The University of Helsinki provides advice to immigrants interested in studying at a Finnish higher education institution. The University’s advice service provides information on how to apply to a Finnish higher education institution. If you have previously studied at a higher education institution, we can advise you on continuing or supplementing your studies. We can help you explore your opportunities in the Finnish education system.
Training in academic skills (AKVA training) is for immigrants who wish to study at a university or a university of applied sciences. The training enhances the students’ academic skills and proficiency in Finnish and acquaints them with higher education studies. Students at Finnish higher education institutions need good Finnish and English skills as well as the ability to study independently. AKVA training develops precisely these skills. The training also helps you find the studies suitable to you and includes personal and group guidance. All teaching is based on the concept of linguistic awareness, which means that the students practise their Finnish skills continuously. The training is free of charge. AKVA training is coordinated by the University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+.
AKVA has began in August 2023 and ends in June 2024.
Please note, that you must prove your Finnish language skills when applying. The required level of Finnish is B1 (YKI 3).
The application period has ended. We will update information regarding the next AKVA training later.
The Open University offers open-enrolment Finnish courses subject to a fee. You do not need to be enrolled as a student at the University of Helsinki to take the courses.
Our introductory courses, worth one or two credits, acquaint you with university-level studies in a discipline you are interested in. The teaching is provided online, enabling students to attend flexibly.
We offer flexible, 10-30 ECTS credit course packages of university-level courses that are meant to update your skills on various computer science and engineering topics.
Completing certain course packages will grant you a job interview at one of our partnering ICT companies. At the moment, Full Stack Open has the promise of a job interview for three partnering companies for everyone who completes the course and the project work with maximum credits (12 + 10 ECTS). For more information, see the course website and the interview promise. New collaborations will be revealed in the future!
If you have completed a degree outside Finland, you may need a decision on the recognition of your degree to be able to work or study in Finland. In most cases, the relevant employer, school or higher education institution assesses the qualifications and skills provided by your previous degree. If you have qualified outside Finland for a profession which in Finland is subject to specific regulations and you wish to qualify for the profession in Finland, you need a decision on the recognition of your degree from the Finnish National Agency for Education or other relevant authorities.
As one form of support the University of Helsinki provides various studying opportunities for the citizens of Ukraine or for those who have arrived in Finland from Ukraine because of the war.