Studying Finnish

Finnish language courses are organised by adult education centres, universities and summer universities, for example. Sometimes a course can also be accessed through the workplace. You can find out more information from the counselling services of your municipality and, in large cities, the Finnishcourses.fi service.

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 just moved to Finland, you may be entitled to integration services. Integration training usually includes language studies.

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.

You can also practise your Finnish by talking. Many libraries and organisations organise language cafés and discussion groups where you can practise speaking Finnish.