There are 20 summer universities in Finland, and they organise courses both in cities and smaller towns across the country throughout the year. Each year nearly 62,000 students, including more than 1,100 international students, enrol on courses organised by the summer universities.
Summer universities give an opportunity for both personal and professional development. All summer universities operate in close partnership and permanent collaboration with Finnish universities, Universities of Applied Sciences and other institutions of learning.
Courses are open to everyone regardless of age or prior education. However, it is essential to notice that summer universities offer short-term courses, not degree programmes. The language of instruction is mainly Finnish, but some courses are taught in English. Among our non-Finnish speaking students, the most popular courses are on Finnish language and culture .
In addition to student fees, summer universities receive their funding from the state and municipalities. Summer universities take part in educational and cultural projects that aim for regional and European development. Therefore their role as educators is important.
Summer universities plan their curricula on a yearly basis in cooperation with Finnish universities. Interdisciplinary programmes are offered in the fields of cultural studies, European studies, Finnish language and culture, art, dance, music, theatre, education, environmental sciences, health care and social sciences. Please note that each summer university has its own curriculum.
Summer Universities Offer
- Open university studies. These courses are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the universities and the students earn ECTS credits.
- Further vocational training
- Preparatory and extramural courses
- Studia general lectures
- Seminars and events on cultural and regional issues
- Univeristy activities for the third age
The fees usually vary from 70 to 600 euros. Please note that summer universities do not award grants for either Finnish or international students, and all the expenses must be covered by the student. Students are admitted on the courses in the order of registration. The prerequisites and application dates for the courses are not uniform, so please contact the appropriate summer university for more information. Additional information is also provided by the Association of Summer Universities in Finland.
Finnish language and culture courses
Below is a list of all Summer Universities that organise Finnish language courses.
Finnish Language Study Support
Finnish language teacher Anne Palokangas, BA has a long experience in teaching different kinds of courses in Finnish as a foreign language. Her special areas of interest are different cultures and international and social activities.
First Steps -group in Facebook is an open group for people who are interested in learning Finnish language.
The Association of Summer Universities in Finland
The Association of Summer Universities in Finland is a national body founded in 1972.
The aim of the association is to take care of the interests of summer universities, provide information, as well as collect statistics about their activities. The association also acts as a coordinating link between various interest groups and summer universities both nationally and internationally.
Contact information
The Association of Summer Universities in Finland
Rautatienkatu 26 A 4
FI-33100 TAMPERE