Preparatory Studies – Before Vocational Education or General Upper Secondary
These studies are intended for people living in Finland who want to improve their Finnish language skills and prepare for further studies or working life. The studies are mainly provided as contact teaching in Finland.
Please note that some of these studies are not full-time programmes and do not qualify for a residence permit or student visa.
Basic Education for Adults (AIPE) (Finnish comprehensive education for adults)
For whom?
You want to complete basic education and learn Finnish. You do not have a basic education certificate, and you are over 17 years old. Students are selected for the programme based on an entrance examination and interview.
Content
Finnish language and basic education subjects like mathematics, physics, English, biology, geography, history, and other subjects. Studies are full-time and Classes are between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Goal
You receive a basic education certificate and readiness for further studies.
Additional information
Finnish language instruction is also available in adult basic education. However, this is not degree-oriented and does not qualify for a student visa.
Finnish as a Second Language Studies (S2), General Upper Secondary School for Adults
For whom?
You want to learn Finnish.
Content
The courses in Finnish as a Second Language start from introductory courses and extend to the final phase of basic education for adults (CEFR levels A1, A2 and B1). Additionally, you can study Finnish as a Second Language in general upper secondary education (CEFR level B2). The studies are not full-time and do not qualify for a residence permit or student visa. Class hours (80 min lessons) are scheduled between 15.15 and 20.00, depending on the group. Lessons are held on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays
Goal
You improve your language skills for studies and working life.
Costs
The subject student fee is €100 per academic year (CEFR levels A1, A2 and B1). The subject student fee applies also to upper secondary education level studies (CERF level B2) for all students who are not subject to the EU and EEA tuition fee requirement.
Tuition fees for students from outside the EU and the EEA as of 1 August 2026:
- upper secondary education level studies (CERF level B2)
- The price for one ECTS credit for fee‑paying non‑degree students is €174 per credit. More detailed information about tuition fees.
Additional information
Preparatory Education for Programmes Leading to an Upper Secondary Qualification (TUVA)
For whom?
You want to enter vocational or general upper secondary education, but your skills are not yet sufficient. You already know Finnish at the A2.2 level but want to further develop your Finnish skills.
Content
- Introduction to general upper secondary school and different professions
- Strengthening Finnish language skills
- Developing everyday life skills.
- Studies are full-time and classes are between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Goal
You prepare for further studies or working life.
Additional information
TUVA S2 includes support for learning Finnish. The required entry level is approximately A2.2 and is assessed in the entrance exam. Admission to TUVA S2 requires a residence permit in Finland.