Finland, a land of stunning natural beauty, is a Nordic country known for its outstanding education system, research opportunities, and high standard of living. No wonder it has become a popular destination among international students looking for quality education, unique cultural experiences, and a welcoming environment.
However, studying in the country may require proof of language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction of your chosen university and program. Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Most people in Finland speak Finnish as their native language, while a smaller minority speaks Swedish. English is also widely available in higher education: Finland offers hundreds of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, but each program sets its own language requirements. International students may need to take a language test to prove proficiency in English, Finnish, or Swedish before admission.
So, if you’re a student dreaming of studying in one of the world’s happiest countries and a safe Nordic destination, keep reading to learn what you need to know about the language tests that may be required for studying in Finland.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Finland
Finnish Language Tests for International Students
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen program, which may be Finnish, Swedish, or English. For Finnish- or Swedish-taught programs, universities may ask for an official certificate, such as the Finnish National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI). Requirements vary by institution and program, so students should always check the official program page or Studyinfo.fi before registering for a test.
1. YKI – Finnish National Certificate of Language Proficiency
As described, the YKI test is an official language proficiency test for adults. It is available in several languages, including Finnish, Swedish, and English. The test assesses the language you register for, rather than testing Finnish and Swedish together. It evaluates listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing, and it measures functional language proficiency in everyday situations.
There is no single national YKI score that applies to all university admissions in Finland. If you are applying for a study program, you should check the exact requirement with the educational institution. YKI uses three test levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. On the six-point YKI scale, grade 3 corresponds to CEFR level B1, grade 4 to B2, grade 5 to C1, and grade 6 to C2. Some English-taught university admissions requirements also accept YKI in English, often at a higher level, such as level 5 for certain master’s admissions.
Many Finnish higher education institutions may accept a YKI certificate as one way to prove language proficiency, but the accepted language, minimum level, and required subtests depend on the program. For example, some universities accept YKI English for English-taught degree programs. It is important to check that your desired university and program accept the YKI test before registering.
You can register for the YKI test online through the official YKI registration service. Current YKI fees are 165 euros for a basic level test, 190 euros for an intermediate level test, and 216 euros for an advanced level test. YKI certificates themselves do not expire, but universities may set their own rules about how recent or verifiable a language certificate must be.
English Language Tests for International Students
Aside from Finnish or Swedish requirements for programs taught in those languages, English language tests are commonly required for English-taught programs in Finland. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by university, degree level, and program. In this section, we will explore some of the most common English language tests that may help you meet Finnish university language requirements.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
You may need to take the International English Language Testing System exam to demonstrate your English language proficiency. IELTS Academic is widely accepted by universities in Finland, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and the University of Oulu. The exam evaluates four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
When applying to universities in Finland, keep in mind that the minimum IELTS score varies depending on the institution and program. A common requirement for many English-taught university programs is an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5, but section requirements differ. For example, some universities require a minimum writing score of 6.0, while others may require 6.0 in each section or 5.5 in each section. Always confirm the requirement on the official admissions page of your chosen program.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
In addition to IELTS, the Test of English as a Foreign Language is another English language proficiency exam accepted by many universities in Finland. For example, the University of Turku, Tampere University, and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT list TOEFL iBT among accepted English language tests for relevant admissions. Like IELTS, TOEFL evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing, with a focus on academic English.
When applying to universities in Finland, it’s important to research which English proficiency tests are accepted by your desired institutions and programs. The minimum required TOEFL score varies by institution. Many Finnish university master’s admissions requirements for TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 21, 2026, use a minimum around 92, often with writing or section minimums. For TOEFL iBT tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, some universities now use the newer 1.0–6.0 scale, so applicants should check the current score requirement carefully.
Ultimately, achieving a strong score on IELTS or TOEFL can be advantageous, especially when demonstrating your ability to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. However, the most important step is to meet the exact requirements of your chosen program.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
Going a bit virtual, the Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test. DET scores are reported on a 10–160 scale, and certified results include subscores that measure specific areas of English proficiency. The test measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an adaptive format.
However, students should be careful when relying on DET for admission to Finnish higher education. Official Finnish university and university of applied sciences admissions pages do not list DET as consistently as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or YKI English. Some programs or pathways may accept it, but others do not. Because of this, students should only use DET if their chosen university and program explicitly list it as an accepted proof of English proficiency for the relevant intake.
So, don’t let a language barrier hinder your journey to studying abroad. With the help of recognized language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, YKI, and other accepted exams, you can unlock the doors to success and join a thriving academic community in Finland. Take the first step, learn a new language, prepare for the right test, and see where this learning journey takes you!
Aside from language skills guidelines, our website is full of information about different Finland universities, as well as scholarship opportunities on the Study in Finland Page! Feel free to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
