasons include:
- service under the Conscription Act
- service under the Non-Military Service Act
- participation in voluntary military service for women
- maternity, paternity or parental leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child
The grounds for statutory absence must be verified with an official document stated below.
Absences during the first year of studies / postponing the beginning of your studies
You have the right to register as absent during your first year of study only if
- you are obligated to perform a service under the Conscription Act, the Civil Service Act, or the Law on Voluntary Military Service for Women.
- you are on maternity, paternity, or parental leave, or you are unable to start your studies due to your illness or injury.
The reasons mentioned above do not diminish the duration of your study entitlement. The reason for your absence must be verified by an official document.
The first-year absence notification is submitted in Studyinfo service after you have accepted your study place.
To register as absent on statutory reasons, please complete the following steps:
To postpone the start of your studies, please complete the following steps:
Academic registration
Register yourself as absent in Peppi.
Prove a statutory absence
Please submit a document proving your statutory absence.
Accepting a Study Place
Accept your study place at Studyinfo
Academic registration
Register yourself as absent at Studyinfo
Notification of absence
Notify the Student Services by email opintotoimisto@humak.fi u003cbru003e
Prove a statutory absence
Please submit a document proving your statutory absence
The following documents can be used to prove a statutory absence:
The following documents can be used to prove a statutory absence:
- A conscription order (Finnish only) certifying that the military service will take place during the relevant academic year.
Maternity, paternity, or parental leave
- Certificate of maternity, paternity, or parental leave from Kela or
- if no such certificate exists, a medical certificate of pregnancy or equivalent certificates from other countries’ authorities for statutory parental leave. Paternity leave can only be certified by a Kela certificate of paternity leave
Personal illness or injury
- A certificate of a paid sick leave or, if such a document cannot be presented, a medical certificate. The medical certificate must indicate the illness or injury in question and state that the illness or injury in question prevents the commencement of studies.
- If a student is absent due to their own illness or disability, a certificate is required only when postponing the start of studies. If you register as absent during your studies because of your own illness or disability, you do not need to submit any certificate. Instead, you can register as absent in the normal way.
Other important information about absence during studies
During your period of absence, you are not entitled to study, receive guidance or have your studies entered in the study register. You are also not entitled to student benefits, YTHS services, meal allowances, or other student benefits (e.g. travel discounts). You can cancel your student financial aid at Kela’s E-services.
If you are absent from your first year of study due to mandatory military service, civilian service, or voluntary military service for women, or if you are on maternity, paternity, or parental leave, you have the right to register as absent for a second academic year (two semesters) for any reason during the subsequent your studies (this absence does not diminish the time period of your study entitlement).
If you have been absent during the first year of study due to a personal illness or injury, you can only register as absent in subsequent years of study for the above-mentioned statutory reasons.
As an absent student, you must ensure that you register for the following semester. Register in Peppi between April 1 to July 31. Changes to the registration information for the spring semester can be made between November 15 and December 31. If you have any problems registering, please contact opintotoimisto@humak.fi before the registration deadline.