Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Europe, Finland
GPA: 2.75

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

Study abroad as an exchange student in Finland! In this exchange program you will enroll directly in courses at Tampere University. This program offers courses taught in English or Finnish in a variety of formats for study (short courses, intensive courses, and reading examinations) in most fields of the social sciences, selected fields of the humanities, business, IT, and journalism. Tampere University is the second largest university in Finland. There are three campuses: the city centre campus (humanities, social sciences, and languages), the Kauppi campus (biotechnology courses), and the Hervanta campus (engineering, architecture, and computer science courses). Visit the TAU wesbite to learn more about Tampere's multiple campuses.

There are many opportunities and support services available to exchange students, such as academic advising and counseling. Additionally, a student tutor is assigned to all exchange students. Your tutor is a fellow student who has volunteered to help you during your first weeks. There is also a great exercise facility, called SportUni that provides high-quality, versatile and equal sports services for university students. 

Exchange students are encouraged to get a Finnish student card which provides access to Student Union services and special student benefits. In addition, the student card gets you significant discounts on trains, long distance bus fares, and buffet-style lunches for 3€ at campus restaurants.

Tampere, a city of green parks and clean water, lies on an isthmus between two lakes, on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids. Once a center of industry, textile and paper manufacturing, Tampere is now the hub of the IT industries. The largest inland city in the Nordic countries, Tampere offers many cultural attractions, including theater, film, music festivals and museums, as well as an adventure park consisting of seven attractions: Aquarium, Planetarium, Observation Tower, Art Museum and children’s zoo.

 

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Early August Late December
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Early August Late May
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 Early January Late May

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

The academic year is organized in four teaching periods, divided in two semesters. Classes generally meet 2-3 times a week for 7-8 weeks if the course lasts for one period, or 15 weeks if the course lasts for the full semester. The official language of instruction at Tampere University is Finnish, but many courses are available in English and independent study in English is fairly easily arranged. In addition to the programs of the faculties, the University Language Centre offers Finnish language courses taught in English. These courses range from the 'survival' to the advanced level. Courses in medicine are not open for exchange students. 

If you are a Scandinavian studies major or minor who plans to use Finnish as your Scandinavian language, you must complete two years of Finnish studies at the University of Oregon and take third-year Finnish at Tampere University.

Tampere uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. Most courses at Tampere offer 5 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = 0.75 quarter credits. A full-time student usually takes courses worth 30 ECTS credits per semester. Tampere University does not limit how many credits you may enroll for. You must follow the limits set by the UO.

Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to Tampere University.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Although there is no Finnish language requirement, students participating on this exchange are strongly encouraged to complete one year of Finnish at the University of Oregon prior to departure.

Housing Description

Student housing for exchange students in Tampere is primarily managed by the Tampere Student Housing Foundation (TOAS) and Pirkan Opiskelija-asunnot (POAS). Both organizations offer a range of furnished, private rooms for incoming exchange students at student-friendly rates. Rent always includes free internet access, water, electricity, laundry facilities, and sauna shifts. While student housing cannot be guaranteed, it is generally easy to secure if applications are submitted on time. Availability is usually better in the spring semester, as there are fewer applicants compared to autumn. More information on Student housing for exchange students.

Living in Tampere is significantly more affordable than in Helsinki and very reasonable compared to the rest of Western Europe. In addition to rent (which starts at 300€ in a shared apartment with private room), a monthly budget of 350–600 € typically covers food, transportation, personal, and leisure expenses. Student meals are varied, healthy, and inexpensive, with buffet-style options available both on and off campus Monday through Saturday for 3€ per meal. Tampere offers a vibrant student community and excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost of many other European cities.