Education for immigrants

You can enquire about studying the Finnish language at Vantaa Adult Education Centre on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 PM in person at the Vantaa Opistotalo, by phone at 0438250070 from 12-1 PM, or by email at suomenkurssit@vantaa.fi.

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.

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

Start-up courses are free Finnish language courses for immigrants and refugees who live in Vantaa. These courses are arranged at different locations in Vantaa: in Tikkurila, Korso, Koivukylä and Myyrmäki. The teaching language of the courses is usually Finnish. There are also courses for those who cannot read or write (ABC courses). The courses are non-stop courses, that is, you can also join a course in the middle of the semester.

You can register for the courses that are already in progress with the teacher at the location where the course is carried out. You can get information about vacancies by asking the course teacher at the location where the course is carried out or coordinating teacher Anni Kalinainen, whose contact information is provided at the bottom of this page.

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.

Summer courses 2024

In the courses, we study easy Finnish (level 0–A1). Summer courses are outside (or inside if it rains). In Vihertie and Korso parks there is free food for children at 11 am. Bring your own bowl, spoon and water bottle.

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 22-24 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 2024 courses

You can apply for spring 2024 courses online now bit.ly/kotonakoulutus 

Course schedules will be updated on the website later.

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.

In KOTO+ course, the Finnish language is strengthened and basic skills needed in everyday life, digital skills and independent handling of things are practiced.

The course is suitable for individuals with a limited educational background who need support to progress in their careers or studies.

The course is intended for immigrants who have exceeded the integration period. The course is free of charge for the participants.

The course has two groups:

Literacy and basic skills training

Spring 2024: 22.1. - 13.6.2024  Mon - Thurs 8.45 - 12 AM

Finnish language and basic skills training, A1.3+

Spring 2024: 11.1. - 31.5.2024 Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 - 13.30 AM

Literacy and basic skills course

Target group: illiterate immigrants

We practice reading skills, easy math, digital skills and managing things.

Teaching in Tikkurila 15 hours a week Mon - Thurs 8.45 - 12 AM

Finnish language and basic skills course

Target group: for people with at least A1.3 level elementary language skills in Finnish, whose language skills are not yet sufficient for further studies or work in Finnish.

Finnish language communication skills, digital skills and everyday skills are strengthened.

Teaching in Tikkurila 15 hours a week Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 - 11.30 AM

Registration

Register online at bit.ly/kotoplus

Suitable applicants will be invited to an initial test via text message. The initial test is on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

For more information contact study counseling: Wednesdays 13-15, Lummetie 5 / 043 825 0070 suomenkurssit@vantaa.fi