Finska som andra språk
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Kurser 2026–2028
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.
Observera den viktiga lagändringen som gäller uppehållstillstånd: Om du har avlagt examen vid ett finländskt universitet och har kunskaper i finska eller svenska kan du nu lättare än tidigare få uppehållstillstånd i Finland.
Från och med den 8 januari 2026 kan sökande som har avlagt kandidat-, magister- eller doktorsexamen vid ett universitet i Finland och läst minst 15 studiepoäng i finska eller svenska uppfylla språkkunskapsvillkoret och beviljas permanent uppehållstillstånd utan att uppfylla kravet på viss vistelsetid.
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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.