International students are getting a head start on life in Lapland before they even arrive in Finland. Through the Stay With Us service pilot, the University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences are offering pre-arrival support that combines Finnish language learning with practical knowledge of Finnish society, working life, and career opportunities in Lapland. Already, 40 students have started learning Finnish, while 87 students have begun exploring Finnish culture and the working environment from their home countries.

The pre-arrival training aims to make students’ transition to studying and living in Lapland smoother and strengthen their readiness to build a life and career in the region. The training also introduces practical aspects of everyday life in Finland and supports students and their families as they settle into their new environment.

The Stay With Us pilot is built around three key components: arrival support, Finnish language training, and training focused on integration and career opportunities

Together, they support students from preparation in their home countries to settling into life in Lapland.

As part of the arrival support, the pilot project has involved current international degree students as Arrival Assistants, offering student-to-student peer support. They help new international students with moving to Lapland, finding accommodation, practical arrangements, and getting started with their studies in Finland.

The online Finnish language training consists of four courses, Finnish 1–4, each corresponding to three ECTS credits. A total of 58 students registered for and participated in interviews, and 40 students were selected for the courses. The training began in May 2026 and will continue until December 2026. This allows students to begin learning Finnish before moving to Lapland and continue developing their language skills alongside their studies.

The other online training program focuses on integration into Finnish society and career opportunities in Lapland. It has been organized in cooperation with the cities of Rovaniemi and Kemi. A total of 87 students registered for the Integration to Finland & Career Opportunities in Lapland training. During the training, students learn about the regional society and services in Lapland, Finnish working life, job seeking, and local employment opportunities. The training includes online sessions, independent work, individual study, and career guidance.

“Our aim is for students to gain knowledge, skills, and contacts before arriving in Finland, making it as easy as possible for them to start their new life in Lapland. At the same time, we want to strengthen their opportunities to stay in the region and build their future here,” the project manager Päivi Martin states.

Stay With Us in Lapland is part of a joint service pilot developed through regional cooperation between Lapland and Northern Savo and funded through a regional program of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland. The pilot is a cooperation between four higher education institutions: the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Eastern Finland. Together, the institutions aim to strengthen the attractiveness of Northern Finland and Northern Savo among international higher education talent and improve the regions’ ability to retain international professionals. The service pilot will continue until the end of 2026.

More information about the Stay With Us project:

Before starting your studies – Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Stay With Us – University of Lapland

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