Under 25 and without a degree? This obligation applies to you

Topics

• Income security
• Studies

If you are under 25 years of age and do not yet have a post-secondary education, you must apply for at least two study places in programs starting the following autumn in order to retain your right to unemployment security. You can apply for study places, for example, in the spring joint application process. You can also apply to a university or university of applied sciences.

The purpose of the application obligation is to encourage you and other young people to apply for education leading to a degree. Education improves your chances of finding employment and succeeding in working life in the long term.

How do I fulfill my obligation to apply for education?

• Apply for at least two study places in courses starting in the coming autumn.
• The study places you apply for must be ones for which you meet the admission requirements.
• The studies you apply for may lead to a degree or professional qualifications. The studies may also be full-time studies at a folk high school or sports training center. According to the Unemployment Security Act, studies are considered full-time if they comprise at least 5 credits per month or 25 teaching hours per week.

What if I don’t apply for any study places?

If you don’t apply for any study places, we can’t pay you earnings-related daily allowance on the basis of unemployment. We also can’t pay you earnings-related daily allowance if your own actions result in you not being selected for a study place.

In some situations, you may have a valid reason for not applying for a place in education or for discontinuing your studies. It may also be possible for you to fulfill your obligation to apply for education in other ways.

When can I receive unemployment benefits again?

If you have lost your right to unemployment benefits due to neglecting your obligation to seek education, you will be eligible for unemployment benefits again if

• you have completed training leading to a degree or providing professional skills; or

• you have been in employment or in a service promoting employment for at least 21 calendar weeks.