Proficiency in the Finnish language is beneficial in many ways, even though English is used widely for studies and as a working language at the university of Turku. Knowing the local language makes it easier and more fun to live in the new country. Learning Finnish can help open doors to job prospects and make integration easier.
When learning Finnish at the University of Turku, you will also learn interesting aspects of the local culture and society, and get a chance to network with fellow Finnish learners also outside of your field of studies or work.
University of Turku provides diverse opportunities for learning the Finnish language. Whether you are a beginner, an advanced learner of Finnish, or interested in studying Finnish as a major or minor, the university offers Finnish studies tailored to different skill levels and target groups.
This website brings together all the Finnish language teaching and guidance available at the University of Turku. Below, you will find more information about the Finnish study possibilities for different target groups.
As of 8 January 2026, the Aliens Act has been amended to include a new provision for applying for a permanent residence permit based on a higher education degree completed in Finland, with developing language skills (15 credits in Finnish language studies).
Due to this change in the law, interest in studying Finnish has skyrocketed, and unfortunately not everyone who wants to study has been able to get a place in the spring teaching groups.
- Many of the Finnish courses at the Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CeLCS) at the University of Turku in January 2026 are full.
We cannot accept new students into courses that have already started. - The university cannot guarantee 15 credits in Finnish for all international students graduating in 2026. We aim to offer as many courses and groups as possible, but resources are limited.
- The new requirements also include developing language skills at least A2 level, but we do not yet have more detailed information about this.
- Email inquiries to Finnish language teachers are currently overloaded, and response times are delayed.
- We will update this page as soon as more information becomes available.
- To see which Finnish courses are offered and at what level, please consult the curriculum:
Finnish as a Foreign Language courses, Centre for Language and Communication Studies, 2024–2027 | Opinto-opas 2024–2027
Interested in Finnish language studies as a major or minor?
Do you want to study Finnish or Finno-Ugric languages as a major or minor subject at the University of Turku? Or are you interested in The Master's Program in Finnish and Other Finno-Ugric Languages? Read more about the different options available at the University of Turku!
The Open University offers Finnish studies too!
The Open University of the University of Turku also offers studies in the Finnish language, which are available to everyone regardless of educational background. Read more about the Open University’s language and communication studies offerings on the Open University’s website!
Learn Finnish with our teaching videos
Ready to dive into Finnish? Or need a quick revision? Check out multiple teaching videos made at University of Turku!
Finnish studies FAQ
Finnish language courses are free of charge for University of Turku students, doctoral researchers and staff members.
Some of the Finnish language courses offered by the Open University are free of charge, while others have a fee.
It is not possible to study Finnish language at UTU if you do not have a study right at this university. Language studies are offered only for registered degree students, staff members and visiting researchers.
However, some Finnish language courses can be attended as a non-degree student. You can apply for a non-degree study right for the Finnish courses offered by the Centre for Language and Communication Studies (excluding the Survival Course for exchange students and Finnish 1), provided there is space available in the courses. You can also take Finnish Language and Culture (for non-native speakers) courses with a non-degree study right. Read more about the non-degree study right, how to apply for it, and the fees.
Students of Åbo Akademi can apply for flexible study right at University of Turku through JOO application for study right.
Primarily, Finnish language teaching is offered as on-site teaching, but some courses are also available either as independently completed online courses or as synchronous distance learning. You can find detailed information about the course formats in the Study Guide.
The University of Turku doesn't provide language diplomas. Completed courses will be marked in the transcript of study records.