How to apply for interpreter services for students

Kela arranges interpreter services for studies after basic education. You can apply for interpreter services for students if you have been granted the right to interpreter service for the disabled.

Apply for the right to interpreter services for students for the whole duration of the studies.

1. Fill in the form Vammaisen henkilön opiskelutulkkaus TU 2 (PDF, in Finnish).
2. Enclose a certificate of acceptance from the educational institution. A copy of the certificate is sufficient.
3. Send your application online:

   • Save the completed claim form on your device. Note that the claim must be in PDF format.
   • Log in to OmaKela. Please note that our e-service is only available in Finnish and Swedish. Select Tee hakemus.
   • Select Vammaisten tulkkauspalvelu and choose the benefit you are applying for.
   • Select the claim on your device and press Lähetä.
   • When you send your claim online you don’t need to sign it.
   • If you have supporting documents, send them via OmaKela after you have submitted your claim. If they are paper documents, you can photograph or scan them.
4. You can also mail your application and supporting documents to Kela, PL 10, 00056 KELA.

When you have been granted the right to use interpreter services for students, book an interpreter.

If the studies are prolonged

If you take longer than normal to complete your studies, you must re-apply for the right to use interpreter services for students. Use the form Vammaisen henkilön opiskelutulkkaus TU 2 (PDF, Finnish) to apply. Enclose a certificate from your school indicating that you continue your studies.

Report changes without delay

Please report without delay any changes regarding your studies to the Centre for Interpreting Services for the Disabled and to your interpreter.

Report for instance if

• you interrupt your studies
• you end your studies
• you graduate earlier than planned
• your need of interpreter services for students is reduced or you no longer need them
• you change schools
• you change your line of study
• the interpreting method or the language you use changes

Kela checks how the change affects your right to interpretation. You may have to file a new application.

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