Academic guidance

Higher education institutions provide general student advice services to all students. The organisation of the services varies somewhat between the institutions. 

Regarding academic advice, higher education institutions have study affairs secretaries or counsellors in charge of the planning, co-ordination and development of guidance and counselling, editing of study guides and training of student tutors in a given field or programme. 

Study field and degree programme related guidance is given by teaching personnel and other staff members. There is also a tutor teacher. Every student draws up a personal study plan, usually together with study affairs counsellors and the degree programme personnel. The tutor teacher monitors the progress of the plan. 

Tutoring groups, both for new students as well as exchange students, help students learn more about their institution and higher education studies. 

SIMHE (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland) services at higher education institutions are meant for migrants arriving with different statuses. The goal of SIMHE (last accessed 21.3.2025) is to streamline the identification and recognition of prior learning of highly educated migrants, and to facilitate their access to appropriate education and career paths.

Psychological counselling

Finnish Student Health Services (last accessed 21.3.2025) provide mental health services, such as appointments with psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists, and short-term therapy with psychologists.

Career guidance

Higher education institutions offer careers and recruitment services that provide guidance and information to students, recent graduates and employers.

Students make labour market contacts also through traineeships and commissioned final projects. 

Alumni associations organise events and meetings for future employers and employees, mentors and mentees. Also student associations organise visits and other events.