UMK – The Contest for New Music – is Yle’s open song contest for all musicians and music makers in Finland and abroad. The application period for UMK26 kicks off in August, and the application form will be available at yle.fi/umk from 18 to 24 August 2025. Now’s the perfect time to read through the rules and start polishing your entry!
UMK is Finland’s biggest music competition and a central platform for Finnish music. UMK finalists frequently dominate streaming charts and radio playlists. In 2023, Käärijä became a global sensation, and in 2024, Windows95man took the stage by a denim storm. In 2025 Europe came together with Erika Vikman’s iconic Ich komme.
But the journey doesn’t stop here — UMK continues to evolve and grow. With the competition held at the iconic Nokia Arena, the shows have grown into major entertainment events, selling out in mere hours. Could you be the next artist to leave your mark in Finnish and European music history? If so, mark your calendar and get your song ready!
The official rules for UMK26 have now been published. Read them carefully and make sure your song and materials are ready by the application window in August.
UMK has served as Finland’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2012.
YLE, the Finnish national broadcaster, has published the rules and regulations for UMK 2026 and set the date for the song submission of the competition.
The song submission window for UMK 2026 will be opened from 18-24 August 2025. The 2026 Finnish national final is scheduled to be held at the Nokia Arena in Tampere on 28 February 2026.
You can read the UMK 2026 rules and regulations here.
YLE’s press release reads:
