YKI Test Preparation Courses
YKI test (Yleinen Kielitutkinto) is Finland’s official language proficiency exam, essential for those seeking Finnish citizenship, employment, or educational opportunities. Achieving at least an intermediate level (level 3) in the YKI test is a mandatory requirement for Finnish citizenship applications. As of 2025, Finland’s passport is ranked among the strongest globally, offering visa-free access to numerous countries.
Important Update: New Language Requirements for Permanent Residency!
As of 8 January 2026, Finland has updated the requirements for applying for a permanent residence permit. Applicants aged 18 or over must now demonstrate Swedish (or Finnish) language proficiency as part of the eligibility criteria when submitting their application. The required level of language skills varies depending on the application pathway chosen.
For full official details and exact language levels required, see the Migri page:
Choose Your YKI Course
Our structured YKI preparation courses are designed to help you achieve the B1/B2-level proficiency required for the YKI exam.
Whether you are a complete beginner or already have some knowledge of Swedish, we have the right course to match your level.
Each course includes high-quality learning materials, structured lessons, and exam-focused training to ensure you are fully prepared.
If you are unsure which course is the best choice for you, the teacher assesses your current Swedish level and gives recommendations accordingly.
Attend all lessons and submit all homework on time. If you don’t pass the YKI test, repeat the next available Total Beginner to YKI course once, free of charge.
Prepare for the YKI test in just 5 months.
This program is designed for complete beginners who need to pass the YKI exam for Finnish citizenship or university studies, faster and more efficiently than with any traditional course.
Our unique method merges four complete Swedish language courses: A0–A1, A1–A2, A2–B1 and YKI Preparation, into one structured system focused only on what truly matters for the YKI test.
No unnecessary grammar. No unnecessary books and materials.
- YKI-focused from the very first lesson
- Time-efficient: complete the full YKI preparation in 4.5 months
- Expert teachers specialized in YKI preparation
- Small, supportive groups and continuous feedback
After completing this course, you will:
✔ Communicate confidently at a B1 level
✔ Handle all YKI test tasks successfully
✔ Use essential exam-ready vocabulary and grammar
✔ Apply timing and strategy techniques for the best results
Entry level:
No previous knowledge required. This course is designed for complete beginners and takes you step by step to the B1+ level needed for the YKI exam.
Start:
Week of April 13, 2026
End date:
Week of August 17, 2026
Break:
Please note that the schedule may include a one-week break during the school’s summer holiday period.
Course length:
5 months (53 lessons total)
Lesson duration:
90 minutes, three times per week.
Missed a class?
No worries! If you can’t attend a live group lesson, you’ll get access to the recording, available for 7 days after the session, so you can catch up anytime during the week.
Schedule Options:
Group 1: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 18:15–19:45 Helsinki time
Group 2: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 20:00–21:30 Helsinki time
Group 3: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 16:30–18:00 Helsinki time
Group 4: Monday and Wednesday 18:00–19:30, Saturday 11:00–12:30 Helsinki time
Group 5: Tuesday and Wednesday 19:45-21:15, Friday 19:45-21:15 Helsinki time
Where?
Online via Google Classroom. A maximum of 8–12 students per group for effective learning
Course fee:
€750 (includes 22% VAT)
Payment options:
Possibility to pay in 3 separate installments.
Registration fee upon registration: €50
1st installment due January 20th: €250
2nd installment due March 10th: €225
3rd installment due April 24th: €225
Registration deadline:
April 3, 2026
- Included:
Textbook: YKI Preparation for Beginners, A0-A2 Swedish
Access to an online platform materials and homework tasks - To be purchased separately: Förbered dig för allmän språkexamen by Gimara
Personalized 1-to-1 Preparation for the YKI Exam
Our Individual YKI Preparation program is designed for learners who prefer a flexible, personalized approach to preparing for the YKI exam required for Finnish citizenship.
Every session focuses on your specific needs, exam areas, and progress, allowing you to strengthen weaknesses and refine strategies at your own pace.
Your teacher will assess your skills during the introductory call and recommend the most effective package to achieve your goals.
UPCOMING YKI TEST DATES Intermediate level
Test date: 31.1.2026
Test date: 11.4.2026
Test date: 29.8.2026
Test date: 2.10.2026
Test date: 14.11.2026
10-lesson package
• 1-1 tuition
• 60-minute lessons
• High-quality learning materials
• Exam simulations and practice tests
Valid for 2 months.
20-lesson package
• 1-1 tuition
• 60-minute lessons
• High-quality learning materials
• Exam simulations and practice tests
Valid for 4 months.
40- and 50-Lesson Packages: Complete Preparation for the YKI Exam
Designed for learners starting from a complete beginner level.
To prepare from zero knowledge, most students require between 40 to 50 lessons, depending on their learning pace.
These packages provide complete preparation for the YKI exam, lasting approximately 4.5 to 6 months.
Includes:
• 1-1 tuition
• 60-minute lessons
• Full exam simulations
• Detailed feedback
Valid for 6 months.
Important:
- The teacher assesses the student’s skills during the introductory call and recommends the optimal number of lessons based on needs and goals.
- Once purchased, packages must be used within the following timeframes:
- 10-lesson package: valid for 2 months;
- 20-lesson package: valid for 4 months;
- 40- and 50-lesson package: valid for 6 months.
- There is no fixed schedule for individual lessons. Lesson times are arranged directly with your teacher to ensure maximum flexibility.
An Intensive 4-week YKI Preparation
This is a highly intensive, four-week course designed for students who want to focus entirely on YKI test preparation. With four lessons per week, you will practice, simulate, and master all key areas of the exam.
This course doesn’t just improve your Swedish, it prepares you to think, structure, and present your answers in the way YKI examiners expect.
You will work through authentic YKI test questions, practice timed tasks, and receive feedback on your answers and performance.
It is ideal for students who already have at least an A2+ level.
COURSE DETAILS
Entry level: A2 and above (students who want targeted YKI preparation)
- cover all YKI topics and example questions from previous tests
- YKI test answer format
- practice and simulate the test conditions
- put your Swedish into the YKI frame to please the examiners
- homework feedback included
YKI Test Date:
Aug 29, 2026
Start date:
May 18, 2026
End date:
June 13, 2026
Course length:
4 weeks
Lesson duration:
60 minutes, four lessons per week (a block of 2 hours twice per week)
Missed a class?
No worries! If you can’t attend a live group lesson, you’ll get access to the recording, available for 7 days after the session so you can catch up anytime during the week.
Schedule:
Monday, May 18, 18:00–20:00 Helsinki time
Saturday, May 23, 14:00–16:00 Helsinki time
Monday, May 25, 18:00–20:00 Helsinki time
Saturday, May 30, 14:00–16:00 Helsinki time
Monday, June 1, 18:00–20:00 Helsinki time
Saturday, June 6, 14:00–16:00 Helsinki time
Monday, June 8, 18:00–20:00 Helsinki time
Saturday, June 13,14:00–16:00 Helsinki time (YKI test simulation)
Where?
Online via Google Classroom. Maximum of 8-12 participants per group.
Course Materials
Included:
Access to an online platform materials, previous YKI and homework tasks
To be purchased separately:
Förbered dig för allmän språkexamen by Gimara
Course fee:
€285 (includes 22% VAT)
Registration deadline:
May 11th, 2026
- Improve your listening comprehension through real-life YKI themes
- Strengthen your reading while following along with the transcript
- Pick up natural grammar and vocabulary that will improve your writing and speaking
Is the podcast enough to prepare for the YKI exam?
Can beginners use the podcast?
How long will I have access?
Can I download the episodes?
Can I listen offline?
- Lifetime access to all 13 episodes
- Complete Swedish transcripts
- Access on computer, tablet, and phone
- Use through the free Teachable mobile app
- iOS (version 16 and newer)
- Android (version 11 and newer)
Download the Teachable app.
Sign in with the same email you used for your Learn Swedish Lab course.
Check your inbox — you’ll get a one-time password to log in.
Once you purchase the podcast, you’ll keep access forever and can listen whenever it suits you best.
Get Lifetime Access – 19 €
Our YKI test preparation courses are led by experienced instructors who specialize in YKI Swedish test preparation. With personalized lesson plans, you can focus on improving the areas you find most challenging. We also offer YKI mock exams that replicate authentic YKI test conditions, giving you the practice and confidence you need to succeed.
All YKI tests consist of four subtests: speaking, listening comprehension, writing, and reading comprehension. You will get a separate grade, i.e. a proficiency level assessment, for each subtest.
For the Finnish citizenship application, you need at least grade 3 in two subtests. However, note that only the following subtest YKI combinations are accepted:
- speaking and writing or
- listening comprehension and writing or
- reading comprehension and speaking.
You can use the YKI certificates when you:
apply for a job
or study place,
apply for Finnish citizenship (certificates of Swedish skills),
and must prove your level of language skills to an employer
(source: https://www.oph.fi/en)