Language Skills for Working Life
The objective of the language studies at the University of Applied Sciences is to provide the student with the language and communication skills needed to perform various professional tasks. The objective is also that the student comprehends the importance of language and communication skills in working life. The scope of mandatory studies varies from 11 to 20 credits, depending on your degree programme. Mandatory language studies include Finnish and English.
Survival Finnish (2 ECTS) course is arranged for the incoming exchange students every autumn and spring semester.
A credit transfer is granted for language studies completed in the same professional field at another higher education institution. If the student has completed language studies of the same scope and level in a different professional field (not a different field of study), the student has to complement the language studies so that the requirements of field-specific language skills are met. The Application for Credit Transfer can be found on the student’s desktop (eRPL service).
Finnish Language Learning Path: Suunnittele suomen kielen opintosi!
Living, working, or studying in Finland becomes much easier—and more rewarding—when you know Finnish. We encourage our international degree students to study the language, as it opens doors to:
- Better integration into Finnish culture and society
- More employment opportunities across various fields
- Stronger social connections and friendships
Learning Finnish not only supports your academic and professional journey—it also helps you feel more at home.
You may be eligible for a VAMK scholarship if you demonstrate progress in your Finnish language skills. It’s a great way to be rewarded for your efforts!
Check Scholarship Criteria page
We assist you with the planning of your own Finnish language learning path and support you in reaching your goals. Your group mentor, the study counsellor and your Finnish as a second language teacher are there to help you.
Who can you contact:
- Your Finnish teacher:
- Päivi Auranen, paivi.auranen@vamk.fi
- Suvi Isohella, suvi.isohella@vamk.fi
- Your study counsellor
- The language coordinator:
- Anne Wähä, anne.waha@vamk.fi
- Your group mentor
Your Finnish Language Learning Path
- Review your degree programme and its curriculum to see which language courses are mandatory.
- Decide which courses and resources best support your development.
- Language counselling is available to help you plan your studies and choose the right courses.
- VAMK and Cross-Institutional Courses (SeAMK, Centria): Enrol via the PAKKI student interface.
- Other Finnish Courses: Check the course provider’s website for enrollment instructions.
- Courses offered through your degree programme.
- Cross-institutional options are available.
- Additional courses from:
- Finnishcourses.fi
- Alma Adult Education Institute
- Kielibuusti Language Boost (self-study materials)
- Take oral and written exams during your Finnish courses.
- Consider the YKI test (National Certificate of Language Proficiency).
- Learn more: YKI Information – Finnish National Agency for Education (oph.fi)
- Local info: Alma Institute – Study Languages in Vaasa
- Practice:
Enrollment for YKI tests and available test dates
- Please see the available test dates for National Certificates of Language Proficiency
