Finnish language study opportunities for international degree students
Are you a beginner in Finnish or have you only studied Finnish for a few courses? The University of Turku offers international degree students high-quality and inspiring Finnish language study opportunities to get started!
At the courses of Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CeLCS), you can learn Finnish from level A0 up to level B1. Courses usually start at the beginning of each semester, in September and January. The picture below show the study path available at CeLCS. You can also find out more information on CeLCS Finnish as a Foreign Language website.
After the level B1, you can continue your Finnish studies at Minor subject of Finnish Language and Culture (for non-native speakers). The Finnish Language and Culture can be studied as a minor subject, or you are also free to participate in individual courses.
You can also get support for your language studies from SIMHE services (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education). The University of Turku SIMHE Services provides educational and career guidance for immigrants on issues related to higher education, degree recognition, and employment. SIMHE services also include small group and individual Finnish language tuition, as well as job application and language examination coaching in Finnish.
If you do not know what level your Finnish language skills are at the moment, you can find a proficiency test on the Kielibuusti website. You can also read more about the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR on the Kielibuusti website.
When you are a student at the University of Turku, you can also book an appointment with a Finnish language teacher using Asio and plan your Finnish study path with the teacher. The Finnish language teachers also provide guidance every Wednesday in the Finnish Drop-In. The Finnish Drop-In is available on Wednesdays (weeks 34-50 in autumn 2024, but not on week 42) from 1 to 2 PM in the lobby of the Centre of Language and Communication Studies on the second floor of Agora. You can come without an appointment or send your questions in advance to finnishkievi@utu.fi.
Check out below also the free time Finnish language opportunities offered by the University of Turku and the City of Turku! Maybe you want to practice Finnish in a language circle or with a tandem partner?
Finnish language study opportunities at the University of Turku
Opportunities for studying Finnish language in free time at the University of Turku and in the city of Turku
In tandem studies, you will be paired with a native Finnish speaker. Read more about the Language and Culture Tandem in the study guide.
Language Circles provides an opportunity to get to know international students and staff at the University of Turku, as well as new languages and cultures. The introductory meetings for new language groups are always held at the beginning of the semesters in September and January. You can find more information on the Moodle page of Language Circles (login required).
Submit an informal application on the Language Partners Moodle page and find yourself a language partner for studying Finnish (or another language)!
The City of Turku has an International Friendship Programme through which you can meet a new local friend. New applications are accepted at the beginning of the semesters in December-January and August-September.
Supplementary studies after graduating at the University of Turku
After graduating, you can continue your Finnish (and other studies) at the University of Turku for two more years. Read more about supplementary studies after graduation here and apply after graduation!