The new Pre-arrival online training builds a bridge between the student’s home country and everyday life and higher education studies in Finland. It strengthens the student’s preparedness, reduces uncertainty and supports learning, well-being and settling into the region – which benefits both the student and the higher education institution as well as the service providers and employers in the region. Pre-arrival training organized at just the right time is a trusted and essential information package for new students arriving in Finland!

Savonia University of Applied Sciences has developed and is currently organizing pre-arrival online training for all international degree students starting their studies in autumn 2026. The planning of the training began in the beginning of the year and the first live webinars were carried out in May, to be continued in August. The aim of the training package, which is carried out already before arrival in Finland, is to provide reliable and realistic information and prepare students for Finnish higher education studies, starting everyday life in Finland as well as Finnish permit practices and society. The training also covers labor market situation in the Kuopio area as well as services for students arriving with their families. The training makes use of the students’ waiting time in their home countries. The training supports study ability, settling in the area and promotes a smooth start of studies.

Students start learning Finnish already in their home countries

Starting Studies and Life in Finland is a 5 ECTS pre-arrival online training programme designed as a three-course package. It enables new students to earn their first study credits even before arriving in Finland. The programme includes webinars and Moodle-based learning materials for international degree students who have accepted a study place at Savonia. Participation is voluntary.

Students can also begin learning Finnish in their home countries as part of the online training. Acquiring basic Finnish language skills enhances their employment prospects which most likely improve also their financial situation during their studies.

– Pre-arrival online training is a brand-new study and service concept. It has been developed and implemented mainly by Savonia’s international student services. The training has been designed for and is available for international students who already have confirmed their study place at Savonia. The students who have participated in the live webinars have been motivated and enthusiastic. The excellent feedback we have received and the students’ enthusiasm to participate indicate that the service has been just the right time and useful, says Anna-Maria Maaninen, study counsellor for international degree students.

The pre-arrival training has been developed as part of the Stay with Us pilot initiative, which includes Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences and the University of Eastern Finland. The aim of the pilot is to strengthen the attractiveness and regional retention capacity of Northern Savo and Northern Finland for international higher education talent.

The implementation, continuation, and future development needs of the pilot will be evaluated regionally. The pilot will run until the end of 2026. It was jointly initiated by the regional economic development centres of Lapland and Northern Savo and is funded through regional programmes by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland.

For more information about the training:

International Study Counsellor Anna-Maria Maaninen, anna-maria.maaninen@savonia.fi

International Services Coordinator Riikka Tuominen, riikka.tuominen@savonia.fi

International Studies Coordinator Milja Seppälä, milja.seppala@savonia.fi

For more information about the Stay with us service pilot:

Counseling Specialist Pirjo Venhovaara, pirjo.venhovaara@savonia.fi