Basic education for adults

You can apply to study in basic adult education by filling out an application form. Based on this, applicants will be invited to an entrance exam and interview. You can start studying in current groups at the change of period if the applicant has the knowledge and skills corresponding to the level of the group.

The application period for groups starting in August 2026 is 13.2.-2.4.2026. The entrance exam will be held on 14.4.2026.

Apply for adult basic education.

More information from the school secretary jenina.alanko@vantaa.fi

Applicants for the My Path- group are asked to contact the study counselor Minna Hassinen (minna.hassinen@vantaa.fi) during the application period. She will provide further information about the My Path polku and how to apply. Applicants for the group will be invited to a personal interview with the teacher and study counselor during spring 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the My Path group, the student completes basic education studies for adults with support in a group setting. The aim is to finish comprehensive school. The student progresses according to an individual study plan. Studies are carried out with the support of a special education teacher.

The My Path group in Vantaa Adult Education Institute’s basic education for adults is intended for students who:

• have not completed comprehensive school for children and youth (for reasons other than insufficient Finnish language skills)
• have previous studies from the upper grades of basic education; the goal is to complete basic education by finishing the final stage studies of adult basic education
• have sufficient study skills to complete final stage studies (studying is supported but requires some ability to work independently)
• have Finnish as a first language or Finnish language skills at B1 level
• are residents of Vantaa
• are 17–25 years old

The group is supplemented during the school year if possible (continuous application).

In the Language Group, the student studies Finnish and possibly individual subjects. The goal is not to obtain a Finnish comprehensive school leaving certificate. Students can apply for further studies through discretionary admission or continuous admission.

The Language Group in Vantaa Adult Education Institute’s basic education for adults is intended for students who:

• are of compulsory school age, i.e., under 18 years old
• have completed comprehensive school in their country of origin
• aim to acquire the language skills needed for further studies

The group is supplemented during the school year when possible (continuous admission).

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.

Students can use student welfare (health nurse, 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.