Towards University – preparatory education for immigrants

The joint project of the University of Lapland and the University of Oulu aims to develop and pilot preparatory training and guidance for immigrants who wish to apply for university studies in Finnish. The model will increase cooperation in the guidance of immigrants, streamline the stages of the educational pathway and support students in the application process.

Funders

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

European Structural Funds - European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

Funding amount

692 198 EUR

Project coordinator

Other university or unit

Contact information

Project leader

  • Education manager
    Elina Palola

Contact person

Project description

The project results in the development and piloting of a guidance model and a curriculum tray for preparatory education, which brings together the courses offered and developed as preparatory training. The project creates a new model for assessing the Finnish language skills of immigrants applying for admission and developes selection principles and application procedures for preparatory education at the Universities of Lapland and Oulu.

The project has a positive impact on the opportunities and readiness of immigrants in the region to apply for university education by strengthening immigrants' academic skills and knowledge of university studies and by developing their Finnish language skills.

Project actions

For the academic year 2024-2025, there are no more places left in preparatory education. The next call for applications will be in spring 2025. For more information, see Information for applicants - How to apply.

Project in a nutshell

Project actions

Students entering preparatory training are typically at language level B1 after integration training, and the aim in preparatory education is to achieve at least the Finnish language proficiency level B2 required for Finnish-language study programmes.

Preparatory education includes

  • Finnish language studies and information about university studies in Finland
  • Studies to develop academic study skills
  • A glimpse into the studies in your field of interest
  • Studies that introduce you to the university community and learning environments.
  • Individual guidance and support in applying for university studies.

Participants will be informed about the application conditions and selection criteria for Finnish-language degree programmes. For example, when applying for university studies, the applicant must have sufficient foreign language skills for the degree programme applied for in order to complete a Finnish-language degree programme.

Information for applicants

University of Lapland

External link
The University of Lapland is the main coordinator of the project.