Finnish as a Foreign Language

There is a wide variety of Finnish as a Foreign Language courses on offer, ranging from beginners’ courses to higher level courses. There are no entrance exams. Simply assess your own level of language skill (for example, using the European Language Level Self-Assessment Grid). Not all courses are organized each term: please check Peppi for availability first, then register for the courses of your choice through Peppi.

Contact

Maija Paatero

University Teacher

Language Centre

+358 40 484 4449 maija.paatero@ulapland.fi Research profile

Hannu Paloniemi

University Lecturer

Language Centre

+358 40 484 4447 hannu.paloniemi@ulapland.fi Research profile

Courses

The four basic courses Finnish 1–4 are designed to take a complete beginner to good basic language skills within one academic year. Each course builds on the former one. If you already have some language skills, you may simply register for the course you feel is most useful to you.

The course Finnish Culture is for you who want to acquire a basic understanding of the special features of Finnish culture and history. This lecture series in English is arranged every autumn term. You can take this course at any point of your studies, even if you don’t study Finnish at all.

 

The study module Finnish: Language Use and Culture is aimed at foreign students who have completed basic studies in Finnish or possess the corresponding skills. You may complete the whole 25-credit module in 1.5 years. You may also take some individual courses, if you just want to develop your skills in grammar, text comprehension, writing or oral presentation and conversation. Notice that all courses are not arranged every academic year.

Read more about Finnish as a Minor Subject

Attendance in teaching

As a rule, courses arranged by the Language Centre require 80% attendance. Required attendance is a prerequisite for passing the course. Online courses, and self-study courses are clearly marked as such on Peppi.

It is particularly important to attend the introductory lecture or the first meeting of the course to get an idea of the course as a whole and the tasks included in the course. If you are unable to attend the first meeting, please make arrangements with the teacher in advance, otherwise your place may be allocated to another student.

Last updated: 3.11.2025