FAQ
Q: Do I have to speak Finnish in order to study at the Sibelius Academy?
A: Most of the teaching at the Sibelius Academy is given in Finnish. Music Education and Church Music also include a line with instruction given in Swedish. It is possible to study some of the music theory and history courses in English. Individual instrument training is also given in English. Basically it's possible to study without any knowledge of Finnish or Swedish in all other educations than Music Education and Church Music. All international students should study Finnish for a minimum of 4 ECTS credits. It is not necessary to use Finnish/Swedish at the application stage except for those applying to Music Education. It is possible to attend the entrance examination for Church music in Finnish, Swedish or English. It is, however, possible to complete a degree in Church music only in Finnish or Swedish. Please note that all applicants to the Music Education or Church Music must prove their Finnish/Swedish skills when applying if they have not completed their education in Finnish or Swedish.
Q: Do you have language requirements for international students?
A: An applicant who is a citizen of an EU/EFTA country doesn't have to prove his/her language skills (unless when applying for education in Finnish/Swedish or Arts Management). Applicants from outside the European Union or the EFTA countries who are not sufficiently fluent in oral and written Finnish or Swedish required for the studies must prove their command of English. Please, read our application guidelines for more precise information! The Sibelius Academy TOEFL code is 0217.
Q: Do you have a scholarship programme for international students?
A: Unfortunately there is no scholarship system for international students. However, for the moment, there are no tuition fees for degree-seeking students at the Sibelius Academy.
Q: Do international applicants need a health ensurance?
A: Non-EU/EEA citizens arriving in Finland for the purpose of studying are required to have health insurance. Health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a residence permit for studying. Read more here.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: We don't have any age limits.
Q: If I graduate from a university/polytechnic before August, can I still apply for the 5.5-year degree programme?
A: We recommend that you apply for the 2.5-year degree programme. It's possible for you to apply for the 5.5-year degree programme, but it's good to know that you are not allowed to transfer any other credits from a completed university degree than compulsory language studies and teachers' pedagogical studies. If you are admitted to the 5.5-year degree programme you must complete all other studies that are included in the Bachelor's degree at the Sibelius Academy (e.g. music history, music theory).
Q: If I don't know whether I'll graduate from university/polytechnic by the deadline (see the Guide for international applicants), should I apply for the 2.5-year programme or the 5.5-year programme, or is it possible to apply for both?
A: If you don't get the required degree by the deadline, you cannot be admitted to the 2,5-year programme. If you want to ensure that you are eligible for studies, it's best to apply for the 5.5-year degree programme or to graduate from your current university and apply to the 2.5-year programme next year. You cannot apply for both 5.5-year and 2.5.-year education in the same programme the same year.
Q: May I choose my teacher?
A: Staff/student allocation is decided by Sibelius Academy. New students are primarily allocated to permanent lecturers.
Q: May I be absent during the first study year?
A: If the applicant is admitted, he or she must commence study 1 August 2012 (only statutory grounds for absence). The time of study is regulated by law. If the student does not register in time, he or she will be removed from the student register and will be required to apply for re-registration. The studies start with an obligatory orientation period for all new students at the end of August 2012.
