Preparatory training encourages immigrants to pursue university studies in Finnish

Many people who move to Finland already hold a university degree from their home country. Still, without Finnish language skills and Finnish degree certificates, finding employment can be difficult.

This was also the case for Sadeep Rathnayake, who moved from Sri Lanka to Oulu in 2022 with his wife, who came here to study. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from his home country, but has not been able to find work in his own field in Finland.

During his integration training, Rathnayake learned about Towards University, a joint project of the Universities of Lapland and Oulu that offers preparatory training for immigrants aiming for university studies. The goal of the project is to create a model that supports immigrants on their path towards university studies in Finnish and working life.

Elsewhere in Finland, similar training has already been available, but it had previously been lacking in the northern universities.

“There is a great need for preparatory training. If the goal is that half of each age group completes a higher education degree, it is really important to encourage as many people with immigrant backgrounds as possible to pursue university studies,” says project manager Elina Palola.

Language skills are the gateway to university

The preparatory training in Oulu focuses particularly on strengthening Finnish language skills. Completing a degree in Finnish and having Finnish language skills provides better opportunities for employment and integration into society.

Prerequisite language skills are essential already at the application stage, as university entrance examinations are conducted under the same conditions for all applicants. Rathnayake realised this himself when applying for a degree programme in Finnish: his language skills were not yet at the required level.

As part of the preparatory training, he attended courses in academic writing in Finnish, oral communication, and interview skills. The participants also practised university application and entrance exam preparation as well as workplace skills.

“After the training period I was much better prepared for the entrance exam, both in terms of language skills and mentally,” Rathnayake says.

Supportive teachers made a difference

The training also introduced participants to what studying at a Finnish university is like, which can differ greatly from their home countries. Rathnayake especially appreciates the relaxed and supportive atmosphere of Finnish higher education.

“Studying here is not as stressful as in Sri Lanka. There doesn’t seem to be the same kind of competition between students. I was also relieved to hear that exams can be retaken if you want a better grade,” he explains.

He remembers the teachers with particular warmth.

“The teachers were really supportive, and we could talk to them about the things we had on our minds. One of the lecturers now serves as a reference on my CV,” Rathnayake says.

An open future

Although the preparatory training gave Rathnayake strong tools to apply for higher education in Finnish, he has not yet succeeded in gaining admission despite several attempts.

At the moment, he is waiting to hear whether he has been accepted into vocational education. His plan is to continue improving his Finnish for a few years and possibly apply to university again later.

Project staff members Tanja Seppälä and Anne Koskela encourage immigrants to be persistent and remind them that the path to working life can be long. Like Rathnayake, many immigrants may need to redirect their career plans.

“I trust the future and focus on short-term goals. Right now, I’m waiting for the results of the vocational school application and actively applying for jobs. One day, I am sure I will also reach my long-term goals,” Rathnayake says.

The project staff also encourage employers to hire people with immigrant backgrounds, even if their Finnish is not yet fluent.

“It is a loss – both for individuals and for Finnish society – if the potential of immigrants is not put to use,” Palola emphasises.

Text: Terhi Suominen