Demarcation of study time
The demarcation of study time is taking place at the University of Turku for study rights beginnig 1 August 2005 onwards. The terms and conditions of the demarcation of study time have been expanded on. The main principles of this arrangement are stated in the Universities Act and, on the basis of the decision made by the Rector on 23 April 2007, the University of Turku reinforces the legislation.
Students whose study time will expire at 31 July 2012 will receive information on week 47-48.
Instructions
Targeted completion times
Altogether, the targeted completion time for Bachelor's and Master's degree studies is five academic years. The targeted completion time for Psychology students, however, is five and a half academic years.
The targeted completion time for studies for a lower (Bachelor's) degree is three academic years.
The targeted completion time for a higher (Master's) degree is two academic years. The exception to this is the targeted completion time for a Master’s degree in Psychology, which is two and a half academic years.
The targeted completion time for basic (Licentiate) studies in Medicine is six academic years and basic (Licentiate) studies in Dentistry is five and a half academic years for students started their studies 1 Aug 2011 onwards and five years for students started their studies earlier.
The duration of study rights
A student accepted for both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree have the right to complete his or her degree two years past the targeted completion time of the degree. Students accepted only for a Bachelor's degree have the right to complete his or her degree one year past targeted completion time. Students accepted only for a Master's degree have the right to complete his or her degree two years past the targeted completion time.
Starting point
The academic year, for which the study place has been accepted, is considered to be the starting point of the student's studies.
Time counted for completing the degree
Four semesters is the limit for registered non-attendance that will not be counted in the maximum time allowance for the completion of a degree.
A temporary suspension of studies for at least on academic year, serving the needs of the work force administration, is considered equal to intentional registered non-attendance as stated in 18c § of the Universities Act.
The maximum time allowance will be in force if the student fails to register entirely.
If the student's status in the register changes during a semester, the register status for the semester will be determined according to the status of the last day of the semester in question.
Notification of the remaining study time
Every student annually receives a notification of his/her remaining study time with the registration instructions. Students can also check their situation on the virtual study register NettiOpsu. The information can also be checked from the Student and Admission Services by email (demarcation [at] lists.utu.fi).
Extension of study time based on legislative reasons which take place during studentship
The university does not require a reason for absence during the aforementioned maximum non-attendance period of four semesters. Furthermore, non-attendance concerning voluntary or compulsory military service or maternal, paternal or parental leave will not be counted in the maximum time allowance for the completion of a degree.
If the student however registers as attending during the aforementioned family leaves, the maximum time for completion of the degree will be in force. In the event that the student needs to apply for an extension, a family leave is taken in to consideration as a delaying factor in the progression of his/her studies.
The semesters, during which the student's aforementioned basis for non-attendance (family leave and voluntary or compulsory military service) begins or ends, are evaluated case-specifically. These kinds of semesters are not usually counted in the maximum time allowance if the student can present, with reasonable grounds, that non-attendance hindered his/her studies. In that event, if the student registered as non-attending at the beginning or end of the semester, the University of Turku can, on the same basis, see that this kind of semester will not take away from the maximum four non-attending semesters.
Registering on the basis of non-attendance and decision-making
A student should not state his/her time spent for permissible non-attendance until the approaching end of his/her studying period, if taking the time in question into consideration is, in the student's case, required. Notification is made at Student and Admission Services in the Student Administration, who also makes the decision about the left over study time according to the regulations given on this page.
Left over study time and more exact guidelines will be sent to the students along with the personal registration letter each year.
Additional time for study right
Applying
Even without aforementioned reasons it is possible to apply for additional time for the study right. If it is probable that the student will not graduate before his/her study right expires, it is possible, and indeed advisable, to apply for additional time well in advance. In this case the application should be done by 31 March of the academic year at the end of which (31 July) the study right would expire. If the study right expires 31 December, additional time must be applied for by 31 October.
Even if the study right has already expired it can be restored and additional time can be granted if the student applies for it and if his/her study plan is approved of. In this case a re-registration fee (€ 35) is charged if the study right has expired at the moment of applying or if the yearly application period has ended and the study right has expired before granting the additional time.
The application for additional time is done with the enclosed form (Applying for additional time) that can also be found online: http://www.utu.fi/demarcation . The form must be returned to the faculty office. With the form should be enclosed a personal study plan, including individual study modules and a schedule, on how the degree is going to be completed. If there has been special reasons for the delay of studies, the student should also enclose a clarification of them (e.g. medical certificate).
The basis for the personal study plan is that the remaining studies continue with a rate of at least 30 ECTS per academic year. If the student wishes to compile a study plan with a slower rate of study, he/she needs to attach an explanation regarding the underlying reasons (please read the following chapter).
Granting of the additional time
The most important prerequisite for granting additional time is the aforementioned personal study plan. The studies yet to be taken and the estimated date of their completion must be stated in the plan. In addition the reasonableness of the granting will be judged: additional time is granted if the student is able to complete his/her degree in a reasonable time. The following matters are taken into account while making the decision: the amount and extent of studies already completed and of studies yet to be taken in comparison with the targeted completion time of the degree, and the possible additional time granted earlier.
Also the situation in life can be taken into consideration when granting additional time. For example illness or other difficult situation in life, societal activity (e.g. in political or student organizations) during studentship, international student exchange or internship and top athletics are regarded favourably when making the decision. If the student is appealing to such reason, he/she must enclose documents supporting them with the application form.
Duration of the additional time
Additional time is granted as semesters. Additional time is granted for one semester at the minimum and for four semesters at the maximum. Possible legislative reasons for absence (compulsory and voluntary military services, family leaves) are taken into account also during the additional time as long as Student and Admission Services is notified of them. Even if the completion of the degree would require more than four semesters according to the study plan, additional time is nevertheless granted for four semesters only. The remaining additional time must be applied for separately.