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Language requirements in Sibelius Academy

On this page you can view the language requirements for the 2025 admissions to the Sibelius Academy's bachelor's and master's programmes.

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Studies at the Sibelius Academy require sufficient proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, and/or English. In order to be admitted as a degree student at the University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki), you must have a command of the language of instruction used in the degree programme you’re applying to. You must demonstrate your skills with a successfully completed language proficiency test, your previous qualifications, or with other prior studies. If the degree programme is organised in multiple languages, you are only required to prove your proficiency in the language that you plan to use to complete your degree.

NOTE! These instructions do not apply to Sibelius Academy’s doctoral admissions.

Sibelius Academy strongly recommends all applicants to provide proof of sufficient language skills by the end of the application period.

If you do not have the opportunity to demonstrate your language skills before the application deadline, your eligibility will be conditional with respect to language skills. In that case, you must submit an acceptable certificate of your language skills to the Sibelius Academy as soon as possible, but no later than the deadline given in the programme-specific admissions guides.

If you wish to use prior studies as proof of your sufficient language skills, the language of the qualification must be stated in the certificate or its appendix, in the transcript of study records, or some other official document issued by the institution in question. Applicants demonstrating their language proficiency based on earlier studies must submit the required certificate demonstrating their proficiency to the Sibelius Academy no later than 3pm EEST (Finnish time) on 10 July 2025.

If you are unable to demonstrate your language skills on the basis of your previous studies, you must submit proof of an international language test result compliant with requirements to the Sibelius Academy Admissions Office. The deadline is stated in the admissions guide for each programme.

If you do not prove your language proficiency by the given deadline, you will not be granted the right to study at the Sibelius Academy.

Demonstrating your language proficiency in English

You may demonstrate your proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

Demonstrating language proficiency with a language test

1) Certificate of a completed international language test approved by Uniarts Helsinki:

Acceptable language tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, and YKI. If not otherwise separately mentioned in connection with the test, an online version of the test is not valid.

  • TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum score of 78
    • Uniarts Helsinki also accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition version of the test with the same scores
    • Uniarts Helsinki also accepts MyBest Scores for the TOEFL test, as long as the results of all sections of the test are valid when applying (the result must not be expired by the start of the application period)
  • IELTS (Academic) with a minimum score of 6.0
    • Uniarts Helsinki also accepts the IELTS Indicator and IELTS Online versions of the Academic test with the same test scores
  • PTE (Academic) with a minimum score of 54
    • Uniarts Helsinki also accepts the PTE Academic Online test with the same score
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced with a minimum grade C (accepted grades are A, B, and C)
  • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency with a minimum grade Level C1 (accepted grades are A, B, C, and Level C1)
  • National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) in English awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education with all sub-tests of the test completed on level 4 (reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, speaking)
    • Results from different test occasions may be used

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE test results are valid for two years from the test date. The test result of a previously completed language test must be valid on the day the application period starts so that it can be considered proof of your proficiency in English. Cambridge English and YKI results are valid indefinitely.

Demonstrating language proficiency with prior studies

2) Upper secondary education completed in English in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, or New Zealand

3) Bachelor’s degree (or a corresponding degree that gives the eligibility to pursue master’s studies in the country in question), master’s degree, licentiate degree, or doctoral degree with English as the language of the degree completed in one of the following countries:

  • EU or EEA countries
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Eritrea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Great Britain
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Malawi
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Philippines
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore,
  • South Africa
  • Switzerland
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda
  • United States
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

4) University or a university of applied sciences degree completed in Finnish or Swedish in Finland, which includes foreign language studies in English in accordance with the decree 794/2004 or 1129/2014

  • Foreign language studies in English that are included in an incomplete Finnish university / university of applied sciences degree, as well as studies completed in some other manner, can also be approved, provided that the studies comply with the decree. In this case, you must send a transcript of study records to the Sibelius Academy along with a copy of the degree requirements of the higher education institution in question or some other document that states which language studies are required for the degree.

5) English test of the Finnish matriculation examination completed in the advanced syllabus level (A-level language) with a minimum grade of magna cum laude approbatur (M)

6) IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma awarded by an IB World School:

  • Diploma completed in English; or
  • Passing grade in the English test (literature / language and literature / literature and performance) on level A; or
  • Minimum grade of 5 (good) in the English language test on level B

7) EB (European Baccalaureate) diploma awarded by a designated European School:

  • Passing grade in English as the L1 language; or
  • Minimum grade of 7 in English as the L2 or L3 language

8) A diploma completed at Deutsche Schule Helsinki:

  • Passing grade for written English according to the advanced syllabus on a Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA); or
  • Minimum grade of 8 for oral English according to the advanced syllabus on a Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA)

9) Exchange students can also demonstrate their sufficient English skills during their exchange period at Uniarts Helsinki with language studies completed at Uniarts Helsinki:

  • Preparatory course in English leading to skill level B1 (scope of 3 credits, the course includes both written and oral exercises); or
  • Courses in English leading to skill level B2 (English 1 and/or English 2; minimum scope of 2 credits, the courses include both written and oral exercises)
  • Exchange students also have the possibility to demonstrate their proficiency by participating in an English language proficiency test during their exchange period at Uniarts Helsinki, and more detailed instructions are available from language teachers.

Demonstrating language proficiency in Global Music programme

In 2025, the English language skills of all applicants for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in Global Music can be assessed as an integrated part of the application process if an applicant cannot submit a document demonstrating their language skills that is mentioned in the Sibelius Academy’s language skills requirements. You can register for the language skills testing that is integrated to the entrance examinations only during the application period.

The language proficiency demonstrated during the entrance examinations is valid only for the admissions round and degree programme in question. In the entrance examination, your language skills will be assessed in reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension and speaking in the following sub-tests:

  1. Letter of Motivation (first stage)
  2. Interview (second stage)
  3. Written essay (third stage)
  4. 5.5-year education: Interactive tasks, group workshop, and discussion (third stage)
    2.5-year education: Interactive workshop (third stage)

Assessment Criteria:

  • Ability to clearly articulate reasons for wanting to enter the studies in written form in the letter of motivation
  • Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas verbally in the interview and group discussions
  • Ability to comprehend written text and clearly articulate thoughts in the written essay

The required language skills level is B1. An applicant who has chosen to demonstrate their language skills in the entrance examination, but does not demonstrate sufficient language skills cannot be admitted as a new student.

Demonstrating your language proficiency in Finnish

You may demonstrate your proficiency in Finnish in one of the following ways:

Demonstrating language proficiency with prior studies

1) Primary and lower secondary education (=basic education), upper secondary education, or some other qualification that gives eligibility for higher education completed in Finnish

2) Passing grade for the Finnish language and literature syllabus or for the Finnish as a second language and literature syllabus as part of mother tongue and literature studies on a school-leaving certificate completed in accordance with the Basic Education Act (628/1998) or the Act on General Upper Secondary Education (629/1998) or in accordance with corresponding studies

3) A minimum grade of approbatur (A) in the mother tongue and literature test in Finnish or in the Finnish as a second language and literature test completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

4) A minimum grade of eximia cum laude approbatur (E) in the Finnish as a second language test of the advanced syllabus level completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

5) A grade of laudatur (L) in the Finnish as a second language test of the intermediate syllabus level completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

6) A degree from a higher education institution with Finnish as the language of instruction

You can demonstrate your language proficiency in the following ways also without completing the whole degree at a higher education institution:

  • A written final project completed in Finnish at a Finnish or foreign higher education institution for a degree, with the first-cycle degree (=bachelor’s degree) being the minimum degree level
  • A study module comprising a minimum of 60 ETCS cr / 35 cr according to the old Finnish credit system in the subject of Finnish language (or a corresponding subject) completed at a a Finnish or foreign higher education institution.
  • An approved maturity test completed in Finnish at a Finnish higher education institution
  • A language proficiency test in Finnish completed as part of a degree at a Finnish higher education institution or language studies that demonstrate oral and written skills in Finnish (as a second national language), with a minimum grade of ‘good’.

7) International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:

  • Minimum grade of 2 for A-level, A1-level, or A2-level Finnish; or
  • Minimum grade of 3 for B-level Finnish

8) European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma:

  • Passing grade in Finnish as the L1 or L2 language (minimum grade of 4.00 completed in or before 2020, or minimum grade of 5.00 completed in or after 2021)
  • Minimum grade of 8.00 in Finnish as the ONL language

9) Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) Diploma awarded by Deutsche Schule Helsinki:

  • Passing grade (minimum grade of 4) for the written Finnish as a mother tongue test; or
  • Minimum grade of 5 for Finnish as a second language on the CEFR level B2

10) A passing grade in Finnish studies completed at Kulkuri School of Distance Education, corresponding to the primary and lower secondary education (=basic education) syllabus

Demonstrating language proficiency with a language test

11) National Certificate of Language Proficiency in Finnish (YKI) awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education:

  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for all sub-tests (reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, speaking) of a test completed at the intermediate level; or
  • Minimum of three sub-tests passed for a test completed at the advanced level (proficiency levels 5 and 6)
  • Results from different test occasions may be used

12) The skill level satisfactory for the oral skills test and the written skills test completed in Finnish for a Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate

13) A combination of a National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) and a Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate

  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for the reading comprehension and writing subtests of the YKI test and the grade satisfactory attained in the oral skills test of the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate test; or
  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for the listening comprehension and speaking subtests of the YKI test and the grade satisfactory attained for the written skills test of the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate test

Demonstrating your language proficiency in Swedish

You may demonstrate your proficiency in Swedish in one of the following ways:

Demonstrating language proficiency with prior studies

1) Primary and lower secondary education (=basic education), upper secondary education, or some other qualification that gives eligibility for higher education completed in Swedish. Proficiency in Swedish can also be demonstrated by basic education completed in one of the other Nordic languages (Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, or Faroese).

2) Passing grade for the Swedish language and literature syllabus or for the Swedish as a second language and literature syllabus as part of mother tongue and literature studies on a school-leaving certificate completed in accordance with the Basic Education Act (628/1998) or the Act on General Upper Secondary Education (629/1998) or in accordance with corresponding studies.

3) A minimum grade of approbatur (A) in the mother tongue and literature test in Swedish or in the Swedish as a second language and literature test completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

4) A minimum grade of eximia cum laude approbatur (E) in the Swedish as a second language test of the advanced syllabus level completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

5) A grade of laudatur (L) in the Swedish as a second language test of the intermediate syllabus level completed as part of the Finnish matriculation examination

6) A degree from a higher education institution with Swedish as the language of instruction

You can demonstrate your language proficiency in the following ways also without completing the whole degree at a higher education institution:

  • A written final project completed in Swedish at a a Finnish or foreign higher education institution for a degree, with the first-cycle degree (=bachelor’s degree) being the minimum degree level
  • A study module comprising a minimum of 60 ETCS cr / 35 cr according to the old Finnish credit system in the subject of Swedish language (or a corresponding subject) completed at a Finnish or foreign higher education institution
  • An approved maturity test completed in Swedish at a higher education institution
  • A language proficiency test in Swedish completed as part of a degree at a Finnish higher education institution or language studies that demonstrate oral and written skills in Swedish (as a second national language), with a minimum grade of good

7) International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:

  • Minimum grade of 2 for A-level, A1-level, or A2-level Swedish; or
  • Minimum grade of 3 for B-level Swedish

8) European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma:

  • Passing grade in Swedish as the L1 or L2 language (minimum grade of 4.00 completed in or before 2020, or minimum grade of 5.00 completed in or after 2021); or
  • Minimum grade of 8.00 in Swedish as the ONL language

9) Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) Diploma awarded by Deutsche Schule Helsinki:

  • Passing grade (minimum grade of 4) in the written test in Swedish

10) A passing grade in Swedish studies, corresponding to the primary and lower secondary education (=basic education syllabus), completed at Nomadskolan

Demonstrating language proficiency with a language test

11) National Certificate of Language Proficiency in Swedish (YKI) awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education:

  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for all subtests (reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, speaking) of a test completed at the intermediate level; or
  • Minimum of three subtests passed for a test completed at the advanced level (proficiency levels 5 and 6)
  • Results from different test occasions may be used

12) The minimum skill level satisfactory for the oral skills test and the written skills test completed in Swedish for a Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate

13) A combination of a National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) and a Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate:

  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for the reading comprehension and writing subtests of the YKI test and the grade satisfactory attained in the oral skills test of the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate test; or
  • Proficiency level of 3 attained for the listening comprehension and speaking subtests of the YKI test and the grade satisfactory attained for the written skills test of the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate test

14) TISUS test (“Test i svenska för universitetsstudier”) with a passing grade in all sections of the test