Education for immigrants

The Vantaa Adult Education Centre offers Finnish language courses as well as a number of other courses intended for immigrants. If you are an immigrant, you are certainly welcome to all the courses at our Centre.

Study counselling

You can enquire about studying the Finnish language at Vantaa Adult Education Centre at study counseling.

Tikkurila: Wednesdays from 13:00 to 15:00 Opistotalo, Lummetie 5

Myyrmäki: Fridays 12-13:30 Myyrinki, Vaskivuorentie 10 B, 1 3rd floor.

By phone: Wednesdays from 12-1pm at the following numbers:

0438250070 English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Swedish

0406404181 Russia, Estonia

0405755421 Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Turkmen, Dari

By email: suomenkurssit@vantaa.fi.

Finnish language courses at the adult education centre

Welcome to learn Finnish at the Vantaa Adult Education Centre! We have different language proficiency level courses and they are arranged at different locations in Vantaa. The courses of the adult education centre are paid courses. You can ask for advice at the study counselling, the contact information is provided at the bottom of the page.

General language tests (YKI test)

You can take the intermediate and advanced Finnish language level YKI test.

Startti courses

Startti courses  are free Finnish language courses for immigrants and refugees who live in Vantaa. These courses are arranged at different locations in Vantaa. The teaching language of the courses is usually Finnish. There are also courses for those who cannot read or write (ABC courses). The courses run non-stop, which means you can also join the courses in the middle of the semester if there are places available.

Vacant places can be inquired at study counseling on Wednesdays from 13:00 to 15:00, Lummetie 5, or by e-mail suomenkurssit@vantaa.fi. Study counseling contact information at the bottom of the page.

Mother and child Finnish language courses

Mother and child courses are intended for mothers from Vantaa, who stay at home with a child under 3 years of age. The courses teach simple Finnish. There is a babysitter at the courses. The courses are free.

For more information, please contact course-designer teacher Anni Kalinainen, whose contact information you will find at the bottom of the page.

Autumn 2025 courses

Finnish language courses for mothers and children in autumn 2025 1.9.-19.12., no teaching during the autumn break. Teaching is at level 0-A1 unless otherwise stated.

Registration for autumn 2025 courses begins on May 22nd online bit.ly/äitilapsi

 

Place Date Time Address
Hakunila, Pikku-Hepo

On Mondays

1.9.-15.12.

14.45-15.45 Hiirakkokuja 5
Martinlaakso, Soittorasia

On Tuesdays 

9.9.-16.12.

9.30-11 Raiviosuonmäki 2F
Kivistön kirjasto Mosaiikki

On Thursdays

4.9.-18.12.

9.30-11 Vantaankoskentie 69
Tikkurila, Ukko-Pekka

On Thursdays

4.9.-18.12.

13-14.30 Aniskuja 3
Myyrmäki, Vaskikello

On Fridays

5.9.-19.12.

9-11.30 Ojahaantie 1
Koivukylän kohtaamispaikka

On Fridays

5.9.-19.12.

9-10.15 Karsikkokuja 17
Koivukylän kohtaamispaikka

On Fridays

5.9.-19.12.

10.30-11.30 Karsikkokuja 17
Avoin kohtaamispaikka Niittyvilla

On Tuesdays

20.10.-16.12.

14-15.30 Varistontie 1

 

K.O.T.O.N.A. programme for those 18-29 years of age

K.O.T.O.N.A. programme is a Finnish language course intended for young immigrants. There are two level groups in the programme: Beginners (level 0-A2) and intermediate (level A2-B1).

The course consists of Finnish language teaching, study guidance and activities that support your integration. The courses are held in Tikkurila, Vantaa. Studying is free of charge.

The course is carried out 22 hours a week. 

The course can be attended by those who:

  • are 18–29 years old (or turn 18 during the semester)
  • have completed basic education in their home country
  • can read and write in Latin letters
  • are motivated and committed to intensive learning
  • valid residence permit and integration plan

Spring 2026 courses in Tikkurila:

Beginner course: 12.1.-29.5.2026 MON-TUE 9-13.15 , WED-THU 9-13, FRI 9-12.30
Advanced course: 12.1.-29.5.2026 MON and WED 9-13.30 , TUE 9-12.15, FRI 9-13.15

Application deadline: January 5, 2026.

Entrance exam: Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Free education literacy courses

The literacy courses are for immigrants who have attended school in their home country only for a little while or have not attended school at all, and cannot read or write in Latin letters. In the literacy course, students will learn to read and write in Finnish as well as basics of the Finnish language. Students are accepted to the course via initial counselling, to which clients are guided from the Employment Services. If it becomes apparent in the initial counselling that the student needs literacy teaching, they will be assigned a place.

The literacy course lasts approximately six months. The course is taught faced-to-face for 16 hours plus there is homework. After completing the course, students can continue their education in integration training or adult basic education.

For more information, please contact Aivi Hämäläinen, whose contact information you will find at the bottom of the page.

TYÖEVÄITÄ-courses

TYÖEVÄITÄ- courses are for immigrant women who have exceeded the integration period and are not working. Both groups strengthen their Finnish language skills and their skills for everyday life and working life.

Easy Finnish and working life skills (level A1.2–A1.3)
19.1.-13.5.2026
MON–THU 13–15.30, FRI 13–14.30
Lummetie 5, Tikkurila

Finnish and working life skills (level A2.2–B1)
12.1.-12.5.2026
MON, WED 9.30–13 and TUE, THU 13–15
Lummetie 5, Tikkurila

Registration is now open:
bit.ly/työeväitä or at the study counselling

The initial test will be held 9.1.2026 at the Opistotalo at Lummetie 5.

Social orientation

Learn important things about Finland and the Finnish language in Arabic

For whom?

In this course, you will learn the basics of the Finnish language and important things about Finnish society and your rights with an Arabic-speaking teacher. If you already know Finnish, you can participate only in the society information part.

You can participate if:

  • you live in Vantaa
  • you speak Arabic
  • you are not working and not currently looking for work – for example, you may be on family leave with children or retired.

Where and when?

1 September – 19 December 2025, from 9:30 to 12:15, Tikkurila, Kultarikontie 1, second floor.

Teaching is twice a week: Mondays and Fridays.

  • 9:00–10:15 Finnish language basics
  • 10:30–12:15 society orientation

The course lasts 70 hours and is free for participants. You will receive a certificate.

What will you study on the course?

  • Basics of the Finnish language
  • Finnish society and its values
  • Housing in Finland
  • Family life and children
  • Your rights and responsibilities
  • Working life and studying in Finland
  • Services (for example Kela, Migri, Tax Office)
  • Health and ageing
  • Other important everyday matters in Finland

You can bring your child to the course. A childcare worker will be present. Autumn holiday is in week 42.

Register by 15 August: bit.ly/yko_a

More information: Coordinating teacher Minna Pelkola
Email: minna.pelkola@vantaa.fi

 

More information

Study counselling

Finnish language
0438250070 suomenkurssit@vantaa.fi

Tikkurila: Wednesdays from 13:00 to 15:00 Opistotalo, Lummetie 5

Myyrmäki: Fridays 12-13:30 Myyrinki, Vaskivuorentie 10 B, 3rd floor.

By phone: Wednesdays from 12-1pm at the following numbers:

0438250070 English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Swedish

0406404181 Russia, Estonia

0405755421 Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Turkmen, Dari

Anni Kalinainen

Coordinating teacher
0438250070 anni.kalinainen@vantaa.fi

Phone time on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m

Aivi Hämäläinen

Coordinating teacher
aivi.hamalainen@vantaa.fi

Minna Pelkola

Coordinating teacher
040 7500 809

KOTONA-programme, social orientation and advanced courses

Elina Lähteenoja

Coordinating teacher
040 631 3934 elina.lahteenoja@vantaa.fi

Finnish courses at adult education centre

Keywords

Courses Study Study support