█ Information for immigrants
Integration Training for Immigrants
Saimaa Vocational College Sampo organizes integration training for immigrants in Imatra and Lappeenranta, provided by South Karelia Employment Area. The training proceeds in modules (1-3 modules) and the duration of one module is about 4 months. The training is preceded by a baseline assessment of Finnish language skills, the result of which directs the immigrant to the appropriate level of training or other service.
Integration training modules
The integration training modules include Finnish language, social skills, Finnish culture and skills needed in working life. The training also includes work placements. You study mostly at Sampo from Monday to Friday, usually from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a daily homework assignment of one hour (35 h/week in total). The target competence level for integration training is B1.1 (moderate language skills in day-to-day work and leisure situations), after which it is possible to apply for vocational training. The skills needed for vocational training can be supplemented and acquired before vocational studies in Sampo’s Preparatory education for an upper secondary qualification (TUVA).
Teaching is carried out according to the Finnish National Agency for Education’s Curriculum for Integration Training and according to the curriculum developed by Saimaa Vocational College Sampo for the South Karelia region.
The addresses and contact details of the immigration services can be found here South Karelia Employment and Immigration Services. Once you have registered as a jobseeker, an employment area specialist can refer you to a language assessment or other services.
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI)
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) is a proficiency examination intended for adults, that provides official proof of language proficiency. The examinations measure adults’ language skills in practical situations involving speaking, listening, writing and reading in a foreign language.
An intermediate level Finnish language qualification is required when applying for Finnish citizenship.
Scheduled language examination
Date | Language, level, place of examination | Registration time
29.3.2025 | Finnish, intermediate, Lappeenranta | 3.2. – 23.2.2025
24.5.2025 | Finnish, intermediate, Lappeenranta | 7.4. – 27.4.2025
Registering for the language examination
You can register for the language examination electronically: register for the language examination here.
After registration, a payment link will be sent to your email. The payment link will be valid for 1-3 days depending on the date of the test. The payment link message will indicate the last date for payment of the examination fee. NOTE! Registration is binding.
Examination fees 2025: basic level € 153, intermediate level € 176 and top level € 200.
If the test fee is not paid, the registration will be automatically deleted from the system.
You can apply for special arrangements to complete your degree using this form. The completed application form must be sent to Saimaa Vocational College Sampo and the expert opinion (e.g. a doctor’s or speech therapist’s opinion) must be sent by post to the University of Jyväskylä at the following address:
Soveltavan kielentutkimuksen keskus
PL 35, 40014
Jyväskylän yliopisto