Study Guide

Descriptions

The preparatory program is targeted to persons with an immigrant background who aim at applying to higher education studies at universities or universities of applied sciences in Finland. The prerequisites for taking part in the program are proficiency in the Finnish language (minimum CEFR level B1) and the qualification for higher education studies*.
The duration of a 30-ECTS program is six months. The program consists of one common study unit for all the students and separate study modules that focus on different professional fields or other academic fields of study.
The contents of the program emphasize Finnish language studies and professional or multidisciplinary preparatory studies for higher education. In addition, the program includes studies in the English language and communication and mathematics. All the contents also aim at developing academic study skills, digital skills and knowledge of Finnish higher education.

Pedagogical Approaches

The program can be completed by studying either online or on-site. In both implementations, the students’ activity and responsibility for their own learning is of great importance.
Teaching can be tailored according to the students’ knowledge and needs, for example, by means of different study modules, ability groups and other pedagogical approaches. Finnish language studies are strongly integrated with other subjects.
The pedagogical approaches of the program are based on social interaction, working life orientation as well as learning and teaching methods that activate students. In addition, the students of the preparatory program are supported to become integrated with the higher education community, for example by creating opportunities to become acquainted with degree program studies.

Assessment

Learning is assessed with different methods and criteria. The development-oriented assessment supports learning and does not take place only at the end of the study units or modules.
Learning is assessed from different points of view by the teacher, peers and the students themselves. Assessment is part of student guidance and helps the students recognize and evaluate their own learning and become aware of how they learn.


* Applicants are qualified for higher education studies if they have
- a Finnish matriculation examination certificate,
- a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification,
- a foreign certificate that qualifies for higher education studies in the country in question or,
- a foreign academic degree.
If the applicants cannot prove their qualification with a certificate, they must be granted a refugee status (a decision on refuge or a residence permit based on international protection).

Objective

The objective of the program is to offer the students the skills needed to enter and succeed in higher education studies. The main emphasis is on developing the skills that are needed in entrance exams and studies at universities and universities of applied sciences.

The main objectives are:
- developing self-management skills and taking responsibility in the learning process
- reflecting on learning topics and the learning process
- expressing opinions and critique
- understanding the Finnish higher education system and its practices
- developing social and teamwork skills
- developing different reading techniques and multiliteracy
- recognizing different text types and being able to understand and write different texts needed in higher education studies and in working life
- developing the Finnish language proficiency to CEFR level B2
- mastering basic mathematical operations
- understanding and using English materials as well as being able to communicate in English both orally and in writing