TSTU Institute of Study by Correspondence was founded in 1966. This type of training is based on self-study of subjects using distant technologies and individual curriculum. Each semester starts with the consulting and practical classes and ends with the examination period: in winter (January) and in summer (June). Students have to make the definite amount of home written papers, course papers or projects and to receive the teacher assessment. The first/second year extra-mural students are provided with a 20-day paid leave during their examination period. The third/fourth year extra-mural students are provided with a 25-day paid leave. Additional paid leave is provided at the end of the fourth year training course for taking state examinations and writing a qualification project.