Information about language requirements for applicants from English speaking countries
(especially from African countries)
The most usual reason to reject an application is the lack of the language test scrore report required. The international language tests (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) are the only way for us to assure the high quality of our students’ skills in academic English. Even though it might seem irreasonable to require language tests from people whose native language is English and who have studied all their education in English, our experience has unfortunately shown that all these applicants are not fluent enough in English to successfully follow our degree requirements.
As mentioned in our requirements, we require the language test from everyone except from students who have completed their Bachelor's degree in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States. Applicants who have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Finland or an ammattikorkeakoulu degree from an amk institution in Finland are exempt from the language test, if they have demonstrated skills in the English language according to the requirements concerning foreign language studies in Bachelor’s and ammattikorkeakoulu degree in Finland. This means that also students from most European countries, African countries and Asian countries must take the required language test in order to get their applications processed, even if the language of their previous education has been English!
During the application rounds 2006-2010 many of the applications submitted have lacked the language test score result sent to us directly from the test organizer. This is very unfortunate, since the inadequate applications lacking the score report are not processed in phase 3 (please see information about processing the applications). We also have many examples of really low language test scores (from people who have done their whole education in English), and unfortunately also forged language test score reports have become more common from certain countries. Most applicants probably have good or excellent language skills, and it is unfortunate that these forgeries etc. affect their requirements as well. But since we value the high quality of our education very much, we have set these requirements in order to maintain it high. And even though the language test might seem expensive, it is good to keep in mind that our students must also be able to support themselves while living in Finland, even though our education is free. From this point of view the language test is a small investment.
We have received information form the language test organisers that the test dates in January fill up really quickly. As the test result is valid for two years, it can be done well in advance. Be sure to book a date for your test in time. The score report should reach the UAF by the application deadline.