Studying while receiving unemployment benefits will become easier from 1 July 2026 – what you should know
Parliament has approved a legislative change that makes it easier to complete open studies during unemployment at universities, universities of applied sciences, adult education centres and summer universities. We explain what the change means in practice. The change mainly concerns open higher education studies and receiving unemployment benefits while studying.
Parliament has approved a legislative change aimed at making it easier for unemployed jobseekers to study during unemployment. The change will enter into force on 1 July 2026 and will apply to studies that start on or after that date. Decisions and more detailed assessments are made by the employment authority, so here we explain in general terms what the change means. If needed, check your individual situation with the employment authority.
Does this change apply to you?
The change applies to unemployed jobseekers aged 25 or over. If you are at least 25 years old, you can in the future study open studies at an open university, open university of applied sciences, adult education centre or summer university without losing your right to unemployment benefits.
What does this mean in practice?
Previously, the scope and duration of these open studies could affect your right to unemployment benefits if the studies were considered full-time. This assessment will now be removed entirely for these types of studies.
In practice, this means that the impact of these studies on unemployment benefits will generally not need to be assessed separately.
Do I still need to apply for jobs during my studies?
Yes. The change does not remove your job search obligations. You must continue to apply for jobs in accordance with your employment plan and be ready to accept full-time work during your studies. If you are offered employment-promoting services, you are required to participate.
Does the change apply to all studies?
No. The change applies specifically to open studies. It does not apply to degree studies, which will continue to be assessed under their own rules.
What about people under 25?
Their situation remains unchanged: they can continue studying open studies, but the employment authority will still assess their impact on unemployment benefits as before.
The aim of the reform is to make it easier to develop skills and start studying during unemployment, while also reducing administrative burden.
Detailed assessments and decisions on how studies affect benefits are always made by the employment authority. If you have questions about your personal situation, we recommend contacting the employment authority.