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.
- KK00EQ35 Finnish 1A, 2 ECTS (throughout the academic year)
- KK00EQ36 Finnish 1B, 2 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00EQ37 Finnish 2A, 2 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00EQ38 Finnish 2B, 2 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00EQ39 Finnish 3, 4 ECTS (Autumn and Spring)
- KK00EQ40 Finnish 4, 4 ECTS (Spring)
- KK00EQ41 Finnish 5, 4 ECTS (Autumn)
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. You can also attend some of our courses through Open University.
Minor subject in Finnish as a second language (25 ECTS) is available for degree students and alumnis. In addition to Finnish 1A-5 courses, we offer several optional or thematic courses. Read more about the new minor subject from Peppi Study Guide!
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, timetables and registration. For UEF degree students, more information available in our study community (UEF login required). Register for UEF-Savonia-Karelia network courses by using cross study network in Peppi.
Autumn 2026
Registration for autumn 2026 courses opens August 1st 2026.
Spring 2027
Registration for spring 2027 courses opens December 1st 2026.
Registration for UEF Language Centre courses
Register for courses by using cross study-network.
Contact information
The Language Centre administration and teaching staff are listed here. The Language Centre office on the Kuopio campus locates on Canthia-building, 2nd floor and Joensuu campus Aurora-building, 2ns floor.
Lisa Kovanen
Tuntiopettaja
Joensuun kampus, Aurora 2 krs., Kielikeskus
Sähköposti: [email protected]
Pia Ahtonen
Kuopio Campus, Canthia-building, 2nd floor, Language Centre
E-mail: [email protected]
Language Centre on the Joensuu Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 2nd floor
Office opening hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 111, 80101 Joensuu
Study guidance: Juha Räihä
Language Centre on the Kuopio Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistonrinne 3, Canthia building, 2nd floor (B door)
Office opening hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio
Study guidance: Maija Sulkakoski