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Learn Finnish

There are plenty of opportunities to learn Finnish in Joensuu. Find out what the city has to offer.

Finnish language Non stop courses

We offer Finnish language courses for immigrants living in Joensuu in cooperation with the Joensuu Region Adult Education Centre (Kansalaisopisto). Come and learn Finnish in a fun way through listening, speaking, and practical activities!

The courses are free of charge, and no textbook is required.

Location: Papinkatu 3, Joensuu (Joensuu Adult Education Centre)

Registration for the Non stop courses:

You can register:

Telephone service and the customer service desk are open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Registration for autumn courses begins on 3 August 2026 at 9:30 am.

Places are filled in the order of registration. By registering, you commit to attending the course once a week.

Course Levels

  • Beginner Course: This course is suitable for you if you do not speak Finnish yet or only know a little Finnish. The Finnish alphabet is not taught on this course.
  • Continuation Course: This course is suitable for you if you already know some Finnish or have completed a beginner course.
  • Intermediate Course: This course is suitable for you if you can already communicate in Finnish in everyday situations.

Timetable for Non stop courses

Course information is available at: https://uusi.opistopalvelut.fi/joensuu/fi/

1. Non-Stop Finnish Beginner Course, Day Group (50015126)

  • 17 August – 5 October 2026 (8 sessions)
  • Monday, 9:30–11:00 am

2. Non-Stop Finnish Beginner Course, Evening Group (50015226)

  • 18 August – 6 October 2026 (8 sessions)
  • Tuesday, 4:30–6:00 pm

3. Non-Stop Finnish Continuation Course, Day Group (50015326)

  • 19 August – 7 October 2026 (8 sessions)
  • Wednesday, 9:30–11:00 am

4. Non-Stop Finnish Continuation Course, Evening Group (50015426)

  • 19 August – 7 October 2026 (8 sessions)
  • Wednesday, 4:30–6:00 pm

5. Non-Stop Finnish Intermediate Course, Day Group (50015526)

  • 18 August – 6 October 2026 (8 sessions)
  • Tuesday, 9:30–11:00 am

Finnish language studies offered by our partners

The open university of the University of Eastern Finland

The open university of the University of Eastern Finland organizes Finnish language courses as distance teaching and some courses are also offered as contact teaching on Joensuu and Kuopio campuses. The studies are open for anyone for a fee. More information can be found here.

Karelia Open UAS

At Karelia Open UAS, you can study Finnish language courses from level 0 to level B2. All courses are online. Language Café courses have meetings with the teacher and the group, but other courses are independent studying. Courses are open to everyone for a fee. More information can be found here.

Luotsi

Integration training offers adult immigrants better chances of becoming an equal member of Finnish society. Integration training offers language skills and useful knowledge and prepares the person for studies and employment.

Luotsi Services will refer you to integration training if:

  • you have lived in Finland for less than three years
  • you are 17 years old or older
  • you are unemployed or about to become unemployed
  • the integration training meets your studying skills, and
  • the integration training supports your goals related to integration and employment.

Sign up at Carelicum at the Luotsi counter, and they will evaluate your options of starting integration training.

Joensuu Community College

The Community College offers Finnish language courses subject to a fee for students with various skill levels. Learn more about the available courses.

Useful links