opintosuunnitelmaan

In Finland, opintosuunnitelma denotes a student's study plan—a document or digital record that outlines the intended courses, credits, and objectives required to complete a degree. The illative form opintosuunnitelmaan literally means "to the study plan." The exact requirements and layout differ between universities and faculties, but creating and maintaining a coherent opintosuunnitelma is a common part of higher education administration and student guidance.

It serves to help students map their studies over the degree period, ensure alignment with degree requirements, and facilitate progress tracking. It also supports academic advising, accreditation processes, and personal learning goals. The plan is usually reviewed and updated at regular intervals, for example at the end of each semester or upon changes in study aims or degree requirements.

A typical opintosuunnitelma lists the degree goal, required credits, obligatory courses, a selection of elective courses, possible majors or minors, language and general studies, internships or research projects, and a timetable for completing courses and the thesis. It may also include prerequisites, workload estimates, and assessment methods.

It is created in collaboration with an academic advisor or study counselor, often within the university's student information system. Students may propose changes, which must be approved by the relevant department. Updating the plan may be prompted by changes in study direction, new course availability, or personal circumstances. The plan acts as a living document guiding progression toward graduation.