The Language Centre is responsible for language and communication studies included in degrees on Joensuu and Kuopio campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. In addition to degree courses, we arrange optional courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and international exchange students, as well as charter courses. Studies at the Language Centre provide tools for life-long learning in language and communication skills. We seek to guide our students towards independence, taking initiative and becoming creative communicators.
The activities of the Language Centre support the internationalisation of the entire University and Eastern Finland.
Finnish as a second language
The Language Centre offers Finnish as a second language studies for our students, researchers, and staff. Further information on courses can be found in Peppi.
- KK00CK91 Finnish 1A: Introduction to the Finnish language, 2 ECTS (throughout the academic year)
- KK00CK92 Finnish 1B, 2 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00CK93 Finnish 2A, 2 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00CK94 Finnish 2B, 2 op, (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00CK95 Finnish 3, 4 op (Autumn)
- KK00CK96 Finnish 4, 4 op (Spring)
In addition to Peppi, you can find more information on courses in Language Centre Study Community (requires UEF login). If you can't find information you're looking for, please contact our Finnish as a second language teachers.

Courses for students of Karelia and Savonia UAS
Registered students of Karelia and Savonia University of Applied Sciences can take part in some language courses offered by the UEF Language Centre. These studies are free of charge.
Please see links below for further information and registration.
Autumn 2022
Registration for Autumn 2022 courses has ended.
Spring 2023
Registration is open 1.11. - 18.12.2022.
Registration
For Spring 2023 courses the registration form is open until 18 December 2022.
Fill in the online registration form.
Contact information
The Language Centre administration and teaching staff are listed here. The location of the Language Centre offices on the Kuopio and Joensuu Campuses is shown on Google maps.
Pia Ahtonen
Kuopio Campus, Canthia 2212
E-mail: pia.ahtonen@uef.fi
Language Centre on the Joensuu Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 2nd floor
Office opening hours: Mon and Thu 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 111, 80101 Joensuu
Tel. +35850 572 1822
Financial Secretary: Jaana Hyppönen, e-mail: jaana.hypponen@uef.fi
Study guidance: Marina Cafaro, e-mail: marina.cafaro@uef.fi
Language Centre on the Kuopio Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 1 C, Canthia building, 2nd floor (B door)
Office opening hours: Mon and Thu 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio
Tel. +35840 355 2873
Study guidance: Maija Sulkakoski, e-mail: maija.sulkakoski@uef.fi; Satu Karhapää-Puhakka, e-mail: satu.karhapaa-puhakka@uef.fi