At the Open University, you can study Beginner and Intermediate Level Courses (A1.1 – B2.1).
Courses are taught in Finnish.
There is a separate enrollment for each course. You can find more detailed information on the course page.
Courses are filled in order of enrollment.
Language skill level descriptions
Which course is appropriate for your needs?
You can assess which course to take with the Finnish language skills test.
Courses are free of charge for people who have fled Ukraine because of the war and are receiving temporary protection. The enrolment is free of charge until 4.3.2025.
Check here for more information:
Open university courses free of charge for people fleeing from Ukraine due the war and granted temporary protection
1. Question: "I don't know any Finnish yet. Can I start studying Finnish directly in the second period of the autumn with the Finnish 1B course?"
Answer: You need to complete the Finnish 1A course first. After that, you can proceed to the 1B course. Following the Finnish 1B course, you can choose the Finnish 2A course, and so on.
2. Question: "I completed the Finnish 2B course last year. Now I want to continue my Finnish studies! Which course can I choose?"
Answer: You can choose one of the following courses: Finnish 3 or Spoken Finnish . If you wish, you can even take both of these courses!
3. Question: "I am currently studying on the Finnish 3 course. What can I study next?"
Answer: You can choose one of the following courses: Finnish 4 or Spoken Finnish, .
If you wish, you can even take both of these courses!
4. Question: "I haven't completed the Finnish 3 course at the University of Helsinki, but I have been studying Finnish independently. I believe my language proficiency is at about level A2. Can I enroll in the Finnish 4 course?"
Answer: The Finnish 4 course is likely a good choice for you. However, it is recommended that you still take the online placement test to get an assessment of your skills. You can also contact the teacher of the Finnish 4 course for guidance.
5. Question: "I completed the Finnish 4 course this year, but I noticed that there are no Finnish 5 courses in the academic year 2023-2024! What should I do?"
Answer: No worries! In the autumn of 2023, you can choose any of the following courses: Workplace Finnish, Finnish Culture and Current Topics 2, or the Finnish Grammar Online Course. In the spring of 2024, suitable courses for you include Workplace Finnish, Media Finnish and Finnish Grammar Online.
6. Question: "I completed the Finnish 5 course this year, but I noticed that there are no Finnish 6 courses in the academic year 2023-2024! Can I continue my Finnish studies?"
Answer: Absolutely! In the autumn of 2023, you can choose the Finnish Culture and Current Topics 2 course or the Finnish Grammar Online Course. In the spring of 2024, you can choose the Media Finnish or the Finnish Grammar Online Course.
7. Question: "I have completed the Finnish 1-6 courses. I'm really interested in the Spoken Finnish course. Can I take it this academic year?"
Answer: The Spoken Finnish course is best suited for approximately A2 level, intended for students who have studied Finnish for 10-20 credits. Therefore, this course is likely not the best option for you. You might consider the Finnish Grammar Online instead.
More information: avoin-student@helsinki.fi
Updated: 9.8.2023
The course offerings for the academic year 2024-2025 will be published by the end of June 2024.
Advanced Level Courses (B2-C2)
Students who already have an advanced level of language proficiency (at least Level B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) can enhance their written or spoken skills in the Finnish language by participating in courses offered in the Finnish Language and Culture (Suomen kieli ja kulttuuri) study track.
Summer courses 2024 (preliminary information):
The courses are published by 4th of March, 2024.
Cancelled (updated on 17.11.2024): Spring semester 2024 courses SUO-241 Finnish grammar online 3 cr and SUO-242 Finnish grammar online 2 cr.
Advanced Level Courses (B2-C2)
Students who already have an advanced level of language proficiency (at least Level B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) can enhance their written or spoken skills in the Finnish language by participating in courses offered in the Finnish Language and Culture (Suomen kieli ja kulttuuri) study track.
You can find important information regarding your studies on the Instructions for Students website.
For new students: Familiarize yourself with the student checklist, where you can find a collection of practical information and instructions.
In case you cannot find an answer to your question, please get in touch!
Get familiar with the University of Helsinki degree programmes and application process.