Basic Education for Adult Immigrants

Loimaa Folk High School offers both the initial and final stages of basic education for adults. The literacy stage will not be offered during the academic year 2025–2026.

Basic education for adults is intended for immigrants over the age of 17. The programme is also suitable for asylum seekers.

  • Basic education for adults is aimed at immigrants who are at least 17 years old and do not have a Finnish comprehensive school diploma.
  • To be eligible for the programme, the applicant must:
    • Reside permanently in Finland,
    • Be an asylum seeker or under temporary protection, or
    • Have a residence permit.
  • The applicant must be living in Finland at the time of application.
  • Priority is given to applicants who have not completed a degree in their home country (such as upper secondary, vocational, or higher education).

The studies usually last for two years.

  • The education is divided into an initial stage and a final stage. No previous Finnish language studies are required for the initial stage. Students can move on to the final stage once their Finnish language skills are sufficient. If a student already has adequate Finnish skills, they can directly start the final stage. Students are placed in study groups based on their skills and previous education.

Teaching, study materials, accommodation, and meals are free of charge for the student.

  • Classes are held from Monday to Thursday. Both teaching and study materials are free of charge for the student.
  • Accommodation is in shared double rooms. Please note that single-room accommodation is not possible. Students with a residence permit can stay in the dormitory only on school days. Asylum seekers may live at the school in private accommodation, which allows them to stay in the dormitory throughout their studies (including weekends and holidays).

All students are provided with lunch and afternoon coffee or tea on school days. Dormitory residents also receive breakfast (Tue–Thu) and dinner (Mon–Wed).

The education starts in January and August.

  • The next programme starts in January 2026. The application period is from October 1 to October 31, 2025.

Apply for the programme here.

For more information, contact:
Head of Education
Hanne Pietilä
hanne.pietila@leko.fi
+358 50 467 4375 (also on WhatsApp)