ALKUVAIHE – education in basic literacy in liberal adult education

The application for the autumn semester 2026 is now open until 3 August 2026.
Applications are submitted directly to the integration coordinators. Book an appointment and discuss with them whether this course is suitable for you.

Book an appointment to the integration coordinators here: Integration services » Kristinestad in English

Course content

- Finnish language and communication, with a special focus on strengthening reading and writing skills. The goal is to achieve sufficient language skills for everyday life
- Civics and cultural knowledge
- Numeracy skills and everyday mathematics
- Environmental studies
- Study guidance
- Swedish can be studied as an optional subject

An individual study plan is created for each student
The studies are at beginner level (starting level 0) and progress at a slow study pace. The aim is to develop language skills and promote integration in a comprehensive way. Education emphasizes practical working methods and functionality, as well as encouraging active participation both in the institute and in society. Participants’ varying needs and possibilities for progress are taken into account. The Education follows the Finnish National Agency for Education’s recommendations for basic literacy education in liberal adult education.

For whom?

This course is for you if you want to learn Finnish and become familiar with Finnish society and culture. You have an integration plan and the Education is approved as part of it.

The course is especially suitable for adults with little or no educational background who need to learn to read and write as adults. It is also suitable for those who have basic literacy skills but need further practice. This may include people who can write to some extent or who can read a writing system based on a non-alphabetic script or an alphabet other than the Latin one.

It is also suitable for those who need flexible study options, for example parents caring for small children at home, immigrants who have moved to Finland at an older age, or young people and adults who need flexibility due to their life situation.

Duration

The programme runs from 24.8. – 18.12.2026.

Holiday periods: Autumn break 12–16 October 2026 and Independence Day: 6 December 2026

Fees

The programme is free of charge if you have an integration plan and the programme is approved in it. It must be approved before you can start your studies.

If you do not have an integration plan, you can participate only if there are available places. In that case, the programme is subject to a fee. For more information, contact principal Johan Gulin, tel. +358 40 776 6530, johan.gulin@krs.fi or course planner Johanna Hellström, tel. +358 40 778 1558, johanna.hellstrom@krs.fi

Apply

We will contact you and, if necessary, invite you to an interview before the programme begins. The interview will assess whether the programme is suitable for you and determine your language proficiency level.

The education provider makes the admission decisions in cooperation with the TE Office and integration services.

It is also possible to apply after the application period if there are places available in the group. If the group is full, you can join a waiting list. Contact: Principal Johan Gulin, tel. +358 40 776 6530, johan.gulin@krs.fi or course planner Johanna Hellström, tel. +358 40 778 1558, johanna.hellstrom@krs.fi