Membership Fee

Membership of a student union is compulsory by law for all Finnish undergraduate students – and for those international students who are studying for a Finnish degree (bachelor’s or master’s). Therefore, as a student at Åbo Akademi University you’re automatically also a member of  the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS). Through your membership in ÅAS you get, among other tings, advocacy in student-related matters, advice, various student discounts and so much more.

Postgraduate students studying for a licentiate or PhD can also become members of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS). As a postgraduate student, you can choose whether you want to pay the Student Union fee and become a member or not. Exchange students studying in Finland for three months or more can join a student union, too.

The membership fee at the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University is 64.00 euros for the academic year 2022–2023 (32,00 euros for fall semester, 32.00 euros for spring semester) and should be paid prior to registration at the University.

Membership benefits

By showing your validated student card (plastic or app), you will also receive discounts on lunches at the student restaurants, a significant discount on ticket prices on trains and long distance coaches, reduced rates at youth hostels and the possibility to get a student bus card for the local buses in Åbo and lots of other student discounts. In addition, you will of course be able to use the services of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University.

Becoming a member

In order to obtain the student union membership and a student card you must first pay the student union fee. Payment information will be provided upon your arrival to Finland. Please make sure to save the receipt! Please note that if you pay the fee at a physical bank the bank will probably charge you a small service fee. After paying the fee you can register at the Education services at Åbo Akademi University. After registration you should order your student card at www.frank.fi.

Postgraduate students studying for a licentiate or PhD can also become members of the Student Union. Learn more about the student union membershop for PhD members and how to pay the fee here. Please note that the benefits for postgraduate students differ from those mentioned above.

Benefits for postgraduate student members:
– Subventioned lunches at Kb Gadolinia [Café Kåren, Café Gado, Café Arken, Café Fänriken] – Student lawyer and student priest
– All service at the Student Union Offices (merchandise, rooms for rent, advice m.m.)
– Accomodation at Tavasthem and TYS
– Hostel
– The student card
– Right to vote and run for office in
the Student Union elections

Refund

If you wish to apply for a refund of your Student Union membership fee, please use this form.

Sports fee

There is a separate sports fee that you have to pay if you want to take part in the sports activities that are arranged by Åbo Akademi University. You can find more information here.