Student Guide

Swedish

Sweden is one of Finland’s most important trading partners, and therefore Swedish proficiency is crucial in the world of work. In fact, the value of Swedish skills is second only to English, and the higher the position applied for, the greater the importance of Swedish in career advancement. The importance of Swedish in working life has risen still further due to increased Nordic integration. Additionally, public servants in positions requiring an academic degree and located in bilingual jurisdictions are required by law to possess the Swedish skills necessary for their field.

Courses 2026–2027

Swedish for International Students

Svenska som modersmål/skolutbildningsspråk eller motsvarande kunskaper

Read more in Finnish or Swedish


15 credits in Swedish open a path to permanent residence

Please note an upcoming significant change in residence permit legislation: all those who have graduated from a Finnish university with Finnish or Swedish language skills now have easier access to the Finnish residence permit. 

As of 8 January 2026, applicants who have completed a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or a university bachelor’s degree in Finland with a minimum of 15 credits in Finnish or Swedish language studies can obtain a permanent residence permit without having to meet the required period of residence in terms of years. You can find more information on the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website.

Starting from the autumn semester 2026, as part of Aalto University's new curriculum 2026–2028, Aalto University offers a five-course Swedish for International Students study path (15 ECTS). The study path begins at beginner level and progresses to approximately CEFR level B1.1. The final course also provides a general orientation to national language proficiency testing.

The Aalto University Language Centre offers Swedish 1 and Swedish 2 primarily for Aalto University degree students and courses are taught on Aalto University Otaniemi campus as face-to-face courses.

The Aalto University Open University offers all five courses (Swedish 1–5). The Open University courses are open to everyone, including learners who are not Aalto University degree students. According to the preliminary plan, the Open University will offer all five courses consecutively during 2027, subject to teacher availability. A number of free-of-charge places in Swedish 3 and Swedish 4 will be available to Aalto University degree students. 

Confirmed schedules, study modes and registration dates will be published in the Open University course listings.

Questions regarding Open University course schedules, study modes, registration, fees and practical arrangements should be directed to the Aalto University Open University at avoin@aalto.fi The Aalto University Language Centre cannot provide further information on Open University course arrangements.

Contact Information

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!