The Finnish student union and student card system

By the Finnish legislation all university degree students enrolled in a Finnish university are required to become members of their local student union.  All student unions are further members of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL).  This also applies to all foreign students who are enrolled in a Finnish university to complete a full degree.  Different universities have different regulations about how exchange and postgraduate students can join the local SU.  Only by being a member you can obtain a Finnish student card and use the discounts and benefits it brings. See the conclusive list of local and national discounts here.

The student card entitles degree and exchange students to subsidized meals at university cafeterias in Finland, as well as the services of the Finnish Students' Health care System (FSHS).

Regulations of the Student Union of the University of Kuopio

As mentioned above, all degree students are required to join the student union.

Exchange students can join the Student Union of the University of Kuopio (KYY) if their exhange in the University of Kuopio lasts at least three (3) months.

Postgraduate students can join the student union but are not entitled to travel or meal discounts or dental care at FSHS. 

On how to become a member, see exchange students, postgraduate students or degree students.

On how to order your student card click here.