Language requirements and language certificates in student exchange

To apply for exchange studies, University of Helsinki degree students need not separately demonstrate their proficiency in English.* Successful applicants should prepare to demonstrate their English skills to the target university at a later stage.

*Grounds: Results of Finnish university students in the European Commission’s monitoring

Where can I study in English?

You can study in English in countries where English is the official language, but many other exchange destinations also offer study opportunities in English.

You should note that some of the English-language study opportunities available in non-English-speaking countries may be restricted. Extensive English-language programmes (e.g., Master’s programmes) are often tailored to international students who pay the tuition fees of the university in question. Because exchange students do not pay tuition fees, they cannot take such courses.

You can search for English-language exchange opportunities as follows:

If you are applying to the Erasmus or Nordplus programme

Find out the language of instruction at the target university by visiting its website. Most universities have instructions for prospective exchange students on their websites, where they also explain the required language skills.

The language of instruction may also be indicated in the Mobility Online application portal.

If you are applying for a destination outside the EU/EEA

You can study in English (without having proficiency in the language of the target country) in the following countries:

• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• South Korea
• India
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Namibia
• Israel
• Egypt
• Lebanon
• Serbia
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Japan, mainland China and Russia (individual universities or programmes)

For detailed descriptions of the language of instruction, see the country-specific sections.

NB! To apply for exchange studies, degree students in a Swedish-language or bilingual degree programme at the University of Helsinki need not demonstrate their proficiency in Swedish.

Proficiency in Swedish can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating that the student has completed studies in Swedish (a course or other studies which have been recognised for the degree at level B1 or higher, or the course Toisen kotimaisen kielen kirjallinen ja suullinen taito, ruotsi)
2. A Finnish matriculation examination certificate (copy) indicating that a) the student’s language of schooling was Swedish or b) the student received a grade of C or higher for the advanced syllabus in Swedish or a grade of L for the basic syllabus
3. An equivalent certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
4. A language certificate provided by a Language Centre teacher

If you are selected for an exchange, prepare to demonstrate your Swedish proficiency to your target university according to its instructions at a later stage.

Do you wish to study, for example, sociology in French or the natural sciences in Spanish?

NB! This section does not pertain to students who apply to study the language of the target country on a full-time basis (see paragraph Full-time language study during an exchange).

If you apply to a university to complete courses in the language of the target country which is not English or Swedish, the University of Helsinki requires that your proficiency in the language in question is at least at level B1. Because some target universities require a higher level of language skills, you should check your target university’s language requirements on its website. Your language skills must be at a level that allows you to study in the language of the target university. French-speaking universities in Quebec usually require language skills on B2 level.

Proficiency in the language of the target country can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating that the student has completed studies in the language of the target country (a course or other studies which have been recognised for the degree at level B1 or higher)
2. A Finnish matriculation examination certificate (copy) indicating that the student received a grade of C or higher for the advanced syllabus in the language in question
3. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
4. A language certificate provided by a Language Centre teacher
5. Other official certificate proving at least B1 level on the CEFR scale (e.g. the French Institutes's DELF or the Goethe Institute's German certificate)

If you are selected for an exchange, prepare to demonstrate your relevant language proficiency to your target university according to its instructions at a later stage.

Proficiency in Russian 

With one exception, the exchange opportunities available in Russia require proficiency in Russian. The minimum requirement at the application stage is at least 10 credits worth of studies in Russian completed at the University of Helsinki or equivalent skills.

The minimum requirement can be proved with a certificate of studies indicating completed language courses, amounting to 10 credits. 

Exception: Applicants for English-language courses at the Higher School of Economics are not required to have proficiency in Russian. For instructions for demonstrating proficiency in English, see the section English as a language of study.

Proficiency in Russian can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating sufficient studies in Russian
2. A Finnish matriculation examination certificate (copy) or equivalent certificate indicating that the student has completed at least the basic syllabus in Russian in (general) upper secondary school
3. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
4. A language certificate provided by a Language Centre teacher or (in the case of students whose major subject is Russian) a language certificate provided by a teacher at the Department of Modern Languages. NB! Required only if neither of the above can be obtained.

Proficiency in English 

If you intend to study in English, read the instructions for demonstrating proficiency in English in the paragraph "English as the language of study."

Proficiency in Japanese

For some universities and study tracks, the University of Helsinki requires that applicants for exchange opportunities in Japan be proficient in Japanese. There are two requirement levels: the minimum level and the advanced level.

Minimum level:

The minimum requirement at the application stage is at least 10 credits worth of studies in Japanese completed at the University of Helsinki or equivalent skills.

The minimum level can be demonstrated with a transcript of studies.

This minimum requirement applies to the following destinations in Japan:

• Tokyo University, TYPE U programme
• Kobe University
• Kanagawa University
• Osaka University: Maple programme
• Doshisha University: Nichibun programme
• Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto: Intensive Japanese Language programme
• Waseda University

Advanced level:

Some of the universities or study tracks require considerably more advanced skills in Japanese. This advanced requirement applies to the following destinations in Japan:

• Hokkaido University, JLCS programme: at least JLPT 3 or equivalent skills
• Kyoto University, Japanese-language teaching: JLPT 1
• Tokyo University, Japanese-language teaching: JLPT 1
• Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto: Regular courses in Japanese programme
• Osaka University: iExPO

Applicants must demonstrate the required JLPT level by passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) before the application stage.

Exception: The requirement of Hokkaido University’s JLCS programme concerning language proficiency equivalent to JLPT 3 can also be demonstrated with a University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating that the student has completed the Japanese 1A and 1B and Japanese 2A and 2B courses (total 40 cr) if the student is currently completing the Japanese 3 course. This exceptional arrangement has been separately made with Hokkaido University.

Proficiency in Chinese

If you are applying to complete English-language courses in China, proficiency in Chinese is not required.

If you are only applying to study Chinese as a foreign language, the minimum requirement at the application stage is at least 10 credits worth of studies in Chinese completed at the University of Helsinki or equivalent skills.

The minimum proficiency can be demonstrated with a transcript of studies.

Proficiency in Chinese can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

• A University of Helsinki transcript of studies (sufficient if the above criteria are met)
  or
• A certificate or transcript of studies from another university indicating an equivalent number of university-level courses in Chinese
  or
• A completed HSK test

Proficiency in Korean

If you are applying to complete English-language courses in Korea, proficiency in Korean is not required.

If you are only applying to study Korean as a foreign language, the minimum requirement at the application stage is at least 10 credits worth of studies in Korean completed at the University of Helsinki (e.g., Korean 1) or equivalent skills.

The minimum proficiency can be demonstrated at the application stage with a University of Helsinki transcript of studies.

NB! For restrictions on the selection of language courses, see the exchange opportunities available in Korea.

Proficiency in English 

If you intend to study in English and your destination does not require proficiency in the local language, read the instructions for demonstrating proficiency in English in the section "English as the language of study".

Proficiency in Hebrew 

Applicants wishing to participate in normal Hebrew-language teaching at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are required at least Dalet-level proficiency in modern Hebrew. You can demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew at the application stage with a certificate provided by a teacher of Hebrew.

If you wish to participate at your own expense in a 1–2 month Ulpan language course in Israel prior to beginning your exchange as to improve your language skills from Gimel level to Dalet level, you can demonstrate sufficient proficiency with a certificate provided by a University of Helsinki teacher which indicates that your proficiency is at Gimel level at the application stage. If you do not wish to complete an Ulpan course, your proficiency in modern Hebrew must be at Dalet level at the application stage.

Applicants for English-language teaching are not required to have proficiency in modern Hebrew.

Proficiency in Arabic

Proficiency in Arabic is required when applying for an exchange in Jordan. The minimum requirement at the application stage is at least 10 credits worth of studies in Arabic completed at the University of Helsinki or equivalent skills.

The minimum requirement can be proved with a certificate of studies indicating completed language courses (e.g., courses completed at the Language Centre or the Bachelor's or Master's programme in Languages totaling 10 cr).

Proficiency in Arabic can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating sufficient studies in Arabic
2. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
3. A language certificate provided by a teacher of Arabic at the University of Helsinki or another institution of higher education. NB! Required only if neither of the above can be obtained

Proficiency in French 

The French-language destinations in Quebec require proficiency in French. For instructions on demonstrating proficiency in French, see the section "A language of study other than English or Swedish (Erasmus destinations)"above. The above instructions also apply to the French-language destinations in Canada. French-speaking universities in Quebec usually require skills on B2 level.

Exception: For instructions for demonstrating proficiency in English for the English-language destinations in Quebec, see the paragraph "English as a language of study".

Proficiency in Spanish 

Proficiency in Spanish is required to apply for exchange opportunities in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. Different destinations have different language requirements.

Minimum requirement

The minimum requirement is level B1 in the European framework (CEFR). You can attest the required level by having completed at least beginner's and intermediate level Spanish courses at UH Language Centre or alternatively completed at least 10 credits in Spanish philology. If you have completed your Spanish studies elsewhere, see below how you can attest your level of Spanish.

The minimum requirement is sufficient at following universities:

• Universidad de Chile
• Universidad Nacional de Colombia
• Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
• Universidad San Francisco de Quito
• Universidad Autónoma de México
• Universidad de la República Uruguay

Advanced level

Some partner universities require a more advanced B2 level of Spanish proficiency. For that you should have completed at least one course that starts from level B1 or B2 at UH or alternatively completed at least 15 credits of studies in Spanish philology.

The proficiency level of B2 is required at following partner universities:

• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Universidad de los Andes
• Universidad Externado de Colombia
• Universidad de Costa Rica
• Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Proficiency in Spanish can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating sufficient studies in Spanish
2. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
3. A language certificate provided by a Language Centre teacher

Proficiency in Portuguese

Proficiency in Portuguese is required to apply for exchange opportunities in Brazil. The minimum requirement is level B1 in the European framework (CEFR). You can attest the required level by having completed at least beginner's and intermediate level courses in  Portuguese at the University of Helsinki or at least 15 credits worth of studies in Portuguese philology.

Proficiency in Portuguese can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating sufficient studies in Portuguese
2. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education
3. A language certificate provided by a Language Centre teacher

Are you planning to study, for example, Turkish in Turkey?

Several target universities offer opportunities for full-time study of the local language as a foreign language. Check your target university’s website to find out whether such full-time studies are available for exchange students. Students who study the target country’s language as a foreign language on a full-time basis during their exchange must have completed by the application stage at least 10 credits worth of studies in the language in question, or otherwise have acquired the same skills.

Proficiency in the language of the target country can be demonstrated at the application stage with one of the following documents:

1. A University of Helsinki transcript of studies indicating that the student has completed at least 10 credits of studies in the language of the target country at the University of Helsinki
2. A certificate of language studies completed at another institution of higher education

NB! Exchange opportunities outside the EU and EEA: see instructions above for each region.

If you have not acquired the required language proficiency by the application stage, a conditional decision on selection may in some cases be made.

The requirement is that you must have realistic opportunities to acquire the necessary language skills prior to your nomination or prior to the application deadline to your host university. Some host universities require a language certificate already with your nomination, and some require it with your application to the host university. Nomination and application deadlines to host universities are usually 4-9 months before your exchange begins. You can ask the International Exchange Services for detailed information about your host university's schedule.

If you have not acquired the required language proficiency yet, please include an additional summary in your application, which explains how you will reach the required level before the deadline (i.e. which courses you will take and when). 

Your exchange can take place only if you have completed the required language studies before your nomination or before the application to the host university.

After University of Helsinki has selected you as an exchange student, you may need a language certificate for your target university.

Erasmus+ and Nordplus student exchange: your host university’s instructions about proving your language skills can be found in the host university’s application instructions. Please see your host university’s instructions for how to prove your language skills. If you are unsure about your host university’s instructions, send a link to the host university’s instructions about proving your language skills to International Exchange Services at studentexchange@helsinki.fi so that we can check the exchange agreement’s paragraph about language requirements.

Usually, the language proficiency (English, Scandinavian languages) required for the Nordic Nordplus/Nordlys does not need to be demonstrated. However, check your host university’s website just in case.

Exchange programmes outside EU: after University of Helsinki has selected you as an exchange student, International Exchange Services will send you an e-mail with application instructions for your host university. The e-mail is sent by studentexchange@helsinki.fi and its title is Application instructions. Please check this e-mail for instructions on how to prove your language skills. The instructions can differ from the instructions on your host university’s website, if, for example, University of Helsinki and your host university have agreed on specific arrangements for applicants from University of Helsinki.

How to get a language certificate

If your host university will accept a certificate from the Language Centre, the Language Centre can provide you with a no-fee certificate for your target university. The Language Centre has designed a form that its teachers can use. For instructions on requesting a certificate please click here and notice that you need to contact the Language Centre well in advance.

The Language Centre does not give language certificates in the language of the student's study track to students doing their major in the Bachelor’s/Master’s programme in Languages. If you are a student of the Bachelor’s/Master’s programme in Languages or the Master's programme in English Studies, please contact the teachers of your own discipline. Students with a study right in English Philology/Bachelor's programme in Languages: Study track, English at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Arts can contact their Personal Study Plan advisors or eng-hops@helsinki.fi to get approval for their Learning Agreement and a language certificate. NB! You must request them at least three weeks before the application deadline!

Tests with a fee

If your target university requires you to take a fee-based TOEFL or IELTS test, you will have to pay the fee and complete the test after the University of Helsinki has selected you as an exchange student. The waiting lists for TOEFL and IELTS tests are long, so book your test in good time. Read the instructions on the TOEFL and IELTS websites. For the IELTS test, select the academic version. You will receive the test results for IELTS faster than for the TOEFL test. Please ask for the test results to be sent to you directly, so that you know when the official test results have been published.