Finnish as a second language
°ä´Ç³Ü°ù²õ±ð²õÌý2026–2028
Welcome to learn Finnish! Get to know our course offerings and start planning your Finnish language studies.
- 2
Finnish as a second language is a minor aimed at international students, enabling them to achieve and demonstrate a wide range of Finnish language skills. Completing this minor provides a good foundation for working life language skills and thus strengthens students' employability in Finland. It is also a strong indication of the student's motivation and desire to invest in their Finnish language skills and in integrating into Finnish working life and society.
The minor comprises of 15–25 credits. The maximum number of credits depends on the student's starting Finnish language skill level. The minor is available for students with starting Finnish language skills between 0–B1.
There were amendments to the Aliens Act in Finland in January 2026. According to the amended Aliens Act, you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Finland, if
- you have completed a bachelor’s, a master’s or a doctoral degree at a Finnish university, and
- you can prove the level of your Finnish or Swedish language skills is ‘developing’. You can prove the language skills by completing at least 15 credits of Finnish or Swedish language studies at a higher education institution in Finland. The language studies do not have to be included in your degree.
- You meet the other requirements for a .
Please note that to prove your developing language skills, you need to have completed Finnish or Swedish language courses; it is not enough if you have completed other courses in these languages. In addition, the credits need to be completed in either Finnish or in Swedish, meaning that you cannot combine both languages to reach the 15 credits. More information on the .
More information about the tests in .
ARTS
BIZ, CHEM, ELEC, ENG, SCI
According to Aalto’s general credit transfer guidelines, only compulsory language studies or other language studies included in the programme’s degree requirements may be credited by substitution. Other language studies cannot be credited by substitution; instead, the student continues their language studies in a course corresponding to their proficiency level.
What cannot be credited?
The online offered by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences cannot be accepted as a substitute for the studies or examinations in Finnish as a second language.
The reason is that these courses do not meet Aalto University's assessment and demonstration requirements for verifying proficiency in Finnish as a second language. At Aalto University, students' written and oral language proficiency is assessed separately, and the assessment verifies the student's individual competence in written production, oral communication, and interaction skills.
As the mode of completion of these courses do not enable a reliable and verified assessment of the language proficiency required for a degree according É«É«À² University's practices, the course cannot be accepted as a substitute for the studies or examinations in Finnish as a second language. Effective from 1 October 2026. The online course used as the basis for credit transfer must be completed by 31 August 2026, and the application for credit transfer must be submitted no later than 30 September 2026.
Finnish as a second language studies at Aalto
The Finnish as a second language studies at the Aalto University Language Center focus on the Finnish language skills needed in everyday life, academic studies, and the workplace. The courses inspire and encourage students to use Finnish in all kinds of interactive situations and to participate in their surrounding communities through the use of the Finnish language. The goal of the studies is for students to develop into active language users. Students can take Finnish language courses at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students can achieve a B1 language proficiency level within two years of study.
Learning outcomes
In the Finnish as a Second Language studies at the Aalto University Language Center
- Students will develop into active language users.
- Students will become strategic language learners who can actively utilize their learning environment, resources, and various strategies in their language learning.
- Students will acquire the skills to use Finnish and will be motivated to use the language in their daily lives.
- Through their language skills, students will integrate into and participate in the communities around them—such as at the university, in leisure activities, and in the workplace—and will be able to actively influence these communities.
Work methods and study skills
The program involves practicing and applying various language-learning strategies. At the beginning of each course, students set personal goals and explore learning methods that work best for them. The courses also make use of environments outside the classroom and various tools, such as online platforms, apps, and artificial intelligence. Students are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities to use the language in their daily lives. The courses also draw on students’ other languages and prior knowledge to support language learning.
The courses focus on situations and themes that are relevant to the students, which are practiced through active and hands-on learning methods, such as pair and group work. Project-based work, such as portfolio work, may be included during the courses.
The courses take into account students’ diverse strengths and resources. The goal of the courses is to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for learning and to provide students with tools and exercises that enable diverse ways of learning.
Assessment practices
Assessment is, above all, a tool and a support for learning. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess students' language proficiency, supporting a diverse range of learners. Assessment takes into account the different areas of language proficiency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Particular emphasis is placed on oral skills, which are essential for everyday interaction. Cultural competence and language use strategies may also be considered in assessment.
Continuous assessment is used to support learning throughout the studies. During the course, students receive ongoing feedback on their learning through assignments related to language-use situations relevant to students. Students may also engage in self-assessment and peer assessment in the courses, which support their development as independent learners. Transparency is emphasized in the assessment process, and students have access to the assessment criteria used.