The Tuudo student card changed on August 1, 2026. In this article, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions related to the change. We will update the article as needed.
What is changing?
Previously, the student card automatically visible to all students in Tuudo has been blue, and it could be used to prove student status anywhere. In the future, all students will automatically receive a pink card, which can be used to prove student status in student restaurants and eligibility for Kela meal subsidies. The card only features the Kela logo, meaning that this pink card is not valid for example on VR trains.
The card can still be found in the Tuudo app in the same place as before. For METKA members, it will be blue, and for non-members, pink. The QR code to be shown to the reader at the student restaurant self-service checkouts can be accessed from the bottom of the card, just like before.
Will Tuudo be discontinued entirely for non-members?
No. The change only applies to the student card. Tuudo as an app will otherwise remain the same. You will still be able to find schedules, campus maps, your library card, menus, and other information and tools you are used to using.
Why isn’t my Tuudo card working properly?
Due to differences in the interfaces between different apps and membership registers, Tuudo cards do not work correctly on all platforms. Clearing your Tuudo cache may help. Apparently, after activating Tuudo, it has taken up to 5 days for some users’ cards to start working normally. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but whilst you wait, you can also start using the Kide.app and/or the Slice student card! Read more in METKA’s announcement.
I am studying at an open university of applied sciences or I am a pathway student. What benefits am I entitled to?
Unfortunately, students at open universities (including pathway students) are not eligible for student social benefits, as Kela does not classify them as full-time students. Consequently, students at open universities are also not eligible for the pink meal subsidy card. Read more on Kela’s website.
Students enrolled on the Open University of Applied Sciences pathway studies who have registered to attend are also eligible to become members of METKA. You’ll have access to all of METKA’s own benefits, such as discounted event tickets, Slice student discounts and access to sports services. Pathway students are not eligible for national benefits, such as Kela’s meal subsidy or student-priced travel tickets from VR and HSL. Pathway students’ Tuudo card is red regardless of their membership status.
Is METKA membership mandatory?
No. Finnish law does not allow automatic membership in student unions at universities of applied sciences, unlike in university student unions. Therefore, joining METKA will continue to be voluntary.
Why is METKA making this change?
The change is based on a decision made by METKA’s representative council on March 31, 2026. The main reason is to secure METKA’s financial stability. Metropolia is the largest university of applied sciences in Finland, but METKA has one of the lowest membership rates among student unions. This inevitably means that, with current resources, METKA cannot maintain its current level of operations in the long term. METKA’s finances have been in deficit for several consecutive years.
Is a similar model used elsewhere?
Yes. There are 24 universities of applied sciences in Finland, and most of them use Tuudo. Starting this autumn, 15 student unions in Finland will adopt the same Tuudo student card model. This means that without membership in your own student union, you will only have access to Kela’s pink meal subsidy card.
METKA also used a similar student card model until 2018. Since then, the membership rate has dropped from over 50% to well below 10%. So in a way, this is a return to the old model, but with a digital twist.
Why is there still outdated information on the website?
The change came into effect on August 1, 2026. The website and other communication channels were upgraded before the summer break, but please contact us if you still find outdated information after August 1, 2026.
Why haven’t I heard about this change before?
We first announced the change on 23 April 2026 on our website and in Metropolia’s Student’s Guide. Since then, the matter has been communicated through various channels, but unfortunately we are unable to reach all 19,000 students. So please remember to follow both the university’s and METKA’s communication channels regularly!
Why are the services aimed more to the members?
The tasks of a student union or defines in the UAS Act. The purpose of the Student Union is to act as a liaison on behalf of its members and promote their societal, social and intellectual aspirations and those relating to studies and the position of students in society. The costs incurring from activities are defrayed from the assets of the student union and from the income accruing from the activities of the student union and membership fees, which the student union is entitled to charge to its members.
Under the UAS Act, the student union’s role is therefore specifically to act in the interests of its members. Where possible, however, METKA works for the benefit of all students at Metropolia, and even non-members can apply to become student representative or tutor, for example.
You can read more about the statutory duties on Finlex.
Why should I join METKA?
Membership offers valuable benefits such as discounts on events, sports services, and thousands of discounts available through the Slice student card. However, by becoming a member, you also support all of METKA’s activities: tutoring, advocacy, community-building, organising diverse events, and more.
The number of METKA members also directly affects the resources of its national umbrella organisation, the Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK), as Metropolia is the largest university of applied sciences in Finland. SAMOK does important nationwide work, such as lobbying decision-makers to improve students’ conditions.
Being organised is also important for influence. METKA collaborates with other student unions and student associations in the Helsinki metropolitan area and influences regional policies, such as transportation and housing, through initiatives like World Student Capital. In addition to advocacy and lobbying, a larger membership base allows METKA to negotiate better discounts for its members.
METKA recognises that students’ financial situations have become more challenging. Still, organisation is especially important now, as national advocacy efforts depend on students being members of student unions. METKA membership (44€ per year, with discounted multi-year options) is a relatively small cost considering the work done by the student movement in universities of applied sciences.
How does METKA plan to develop its operations if the financial situation improves?
This depends entirely on how many new members, and therefore funding, we are able to secure. If the financial situation allows for hiring one new specialist, our top priority would be a full-time advocacy expert. Currently, having only half of an advocacy specialist for a university of applied sciences with 19 000 students is far from sufficient.
We would also like to allocate more funding to tutoring activities. At the moment, hundreds of volunteers are involved in tutoring, but the budget is almost entirely spent on tutor shirts and meals during tutor training sessions.
Currently, a significant portion of METKA’s funding comes from Metropolia. This creates a conflict of interest, as it limits how strongly we can criticise the institution that provides funding. Despite this, we aim to remain bold, solution-oriented, and fact-based in our advocacy work.
In the long term, both SAMOK and METKA could dedicate more resources to advocating for international students, and other groups in more vulnerable positions. Better resources would also make it possible to listen and implement members’ wishes more effectively. At present, much of our activity is tied to the agreement between METKA and Metropolia, as well as to events that generate revenue
Is there a free student card available?
There are free alternatives, but we are not responsible for promoting them or for the benefits they may offer.
How does the change affect student associations?
The change does not affect student associations. METKA is a statutory part of a university of applied sciences and must exist in every such institution, regardless of how many students choose to become members. The student union is also responsibilities defined by law.
Membership in student associations is also voluntary, and their activities are based on civic engagement and volunteer work. METKA sees student associations as extremely important partners, as a student union representing all students will always be somewhat more distant from everyday student life compared to student associations.
If METKA’s membership rate grows significantly and its situation improves, it may be able to provide greater financial support to student associations that it currently does.
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