Direct answer
Which TYS application route should I use?
The standard guidance covers eligible full-time students and interns. TYS also publishes separate guidance for exchange-student accommodation; exchange students should review that guidance first and confirm the appropriate route with TYS if unclear. TYS determines eligibility and issues housing offers; OmaAvain does neither.
- Standard TYS application
- Who can check it: Eligible full-time students at educational institutions in Turku, including upper-secondary and vocational schools, and interns.
- Documents: Provide a study certificate issued within the last three months or an acceptance certificate.
- Timing: Apply no earlier than three months before you need housing. Students beginning studies in autumn can apply from May 1. Renew before the three-month validity period expires if needed.
- Exchange-student application
- Route and dates: Check the separate exchange-student accommodation guidance: the exchange-student application period opens May 1 for autumn and October 1 for spring.
- Application: Each exchange student submits their own application; an admission certificate can be attached later.
- Update, do not duplicate: Edit an existing exchange application instead of filing another one.
Application journey
Student-housing application timeline in Turku
The steps below summarize official TYS guidance reviewed July 27, 2026. They do not predict availability, a waiting time or an offer.
Check route fit and prepare documents
After reviewing the guidance above, prepare the documents TYS requests for the route that applies to your situation.Sources: TYS: how can I apply, TYS: exchange studentsApply through the official TYS service
Submit the application through TYS's official service after checking the route guidance.Sources: TYS: how can I applyKeep your application current
The standard application is valid for three months and should be renewed before that validity period expires if needed. For the exchange route, edit an existing application rather than filing another one.Sources: TYS: how can I apply, TYS: exchange studentsCheck apartment-type and timing guidance
TYS says an offer is usually sent 4–6 weeks before the contract start date; this is not a waiting-time estimate and does not guarantee an offer.- Broad standard searchMultiple locations and apartment types
- A broad search can include multiple locations and apartment types.
- This does not guarantee availability or an offer.
- Narrow location or apartment typeMay take longer
- A narrower search may take longer; TYS does not give a fixed estimate.
- No queue position or offer is guaranteed.
- Exchange-student housingSeparate guidance
- Check the separate exchange-student accommodation guidance.
- This does not guarantee availability or an offer.
- Broad standard searchMultiple locations and apartment types
Review any offer
If TYS sends an offer, review it and follow TYS's current instructions before responding.Sources: TYS: apartment offer
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who can use the standard TYS application?
- The standard guidance covers eligible full-time students at educational institutions in Turku, including upper-secondary and vocational schools, and interns. Submit a study certificate issued within the last three months or an acceptance certificate. TYS determines eligibility and issues housing offers; OmaAvain does neither.Sources: TYS: how can I apply
- When should I apply, and how long is a standard TYS application valid?
- Apply no earlier than three months before you need housing. Students beginning studies in autumn can apply from May 1 under current TYS guidance. The standard application is valid for three months, so renew it before the three-month validity period expires if you still need housing.Sources: TYS: how can I apply
- Which route and dates apply to exchange students?
- Exchange students should check TYS's separate exchange-student accommodation guidance first. The exchange-student application period opens May 1 for autumn and October 1 for spring. Each exchange student submits their own application; an admission certificate can be attached later, and an existing application should be edited rather than duplicated.Sources: TYS: exchange students
- Are TYS apartments furnished, and what if the route does not fit?
- Most TYS apartments are unfurnished, with only a small number furnished. If TYS does not fit, also check your institution, City of Turku housing counselling and general rental alternatives.Sources: TYS: apartment equipment, City of Turku: housing counselling
