FAQ - Impact of COVID-19

On this page you will find the most frequently asked questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on new students coming from outside the EU/EEA.

Deferrals

Here you can find the most frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 impacts deferrals.

Students cannot defer their first year of studies except for the following legal reasons: 

  • military service, non-military service and women's voluntary military service
  • maternity, paternity or parental leave
  • illness or disability which prevents them from beginning their studies

Arcada is offering remote studies by providing tuition online and therefore the first year of studies cannot be postponed due to circumstances caused by the pandemic. 

Tuition Fees: Am I eligible for a refund if I...

Here you can find the most frequently asked questions about which impact COVID-19 has on tuition fees.

Generally, if students have accepted their study place and paid their tuition fees after being notified that their studies will begin online in the autumn, they are not eligible for a refund. 

Online studies are academically equivalent to on-campus teaching and students will receive additional support to help them progress successfully in their studies. 

For other enquiries about refunds, please contact the Admissions Services office directly at admissions@arcada.fi. 

If you are not granted a residence permit and cannot arrive in Finland to continue your studies in January 2022, you are eligible for a partial refund.

Residence Permits

Here you can find the most frequently asked questions about which impact COVID-19 has on residence permits.

You should check the Finnish Immigration Services  website for updates on residence permit applications or contact them directly.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland has recently opened a phoneline and email address specifically for residence permit applicants who have been experiencing difficulties. You can contact them at +358 (0)0295 16001 or visas.mfa@formin.fi. 

Please contact the Admissions Services office at admissions@arcada.fi if you require additional documents. 

You can apply for accommodation without incurring costs as long as you have not paid a deposit or signed any contracts. Please read more about student accommodation here . 

Studies in Autumn 2021

Here you can find the most frequently asked questions about which impact COVID-19 has on studies in autumn 2021.

Your studies will begin with Introduction Days held 23–24 August during which you will receive important information regarding your studies. More information about the Introduction Days will follow.

The structure of the studies in the autumn semester will vary depending on the degree programme. We suggest that you visit the digital study guide Start and keep an eye on updates: https://start.arcada.fi/en If you have specific questions related to your studies, please contact your amanuensis or the degree department.