Language centre

The Language Centre is an independent institute of the University of Helsinki. It is the largest tertiary level language-training institute in Finland. In addition to teaching languages, the Language Centre's goal is to develop teaching and learning of languages on the basis of research and evaluation.

On this page you will find a brief introduction to the Language Centre and its offerings. At the end of the page you can find the relevant Web links.

Faculty-specific courses and tests

All university undergraduate and graduate degrees include studies – or a requirements for skills – in foreign languages and in the second national language (Swedish or Finnish). The type of language studies and number of credits required of each student vary from a Faculty to another. You are advised to check the detailed requirements at your Faculty's Study Office. Students may complete their language studies by passing level-spesific language tests or by participating in preparatory courses and taking a final course examination.

Courses in foreign languages and Swedish as second language are arranged by the Language Centre. Preparatory courses are offered on all four campuses of the University.

Elective courses

In addition to obligatory courses, the Language Centre gives elementary and intermediate courses as well as training in more than 30 languages every academic year. These elective courses are open to students from all Faculties. On the elementary level teaching as well as course materials are mainly in Finnish, but on more advanced courses in the target language. There are also special courses for international students in English and Swedish.

Independent studies at the Aleksandia Learning Centre

The Self Access Area in the Aleksandria Learning Centre offers facilities and materials for independent study in more than 50 languages. Language tutors in seven languages are available for consultation once a week. Read more or browse the list of materials on Aleksandria Web pages.

Language Services for University personnel and clients outside the University

The Language Services section of the Language Centre organises language training for the University personnel, offers translation and language revision services for University employees and units, and provides open-enrolment and tailored courses to clients outside the University. The Language Services also offer Finnish courses to clients outside the University. Open-enrolment courses are liable to fees.

More about the Language Centre

Information about teaching, studies, curricula etc. can be found on the Centre's web site. There is also a special section for international students. See also section Finnish, Swedish and other language studies on this Web site.