Bilingual Study Programme BSP

The bilingual Finnish-English upper secondary school program is designed for students finishing comprehensive school and wanting to study in a Finnish-speaking upper secondary school but do not have sufficient Finnish language skills to start their studies entirely in Finnish. The goal of the Bilingual Study Program is to support and promote students' Finnish language skills so that they can complete upper secondary education and their matriculation examination in Finnish.

In BSP, the primary language of instruction is Finnish, but English is used to varying degrees depending on the subject matter and the support needed by each individual student. English is used as a secondary, supportive language; therefore, students are expected to have fluent English skills to participate in the instruction.

Students develop their Finnish language skills not only through intensive preparatory Finnish as a second language courses but also through language-aware approaches throughout their studies. Students are encouraged to use Finnish in various situations both inside and outside of school. Towards the end of their studies, students are expected to be able to use Finnish independently in all study-related and personal matters.

Selection for the Bilingual Study Programme is based on the weighted average of academic subjects in the joint application process. The minimum requirement in the joint application is an average grade of 7.0, calculated from academic subjects, with Finnish weighted ×2 and English weighted ×3.

In addition, all applicants must complete the upper secondary school’s own electronic application form during the joint application period. This form asks for additional information about the applicant as well as their interest and motivation to study in the track. The form can be accessed via this link.

Applications from students who do not have a Finnish certificate will be considered on a discretionary basis. Such applicants will be invited to an in-person interview, during which they must demonstrate their motivation as well as their written and spoken skills in both Finnish and English.

All applicants are required to have a basic understanding of Finnish, as they are expected to develop their language skills to eventually meet the requirements of the matriculation examination. Applicants should carefully consider the demands of the Bilingual Study Programme and the Finnish language proficiency requirements set for passing the matriculation examination.

Students with more advanced Finnish language skills should apply to the fully Finnish-taught upper secondary education. Applicants who do not have sufficient English language skills are encouraged to explore other Finnish preparatory programs (e.g. TUVA).

For more information about the programme, please contact the principal, vice-principal, or guidance counselors of Pyynikin lukio Upper Secondary School.

TUVA, IB, BSP or ESP?

The table below illustrates the differences between the preparatory TUVA programme and the international programmes in upper secondary schools. You can view the full table by clicking on the image.