Studying Finnish

Finnish language courses are organised by adult education centres, workers’ institutes, folk high schools, universities and summer universities, for example.

You can find information on courses in large cities and online courses at Finnishcourses.fi. Nationwide information on language course providers is available at Kielibuusti.fi.

Courses usually begin in August or September as well as in January. You can usually attend a language course in the evening. Language courses are often very full, so make sure to register in time.

Please note that sometimes employers can also arrange language courses.

Courses usually begin in August or September as well as in January. You can usually attend a language course in the evening. Language courses are often very full, so ensure to register in time.

If you have prepared an integration plan with the authorities, you are entitled to free integration training. In integration training, you can study the Finnish or Swedish language, how Finnish society works and how to apply for a job in Finland. If you want to take a Finnish or Swedish language course that is not organised by TE Services, agree on it with your assigned worker before the start of the course.

Read more on the page Integration into Finland.

If you are unemployed, the TE Office or your municipality’s employment services can direct you to integration training and other services that support language skills. The integration training focuses on learning the language, how Finnish society works and how to apply for a job in Finland.

Read more on the page If you become unemployed.

The Finnish language can also be studied in preparatory education for programmes leading to an upper secondary qualification (TUVA).

Read more about preparatory education on the pages Vocational education and training and General upper secondary school.

Many libraries and organisations organise language cafés and discussion groups where you can practise speaking Finnish.