Frequently Asked Questions

What are the monthly living costs when living in Turku ?

Approximate monthly living costs in Turku (if living in a student flat):

• Rent 220€ - 450€ / month (usually incl. water, electricity, heating, Internet) 
• Student Lunch 2,60€ * 22days = 57,20€ 
• Monthly bus card 32€ / month Single ticket for the bus 2,5€ 

Other living costs: 

• Mobile phone calls average 0,07€/min, 0,07€/sms e.g. Saunalahti Prepaid 
• Movie ticket 6,80€ - 13€ 
• Glass of wine or beer 3€ - 7,50€ 
• Pizza or kebab in cheaper restaurants 4€ - 10€ 
• Normal restaurants, main course 13€ - 25€ 
• Normal coffee in a regular cafeteria 2,5 € 
• Normal coffee in a student cafeteria 1€ 
• Bus ticket Turku-Helsinki with the Finnish student discount card about 15€ 
  • Helsinki Airport - Turku, normal price (no discounts) 30,50€
• Communal gym, single entrance 3€ (+ 5€ deposit for the pass card)

Where can I find inexpensive kitchen ware, clothes, furniture etc. ?

Check the list of the flea markets in Turku area. 

What kind of certificate will I get from TUAS when I finish my exchange period ?

You will get a transcript of records which will show the courses and the grades (scale 1 - 5, or H = passed). You will also get a certificate which will indicate the semester dates. You won't get a certificate which shows your arrival and/or departure date.

Where can I find information about the free time activities organised for the exchange students?

The ESN section (Erasmus Student Network) of TUAS called ESN-IAC organises free time activities. Take a look at their website at www.esn-iac.fi There are also two other ESN sections in Turku, so altogether you can take part in activities and parties almost every day!
Also the Student Union TUO organises events and activities for foreign students. Check their website at www.opiskelijakunta.net

Why doesn't the application system, Mobility Online, show the green mark in the workflow even though I have uploaded all the required documents?

The applicants upload different kinds of documents and in many different formats. This is why we have set a limit that you can upload up to 10 different documents to Mobility Online. The system shows that the step "Application documents uploaded" is done (green mark in the box) when there are 10 documents uploaded. Your application is complete when you have uploaded all the required documents, the step doesn't have to be completed.

What kind of English language requirements TUAS has for exchange students?

TUAS does not require an English Language Proficiency test from the exchange students, i.e.  they do not have to submit a TOEFL, IELTS etc. score to be admitted to TUAS.

However, the exchange students should at least meet the following requirements to be able to successfully complete their semesters at our institutions. These requirements are:

• English Language proficiency of minimum TOEFL 550, IELTS 6 or equivalent
• CGPA of 2.5 and above

Does TUAS have scholarships for incoming exchange students?

Unfortunately TUAS can't offer any scholarships for incoming exchange students. You can ask from your country's Finnish embassy if they know any associations which give scholarships for exchange students.

The Student Village Foundation of Turku (TYS) asks for the letter of acceptance. Do I have to send it to the foundation?

No, TUAS will inform the Student Village Foundation about the incoming students.

When will my tutor be in contact with me?

Approximately a month before your arrival.

Where will my tutor meet me when arriving to Turku/Salo?

• In Turku: at the bus station/ railway station/ harbor/ airport
• In Salo: at the bus station/ railway station

I will spend winter months in Turku/Salo (November-March), do I need to bring warm clothes with me?

Yes, the winter can be very cold even in the southern parts of Finland so you should be prepared for -5 to -15 degrees Celsius (sometimes even -25 °C). The first snow usually falls in November / early December.

How many students are there at TUAS and how many exchange students? 

The university has altogether 9500 students of which every year approximately 300 are exchange students.

I have to have my learning agreement signed, what to do?

Contact the International Coordinator of your faculty at TUAS.

When do the semesters start?

Autumn semester: from end of August / early September to Christmas
Spring semester: from January to end of April / May
The semester dates vary depending on a degree programme, you can ask for the exact semester dates from your International Coordinator at TUAS