Where is VNF?
VNF is in Karjaa (Karis) in Raasepori (Raseborg), a town well-connected to all regions of Finland by rail and road, on the Helsinki (Helsingfors) – Turku (Åbo) railway line, about 75 km from Helsinki and 120 km from Turku. VNF is situated in a park on the banks of the Svartå river (Mustionjoki), close to the town centre.
What is VNF?
VNF is an independent, Finland-Swedish folk high school, maintained by a group of local authorities. VNF endeavours to raise the students’ level of general education, it provides specialized courses, it promotes further studies and supports a positive overall personality development, including social competence.
When does the academic year begin and end?
Autumn Term: 21 August–20 December 2024
Spring Term: 7 January–23 May 2025
The academic year comprises 35 weeks.
What about board and lodging at VNF?
VNF is a residential college with accommodation for students. Students live in two- and three-room flats. Normally two students share a room but single rooms may be available at an extra charge. Each flat has a communal kitchen and a shower/bathroom. Meals are served in the college dining room Monday to Friday.
Is there internet access in the halls of recidence?
Yes, the students’ flats have internet connection.
How and when do you apply to study programmes at VNF?
Direct Application in February–August. Successful applicants will be notified by e-mail. You may apply to programmes at VNF directly by sending in a completed application form. More about application
Citizens outside EU Please note that the Finnish government does not provide a residence permit for one-year studies at Folk High Schools.
What are the age requirements and what is the age range at VNF?
There are no age requirements for students at folk high schools. Since the majority of the students at VNF have matriculated, their average age is 20. We also wel-come mature students.
What languages are used in the school?
Depending on the course teaching takes place in Swedish or English (or Finnish). The school’s main language is Swedish and joint lectures for all the school’s students are mainly in Swedish. In school, in addition to Swedish, you hear both Finnish and English on a daily basis. In practice, we study in a multilingual environment.
What are the fees like at VNF?
150 €/week
includes tuition, meals (during school days) and lodging for students who live in shared rooms in the halls of residence. The college has a limited number of single rooms, for an extra fee of 25 €/week.
105 €/week
includes tuition and lunch (during school days) for students who live at home.
The prices above do not include fees for possible textbooks or materials. Please note that some of the study programmes have separate material fees, eg. the art programme CREATE.