UniPID Virtual Studies are now part of RIPA!

Earlier this spring, UniPID as a network was connected to the cross-institutional studies service (in Finnish, Ristiinopiskelupalvelu, RIPA). This marks a new chapter for UniPID Virtual Studies! Let’s break down what this all means in practice!

A new chapter in UniPID Virtual Studies

UniPID officially joined the RIPA system in March 2026, opening a new era of collaboration between UniPID member universities regarding Virtual Studies. The first RIPA-enabled courses will run in the upcoming autumn semester.

RIPA is a national service that allows students in Finnish higher education institutions to enroll in courses offered by other universities through the student’s home university system (Sisu or Peppi). In practice, this means that students can now register for and attend UniPID courses without universities manually granting students study rights to UniPID courses. Additionally, the completed credits are automatically transferred to the student’s transcript of records via RIPA.

What changes is that UniPID no longer handles course registrations. Instead, all UniPID courses can be found in the course catalogues of member universities, meaning that the students register for the UniPID course through their own university system (Sisu or Peppi).

UniPID Virtual Studies are open to all member university degree-seeking and exchange students. Priority is given to Master-level students.

Your UniPID study journey in 8 steps

Step 1: Student browses courses in the UniPID course catalogue

Step 2: Student adds the course to the personal study plan (in Sisu or Peppi)

Step 3: Student registers for the course through Sisu or Peppi

Step 4: Student waits for confirmation of acceptance

Step 5: Student attends and completes the course

Step 6: The teacher evaluates the course assignments

Step 7: Student receives grade and credits automatically to home university system

Step 8: Repeat next semester! Consider completing the entire 25 ECTS UniPID study module Sustainability in Development!

RIPA makes the entire process from registration to credits streamlined and automatic!

A few things to keep in mind

While the new system makes many things easier, there are still a couple of important details to remember. Unfortunately, the courses continue to have limited places and admission to the course is not guaranteed. There are also some limitations with the registration requirements, as only students with a valid study right at the UniPID member institution and registered as present can register for cross-institutional studies. Please note also that a Finnish personal ID or a learner ID is required for a successful RIPA registration.

In case you cannot register for the course as described above, don’t hesitate to contact UniPID Virtual Studies Coordinator, who will assist you further!

Discover UniPID Virtual Studies Course Catalogue

Before you slip into summer mode, take a moment to explore what UniPID Virtual Studies Catalogue has to offer for 2026 –2027. The next academic year is featured with 13 courses, including some new courses! Dive into topics like sustainability challenges, climate change, food security, indigenous rights and the history of colonization and gain new perspectives to build more understanding for a rapidly changing world.

Photo credits: Lawrence Aritao, 2020 on Unsplash