As a member of the Open Unemployment Fund, you will soon be able to study at an open university or an open university of applied sciences more freely than before without losing your unemployment benefit. On 9 June 2026, Parliament approved a legislative amendment aimed at making it easier for unemployed jobseekers to develop their skills during periods of unemployment.
Open studies can be pursued more freely
Under the approved legislative amendment, jobseekers aged 25 or over will be able to study at an open university, an open university of applied sciences, an adult education centre, or a summer university without losing their entitlement to unemployment security.
Currently, the scope and duration of open studies may affect eligibility for unemployment benefits if the studies are considered full-time. As a result of the amendment, this assessment will no longer apply to these types of studies.
The aim is to support skills development
The purpose of the amendment is to make it easier to update existing skills and acquire new knowledge during unemployment. At the same time, it will reduce the administrative work related to assessing the impact of studies on benefit entitlement.
The other conditions for receiving unemployment benefits will remain unchanged. Jobseekers must still actively seek employment and be available to accept full-time work while studying.
Parliament calls for a review of other types of studies
In connection with the amendment, Parliament adopted a statement calling on the Government to examine the possibility of extending a similar model to vocational studies and separate university studies.
Changes to take effect in autumn
Parliament approved unanimously the legislative amendment on 9 June 2026. The changes are intended to enter into force in autumn 2026.