Good to know about dropping out of studies
If you are considering dropping out, we encourage you to think about other options.
On this page, we have put together information on what you need to know if you are considering dropping out and what other options there are.
Are there any other options than dropping out?
Can I suspend my studies for time being?
My right to study is coming to an end - will I have to drop out?
Can I return to my studies after dropping out?
Are there any other options than dropping out?
There may come a time in your studies when you wonder whether you want to finish your degree. This is very common and often involves a momentary motivational challenge, and most students get past it. We hope that before you make a final decision you will contact your Teacher Tutor and/or Student Counsellor, so they may help you consider options and solutions.
Together you can work out solutions rather than dropping out.
- OTE-studies might be the right place for you, if you need a break from your studies and want to consider options. At this moment OTE-studies are only available in Finnish. If you are able to discuss and participate in Finnish, you are mostly welcome.
- In some cases, you might find a more suitable field of study at TAMK. If this is the case, you might want to consider applying for internal transfer.
- Sometimes ideas of dropping out and motivational challenges can be related to newly developing study skills. Strengthening study skills can often help to increase motivation.
- At TAMK there are also different kinds of support services, where you may get support for your studies in a group or individually. Parvi’s and partners’ services may get help in different situations.
- In cases when studying feels extremely difficult, you might have learning disability. If this is the case, you may contact special education teacher.
Can I suspend my studies for time being?
If you need a break from your studies, you don't necessarily have to drop out directly; you can also register as absent. The first thing to do is to check with the Service Point or your Student Counsellor about your study status, to see if you can be absent and return to your studies later.
Discuss and mention your plans to be absent also with your Teacher Tutor.
My right to study is coming to an end - will I have to drop out?
In addition to the standard period for completing the degree, students are entitled to additional statutory time.
The period of study is the standard period + the statutory additional period. The statutory additional period is one year. The statutory extension must be applied for.
In some cases, in addition to the statutory extension, students may have the possibility to apply for discretionary extension. Discretionary extra time can only be granted for minor missing parts of the degree if it is realistic to complete the degree in the extra time. If you have been identified as having a disability that impairs your ability to study, additional time may also be granted on an individual basis. As a rule, you can only apply for discretionary extra time for one semester at a time, but for a maximum of one year in total.
Can I return to my studies after dropping out?
If you have previously interrupted your studies (failed to register for a semester, failed to apply for extra time or resigned) and still want to complete your degree, there are different ways to do so.
You can read more about this on the page Returning to study after a break.
Useful links
Support for studying and well-being
Inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying – help for students