Finnish language test for an applicant

You need to know Finnish for most studies at Stadin AO. We organise Finnish language tests for applicants.

You might need to take a Finnish language test for an applicant if you want to apply to Stadin AO. The test determines whether you have the skills to study at Stadin AO in Finnish.

Who needs to take a Finnish test?

Studying at Stadin AO usually requires sufficient command of the Finnish language. This means that you need to have the necessary Finnish skills to cope with your studies. In most of our study programmes, the level we require is A2.2, according to the European Framework of Reference. Learn more about the language course levels on Info Finland’s webpage.

After applying to Stadin AO, we will invite you to a language test if:

  • you do not have a certificate to prove your language level
  • do not have a Finnish comprehensive education certificate
  • do not have a Finnish general upper secondary education certificate or a matriculation examination certificate

You do not need a language test if you have one of these:

  • Finnish comprehensive education certificate
  • Finnish general upper secondary education certificate or a matriculation examination certificate
  • Initial vocational qualification certificate (not further vocational qualification or parts of a qualification)
  • National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) in Finnish, with all test areas completed with a minimum grade of 3
  • Certificate of a completed integration in Finland training with all Finnish language areas assessed to be at least level A2.2.
  • You have passed the Stadin AO Finnish language test within 6 months.

Make sure to attach one of these to your application.

How to take a Finnish test

You will receive an invitation to the Finnish language test for an applicant via text message if you do not have completed comprehensive school or general upper secondary education (‘lukio’) in Finland or a do not have a certificate of your Finnish language skills.

Here are a few practicalities about the test:

  • The language test cannot be taken remotely.
  • The tests are held at Teollisuuskatu 23 A 1 or A 2, 00510 Helsinki. The exact location will be provided in a text message.
  • The text message will be sent to the phone number you give in your application.
  • Time and place of the language test are stated in the text message.
  • Please arrive on time for the test. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

Your application will be rejected if you do not submit a certificate of your language skills on time or if you fail to attend the test.

Want to learn Finnish before applying?

If you want to apply to Stadin AO, but need to brush up your skills language skills first, Helsinki offers many opportunities to learn Finnish.

Here are a few tips to find a Finnish course: