Basic education for adults
You can study in basic education for adults if you have not been going to school in your country or Finland or if school is still not finished. Basic education is intended for those over 17 years of age.
The overall basic education for adults lasts 3-5 years. If the student already knows a lot, they have to study only those subjects that are yet missing from their basic education. In such case the term of studies may be shorter.
Basic education for adults has two parts: initial stage and final stage. The initial stage also includes a literacy stage. In the literacy stage, students can learn to read, write and count. Otherwise, you can learn Finnish, mathematics, English, environment and nature studies, and civics.
In the final stage, you can learn all basic education subjects in addition to the Finnish language. When the whole final stage is completed, you will be issued a basic education leaving certificate. With this certificate, you can apply for studies at the second level, for example, at a vocational school or high school.
In basic education for adults, all subjects are learned in the form of courses. The learning tempo is quite fast, therefore students have to work a lot at home as well. The courses of the final stage are quite difficult, and because of that students have to attend all classes.
For more information, please contact your study counsellor whose contact information you will find at the bottom of the page.
Application to basic education for adults
The application period for the training starting in August 2024 has ended.
Vacant positions can be inquired about from the school secretary jenina.alanko@vantaa.
Basic education for immigrants of 17-35 years of age
The Vantaa Adult Education Centre arranges adult basic education for immigrants aged 17-35. The objective of education is to ensure the preparedness for studies at the second level or working life. Education is arranged according to the bases of curriculum for basic education for adults issued by the Board of Education.
Initial stage of basic education
The initial stage of basic education for adults at the Vantaa Adult Education Centre is intended for students
- who are not ready yet to start studies at the final stage,
- who can read and write in Latin letters,
- whose Finnish language proficiency is approximately at level A1.3, and
- who are 17-35 years old and have not completed the studies corresponding to Finnish primary school in their home country.
The studies last about 1.5 years and they include at least 38 courses (28 hours each) of Finnish language, basics of the English language, mathematics, civics and culture studies, environment and nature studies, health studies and study guidance and elective courses. The initial stage lasts as long as it takes for the student to progress to the final stage studies.
Considering different life situations, it is possible to also move (temporarily) from the initial stage to working life or language courses. With provided guidance, a further education path is found for each student.
After the initial stage, the student may move to the final stage, provided the Finnish language proficiency of the student is at level A2.1 and the student is adequately prepared to study the subjects of the final stage.
Literacy stage of basic education
The initial stage of basic education for adults may also include a special literacy stage. It is intended for students
- who cannot read or write in Latin letters
- who are ready to study different subjects in basic education
- whose goal is to progress to the final stage studies
- who are 17-35 years old and have not completed the studies corresponding to Finnish primary school in their country of origin.
The literacy stage lasts for the period of one school year. The studies focus on learning the Finnish language and how to read and write. In addition, the basics of mathematics, civics and culture studies as well as environment and nature studies are learned at the literacy stage. The literacy stage also includes study guidance.
Final stage of basic education
The final stage of basic education for adults at the Vantaa Adult Education Centre is intended for students
- who have the knowledge and skills required for the final stage
- whose Finnish language proficiency is at least A2.1, and
- who are 17-35 years old and have not completed the studies corresponding to Finnish primary school in their home country.
The studies of the final stage last 1-2 years and they include at least 46 courses (28 hours each) of Finnish language classes, English (A language), Swedish (B language), mathematics, physics, chemistry, history, civics, biology, geography, health studies, religion or ethics, study guidance and also elective courses and the opportunity to be introduced to working life.
Students usually continue to the second level from the final stage, either to a vocational school or high school. It is also possible to apply for TUVA training (training preparing for degree education) from the basic education for adults. With provided guidance, a further education path is found for each student.
About study practice
The studies are held from Monday to Friday for about 25 hours a week. Regularly, the school day starts at 08:30 and ends by 15:00. Elective subjects may sometimes prolong the school day. On contact learning days, students have the opportunity to have a free school lunch.
Students are expected to regularly attend all courses.
Students are granted a discount for their HSL student card. They do not have the right for a schoolchildren’s travel card, i.e. a free school travel.
Students who are over 17 years of age can apply for the financial aid for students or those eligible for integration support – respectively the labour market support (integration support).
The study materials are free for students. Classes are mainly carried out as face-to-face classes. In the studies, in addition to traditional materials electronic materials as well as information and communication technology are used. Students can use the devices provided by the college in their studies.
The Vantaa Adult Education Centre is a non-smoking college.
Study support and student welfare
Students can use student welfare (study coordinator, curator, psychologist) services during the studies.
They can also receive support from a special teacher with wide range of knowledge. The basic education for adults does not include the so-called three-step support system and, for example, the personalisation of syllabus is not possible.
More information
Minna Hassinen
For more information, please contact the study counsellor.