The government is implementing initiatives to enhance Finnish and Swedish language education for immigrant students in basic education.
The government is taking steps to improve Finnish and Swedish language education for immigrant students in basic education through various initiatives, according to a release published by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
These measures include expanded preparatory teaching, enhancements to Finnish and Swedish as a second language and literature programs, more weekly language lessons, additional instructional support in the teaching language, and equality grants.
Around €20.3 million in state funding is allocated each year to support supplementary education in preparatory teaching.
The aim is to strengthen students’ reading and writing abilities to foster academic achievement and integration.
In spring 2025, the government allocated €8 million specifically for strengthening Finnish and Swedish as a second language instruction.
Weekly lessons in basic education have increased by three, without expanding the curriculum.
One additional lesson each has been added for mother tongue and literature in grades 1–6 and for mathematics.
Starting August 1, 2025, new legislation will introduce group-specific “language support teaching” for students with immigrant backgrounds who lack sufficient language proficiency. This instruction will focus on developing competence in the language of instruction and subject-specific vocabulary.
Equality subsidies are aimed at hiring staff, especially in disadvantaged areas: €48.6 million annually from 2024 to 2026, increasing to €75 million per year from 2027 onward.
Collectively, these measures provide comprehensive support for immigrant students’ learning by strengthening their Finnish and Swedish skills throughout their basic education.
