Jyväskylä University Launches Kindergarten Teacher Degree for Non-Finnish Speakers

The University of Jyväskylä is set to introduce a new bilingual bachelor’s programme that will allow students to train as kindergarten teachers without prior knowledge of Finnish or Swedish.

The programme combines early childhood education studies with structured Finnish language training and is specifically aimed at international students and others who do not speak Finland’s national languages.

According to programme director Peppi Taalas, the objective is for students to develop sufficient Finnish language skills during their studies to be able to work professionally in Finland after graduation.

Graduates will qualify as early childhood education teachers, with the curriculum equivalent to the university’s Finnish-language teacher training programme.

The bachelor’s degree is designed to be completed in three years.