Academic Year and Registration

The official academic year begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July annually.

Study Periods

The academic year at the University of Vaasa is divided into autumn and spring semester and the semesters are further divided into periods. Teaching takes place during the periods. In the last week of each period, teaching is given in the mornings and afternoons, and examinations are arranged in the afternoons. Some exams may also be arranged on weekends and, in some cases, during the periods.

Academic Year 2019-2020

Autumn Semester 2019

Tuition and exams during the autumn semester: 2 September - 21 December 2019
Arrival days*: 22-23 August 2019
Orientation days: 26-28 August 2019

*Students are advised to arrive in Vaasa during the official arrival days. Pick-up service is available only during the official arrival days.

Teaching Periods:

  • I Period 2 September - 27 October (Weeks 36-43)
  • II Period 28 October - 22 December (Weeks 44-51)

Exams during the autumn semester:

  • Weeks 36-38 (Sat at 12-15)
  • Weeks 39-42 (Fri and Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 43 (Thu at 14-17 and Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 44 (Fri at 12-15)
  • Weeks 45-48 (Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 49 (Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 50 (Wed-Thu at 14-17 and Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 51 (Mon-Tue at 14-17, Thu at 14-17 and Fri-Sat at 12-15)

Exams take place on Mon—Thu at 14.00—17.00 and Fri—Sat at 12.00—15.00.

Spring Semester 2020

Tuition and exams during the spring semester: 7 January - 30 May 2020
Arrival day*: 3 January 2020
Orientation days: 7 January 2020

Teaching Periods:

  • III Period 7 January - 8 March (Weeks 2-10)
  • IV Period 9 March - 31 May (Weeks 11-22)
Easter holiday 9 - 13 April 2020.
Exams during the spring semester:
  • Weeks 2-14 (Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 15 (no exams, Easter holiday)
  • Weeks 16-17 (Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Week 18 (Sat at 12-15)
  • Weeks 19-20 (Fri-Sat at 12-15)
  • Weeks 21-22 (Mon-Tue at 14-17 and Fri-Sat at 12-15)
Summer exam 2020: Sat 27 June at 12-15.
*Students are advised to arrive in Vaasa during the official arrival days. Pick-up service is available only during the official arrival days.

Public Holidays

The University is closed on public holidays. Public holidays in Finland during the academic year 2019-2020 are as follow:

  • All Saints'Day: 2 November 2019
  • Independence Day: 6 December 2019
  • Christmas: 24-26 December 2019
  • New Year's Day: 1 January 2020
  • Epiphany: 6 January 2020
  • Good Friday: 10 April 2020
  • Easter Day: 12 April 2020
  • Easter Monday: 13 April 2020
  • May Day: 1 May 2020
  • Ascension Day: 21 May 2020
  • Midsummer Day: 20 June 2020