*This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.
Thinking about a future trip to witness the Northern Lights, a visit to a classic Finnish sauna, or maybe you’re just a fan of Finnish design or Nordic heavy metal? Learning Finnish can help you connect more deeply with the country and its culture, no matter your reason.
With a busy schedule and a lack of local classes, fitting a new language into your life can feel like a challenge. However, don’t worry; there are plenty of Finnish courses online that can accommodate any schedule, learning style, or budget.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee (or a plate of karjalanpiirakka if you have some) and get ready to learn more about the best online Finnish courses.
Why learn Finnish with online courses
So, why take Finnish courses online?
First, it’s all about flexibility. Life gets busy, and traditional, in-person classes just don’t fit into everyone’s schedule. With a Finnish language course online, you can study whenever and wherever you want—whether that’s on your lunch break or after the kids are in bed.
It also offers a more tailored experience. While Finnish textbooks are a great resource, they often follow a rigid structure. Finnish learning apps, while fun and useful for vocabulary, might not give you the full picture, especially when it comes to the trickier parts of Finnish grammar.
A good Finnish online course combines the best of both worlds, providing a structured curriculum with the freedom to learn at your own pace, often with interactive exercises, video lessons, and even a live tutor.
Finally, learning online gives you access to the best teachers, no matter where you live. You’re not limited to the one or two local options near you. Instead, you can find a program that perfectly matches your learning style and goals, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced student looking to perfect your accent.
And with that out of the way, let’s check out your options!
Best Finnish courses online for beginners and intermediate learners
1. University of Helsinki
Learn Finnish on the University of Helsinki
Let’s start with the strongest candidate. The University of Helsinki’s Open University offers a series of foreigner-friendly Finnish courses online designed for absolute beginners to intermediate learners, spanning levels A1 to B2. These courses, taught in a mix of English and Finnish, are structured as a progressive learning path.
Each course has its own separate enrollment and can be taken in a sequence. If you’re unsure where to start, you can take a Finnish language skills test to find the right level.
The entry-level courses focus on practical, everyday communication like introducing yourself and handling simple social situations, with about 12-14 lectures per course. As you move up to the intermediate courses, the curriculum expands to include more complex grammar, writing skills, and expressing personal opinions.
What I like about the University of Helsinki’s Finnish for Foreigners courses:
- Taught by a respected, top-ranked university
- A placement test is available to help you find the perfect starting point
- You can enroll in individual courses as you go
Pricing: Starts from €45 per course
2. Udemy
Udemy is an online marketplace where instructors create and sell their own courses, and the platform has a variety of Finnish language courses online, especially for beginners.
Udemy’s Finnish courses range from a brief 30 minutes to more comprehensive 19-hour options, covering everything from basic conversational skills and pronunciation to grammar and even a specific course to help you pass the YKI Finnish citizenship language test.
This wide selection means you can find a course that perfectly matches your specific needs, whether you’re just starting out or want to hone a particular skill.
What I like about Udemy:
- Affordable prices with frequent sales that make courses very accessible
- A diverse range of niche courses lets you focus on specific topics like pronunciation or test prep
- Lifetime access to any course you purchase
Pricing: Starts from $15/course. Monthly plans also available. Try it for free!
3. Cudoo
Cudoo is a popular platform offering a variety of online courses, including a selection of interactive video courses for learning Finnish. You can learn at your own pace and jump to any lesson you choose, which makes for a flexible and customizable learning experience.
The courses cover different levels, from beginner to intermediate, with options like “Learn Finnish Online” (Levels 1-3), “Learn Business Finnish Online,” and a comprehensive “Finnish Language Bundle” that includes everything.
These courses teach you how to introduce yourself and others, discuss professions, talk about food and drinks, tell time, and even navigate business-related situations. Once you’ve completed a course, you can receive a certificate to show off your new skills.
What I like about Cudoo:
- Self-paced and flexible learning
- A specialized business course
- Lifetime access and a certificate of completion after every course
Pricing: Starts from $12.99/course. Check out the latest Cudoo promo here.
4. Aalto University
Learn Finnish on Aalto University
Aalto University’s Open University offers high-quality Finnish courses online that are the exact same as those taught at the Aalto University Language Center. It also offers a placement test to help you find the right starting point.
The courses, which typically run for a few months with regular weekly sessions, are structured to give you a comprehensive learning experience, including active class participation, homework, and an exam. Each course is worth 3 ECTS credits, which translates to a workload of about 81 hours, so you’ll be putting in some serious effort. Upon passing the final exam, you will receive an official transcript of records for the course.
The curriculum covers a range of topics, from basic conversation and writing short messages to more advanced subjects like talking about your education and work history, and expressing opinions in everyday situations.
What I like about Aalto University:
- Curriculum identical to Aalto University’s on-campus courses
- Lets you earn official credits
- Structured and rigorous learning
Pricing: €60 per course
5. Waltari Education
Learn Finnish on Waltari Education
Waltari Education offers Finnish courses created by Finnish teacher Riikka Waltari. The courses are available in two formats: small group classes with a maximum of six participants or self-study options.
The small group classes cover topics like Basic Finnish, Spoken Finnish, and preparation for the YKI test’s speaking section. There’s even a flexible “pay-as-you-go” pass for improving speaking skills in a relaxed setting.
For those who prefer to learn on their own time, the self-study courses provide one month of access to materials with the added benefit of a scheduled weekly meeting with a teacher to ask questions. These self-study courses are perfect for YKI test preparation, covering writing, speaking, and more.
What I like about Waltari Education:
- Option to learn with a small group or solo
- Flexible pay-as-you-go pass
- Specialized YKI test preparation courses
Pricing: Varies per course
Best Finnish courses online for improving speaking skills
6. Pimsleur Finnish
Pimsleur is one of the most effective apps to learn Finnish, especially for developing conversational skills. Its core audio lessons get you speaking from day one by having you actively participate in dialogue-style lessons.
The program is built on a scientifically proven method called graduated interval recall, kind of like spaced repetition. This means the app introduces new words and phrases and then brings them back at strategic, increasing intervals to help you remember them for the long term.
The course has one level, which consists of 30 lessons, and the mobile app complements the audio experience with features like reading drills and interactive quizzes to solidify what you’ve learned.
Check out my Pimsleur review to know more about this excellent program.
What I like about Pimsleur:
- Focus on conversational skills
- Structured audio lessons that are easy to fit into a busy schedule
- Effective review and retention method
Pricing: Starts from $14.95/month. Try Pimsleur free for 7 days!
7. Preply
Thinking of truly leveling up your speaking game? Preply is a great option for Finnish courses online as it hooks you up with an experienced, real-person tutor for live 1-on-1 video lessons.
The experience is totally personalized—your tutor will tailor every single lesson to your specific goals, whether that’s boosting your vocabulary, mastering those tricky Finnish grammar cases, or prepping for the YKI test.
You can focus on what matters most to you, like conversational Finnish for everyday topics or business language. The goal is to build lasting confidence, one engaging conversation at a time, and you can switch to another tutor for free if your first pick isn’t the perfect fit.
What I like about Preply:
- Practice speaking with a native Finnish speaker right from day one
- Lessons are customized to your goals, pace, and current skill level
- Fits your schedule and budget
Pricing: Starts from $18/session. Book discounted trial lesson on Preply now!
8. italki
If you’ve been learning languages for quite some time, you’ve likely heard of italki. It’s a popular online platform that connects you with one-on-one Finnish tutors for personalized lessons.
What’s great about italki is that it offers flexibility. You can choose between certified professional teachers who offer a structured approach or community tutors who can help you with more informal conversation practice. Plus, you can find a teacher who fits your budget and schedule, with lesson durations ranging from a quick 30 minutes to a more in-depth 90 minutes.
For those who want to jump right in, an Instant Lesson option is available to start a trial lesson on the spot. Lessons are paid for individually, so you only pay for what you use. The platform also has a vibrant community where you can share posts, get feedback from other learners, and use learning tools like podcasts and vocabulary sets.
What I like about italki:
- One-on-one lessons for personalized learning
- Flexibility in pricing, scheduling, and tutor type
- Community features for practice and support
Pricing: Starts from $5/hour. Book a trial lesson on italki now!
9. FinnishPod101
FinnishPod101 is an online language-learning system that offers a huge library of Finnish courses online, with thousands of audio and video lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
You can access these lessons on your computer or mobile device and download them for offline use. The lessons are presented in a podcast-style format with hosts guiding you through real-life conversations, and each lesson comes with detailed notes, English translations, and quizzes to reinforce your learning.
The platform also has various learning tools, including vocabulary lists and smart flashcards, to help you master more than 2,000 Finnish words and phrases quickly. I don’t know about you but that sounds pretty robust.
What I like about FinnishPod101:
- Massive lesson library
- Focus on real-life conversations
- Comprehensive learning tools, including lesson notes, vocab lists, and quizzes
Pricing: Free access with limited content. Basic access for $4/month, while Premium starts from $10/month.
10. Glossika
Another audio-based platform that I like is Glossika. This app uses a unique, sentence-based approach to help you learn Finnish. Instead of focusing on grammar rules or individual vocabulary words, you acquire the language naturally, sentence by sentence, with thousands of sentences spoken by native speakers.
The system uses spaced repetition, which strategically brings sentences back for review at increasing intervals to help you remember them for the long term. This approach is designed to be challenging but never overwhelming, which can help keep your motivation high as you see your progress.
Glossika also offers offline access and a hands-free option, which is great for learning on the go.
My review of Glossika takes you through the ins and outs of the app.
What I like about Glossika:
- Sentence-based learning, so you learn full sentences in Finnish
- Scientifically-backed method for retention
- High-quality native speaker audio
Pricing: A Glossika subscription starts from $16.99/month. You can try it for free first! If you’d like to support Learn Languages From Home, make sure to complete your purchase through the Glossika website (not the mobile app). You can sign up and use whatever platform you want, but if you make the purchase using the website, I make a small commission. Thanks!
Best Finnish online courses to improve your vocabulary and grammar
11. Mondly
If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of “formal” online Finnish courses but still want to build your basic skills, a gamified app might be the perfect solution.
Mondly is an excellent option that turns learning into a game, complete with leaderboards, points, and achievements. The lessons are presented in bite-sized, digestible chunks and are filled with images and intuitive exercises to make learning foundational Finnish feel more fun.
You can work through over 50 different topics and engage with a chatbot to practice conversing in Finnish. The app also features native speaker audio and an excellent speech recognition software that helps you improve your pronunciation.
Learn more with this in-depth review of Mondly.
What I like about Mondly:
- A gamified and fun interface that motivates learners
- Bite-sized lessons covering foundational skills
- Conversational chatbot and instant feedback on pronunciation
Pricing: Free daily lessons. Get full access for $9.99/month or check out Mondly’s latest sale here.
12. Ling
Ling app is another excellent gamified option among the many online Finnish courses available. It’s designed to make learning fun and engaging, using a variety of mini-games and interactive techniques to immerse you in the language.
The lessons cover all four key aspects—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—and range from beginner to advanced levels. Through exercises like flashcards, matching games, and sentence ordering, you can build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
A standout feature is its dialogue practice, which helps you improve your comprehension and conversational skills. The app also includes helpful grammar and culture tips to give you a more well-rounded understanding of Finnish.
Check out this detailed review of Ling to know more.
What I like about Ling:
- Short, fun, and interactive lessons
- Comprehensive skill coverage
- Useful grammar and culture tips
Pricing: Starts at $14.99/month. You can also try Ling for free now!
13. uTalk
uTalk is a fun, interactive app focused on helping you learn Finnish vocabulary and phrases through games. The app is packed with over 2,500 words and phrases covering more than 60 everyday topics.
As a beginner in Finnish, you can get a solid foundation in the language, while intermediate learners can use it to fill in vocabulary and pronunciation gaps. A key feature is the ability to record yourself speaking and compare your pronunciation to recordings from both male and female native speakers.
What’s more, the app’s game-based learning system includes five increasingly challenging games that test what you’ve learned, helping you improve your memory and recall with each session.
What I like about uTalk:
- Game-like interface that motivates learners
- Extensive vocabulary
- Pronunciation practice
Pricing: Starts from $8.33/month with the annual plan. Find uTalk discounts here.
14. Mango Languages
Learn Finnish on Mango Languages
Mango Languages offers Finnish courses online that use a conversational, context-based approach. The program teaches you the basics, from common phrases to more complex concepts, by focusing on realistic dialogues.
The program also has a strong emphasis on strengthening your understanding of Finnish language structure through “Grammar Notes,” which uses color-coding and other tools to highlight grammatical nuances. To help with pronunciation, the app provides native speaker audio that you can listen to at a conversational speed, and a voice comparison tool that lets you practice and perfect your accent.
Additionally, the courses include “Culture Notes” to provide context on Finnish etiquette, body language, and gestures, helping you make a positive impression and forge a deeper connection with the culture.
What I like about Mango Languages:
- Conversational focus and real-life application
- Grammar lessons made simple
- Handy voice comparison tool
Pricing: $11.99/month for a single language and $19.99/month for unlimited access to 70+ languages. Try it FREE today!
15. 50Languages
50Languages is a free resource for anyone who wants to build a basic Finnish vocabulary. The phrasebook-style program offers 100 beginner-friendly lessons that focus on getting you to fluently speak short sentences for real-world situations, like traveling, shopping, and small talk.
A key feature is the ability to download all audio files to your MP3 player, so you can learn anywhere—whether you’re on a bus, in your car, or on a lunch break. The lessons are designed to be learned one at a time, with regular repetition to help you remember what you’ve learned.
The app also allows for offline learning, so you can study even without an internet connection.
What I like about 50Languages:
- Completely free option
- Focus on practical phrases
- Audio-centric approach
Pricing: Free!
16. Loecsen
Last but not least is Loecsen, an online platform that provides a free and simple way to learn essential Finnish phrases, making it ideal for travelers or anyone looking to quickly grasp the basics.
The beginner-friendly course is broken down into 17 different sections, covering useful expressions for everyday situations, such as greetings, asking for directions, and ordering food. By the end of the course, which is estimated to be around 40-60 hours of lessons, you’ll be equipped with the simple words and phrases you need to communicate on your next trip to Finland.
The focus is on practical, spoken language, making it a great tool to build confidence for real-life interactions.
What I like about Loecsen:
- Traveler-focused content
- Easy-to-navigate site
- Audio from native speakers
Pricing: Free with limited features. Get all content and tools, plus lifetime access, for €45.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you choose a university-level program, a dedicated app, or a flexible one-on-one tutoring platform, the variety of Finnish courses online means there’s a perfect option out there for everyone.
However, while these structured courses are a fantastic starting point, remember that discipline and motivation are key.
To truly master the language, be sure to supplement your learning with other tools like books, apps, podcasts, and even by watching Finnish movies and TV shows. And remember to enjoy the process. Soon, you’ll be able to confidently express yourself in Finnish! But for starters, you can learn how to say hello, happy birthday, and thank you in Finnish.