Finnish Language for Foreigners – Finnish as a Second Language (S2)

The programme is open to immigrants and foreigners over the age of 16, and everybody whose native language is not Finnish.

The aim is to achieve a level of language proficiency that enables further studies in Finnish language, vocational studies or entering working life. The training applies the basics of the integration training curriculum, adapted to the duration of the course.

Notice: Because studying at Joutsenon Opisto does not lead to a degree, you cannot get a student visa or residence permit for studying at Joutsenon Opisto. Students from outside the EU are not accepted to the education (except students who already are clients of the reception centre as asylum seekers).

Finnish Language for Foreigners – Finnish as a Second Language (S2) 18.8.2025—20.5.2026

(Registration open)

Finnish as a Second Language programme provides extensive studies on Finnish language and communication skills as well as social and working life competence. The training applies the basics of the integration training curriculum, adapted to the duration of the course. The extent of the training is 45 credit points/academic year. Lessons are every weekday from 9 am to 2 pm.

You can study Finnish from the beginning level or your current level (starting level 0 -, target level B1). Students are divided into groups according to the level of their existing languge skill, if there will be more than one group.

Diverse methods are used in teaching and the principles of language-aware teaching are followed. Students participate in the college's joint events together with other students of the college. Students receive both individual and group guidance according to their personal study plan and needs. The guidance may aim at, for example, completing studies, finding a job or making further plans. It is also possible to study only Finnish language studies (20 hours/week or less) on a part time basis. Please indicate your interest in studying part-time when registering.

Read more about the payments below.
 

Summer 2025 studies (registration open)

Finnish as a Second Language (S2) – Rehearse the basics of Finnish 2.6.-17.7.2025
Price (integration and reception centre clients):
June = lessons 75 € OR lessons and lunch on teaching days 120 €
July = lessons 57 € OR lessons and lunch on teaching days 90 €
Registrate for the summer course here!

PAYMENTS ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

Studying at Joutsenon Opisto is subject to a fee.

A student who
- has a valid integration plan OR
- has an employment plan for which the education has been approved in the employment area OR
- the student is a client of the reception centre

PRICE 1: includes lessons
Instalment 75 € / month (9 instalments during the academic year = 675 € / academic year)

PRICE 2: includes lessons and lunch on teaching days
Instalment 120 € / month (9 instalments during the academic year = 1020 € / academic year)

PRICE 3: includes lessons and accommodation with full board in a single room or a shared twin room.
Instalment 220 € / month (9 instalments during the academic year = 1980 € / academic year)

Other students who do not belong to the previous groups

PRICE 1: includes lessons, lunch and afternoon coffee on teaching days
Instalment 215 € (9 instalments during the academic year = 1935 € / school year)

PRICE 2: includes lessons and accommodation with full board board in a single room or a shared twin room.
Instalment 345 € (9 instalments during the academic year = 3105 € / academic year)

The fee is invoiced once a month. The due date for the first payment is in September. The fee can be paid as a reference transfer through a bank or as a cash payment at the institute's office.

PERMITS AND FINANCIAL AID

Permits

Because the studies at Joutseno College are non-degree education, students coming from abroad cannot get a student visa or residence permit to Finland on the basis of these studies. Students from outside the EU are not accepted to the education (except students who already are clients of the reception centre as asylum seekers).

Financial aid

A student who is not a Finnish citizen is not eligible for financial aid from Finnish government. However, financial aid can be granted in some cases, if certain terms are met. The college does not editorialise about student financial aid granted by the government. For more information on student financial aid for foreigners, see Kela's website.