Scandinavian Studies (Finnish)
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Scandinavian Studies (Finnish)

The Scandinavian Studies programme gives you the opportunity to become an expert in the languages and cultures of the Nordic region. By choosing one language as your focus, you’ll also start to understand the others, opening the door to the Nordic region in all its richness — from Viking stories to contemporary cinema and comics, from grammatical gender to gender equality, and from creative school education to ecology, migration, and technology in contemporary literature. The admission is to four program languages: Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Swedish. If a group for any of the languages does not form, we will recommend joining another one or look for an individual solution.

Scandinavian Studies (Finnish)

The Scandinavian Studies programme gives you the opportunity to become an expert in the languages and cultures of the Nordic region. By choosing one language as your focus, you’ll also start to understand the others, opening the door to the Nordic region in all its richness — from Viking stories to contemporary cinema and comics, from grammatical gender to gender equality, and from creative school education to ecology, migration, and technology in contemporary literature. The admission is to four program languages: Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Swedish. If a group for any of the languages does not form, we will recommend joining another one or look for an individual solution.

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Alongside the core humanities courses shared by all faculty students, the Scandinavian Studies programme offers an in-depth look at the Nordic success story – the region’s welfare model, key historical turning points, Viking era heritage, contemporary (pop) culture, mythology, and media. You will also gain fluency in one of the Nordic languages, reaching a B2 level. The programme stands out for its applied, experience‑based learning methods and a high degree of flexibility – nearly 50% of the curriculum can be shaped according to your own interests. You can deepen your Scandinavian Studies focus by exploring topics such as endangered languages and cultures in the Nordic region, popular Nordic music, or the multicultural urban identities of young people – or choose engaging courses from other university programmes.

  • You will be able to understand and develop knowledge of Scandinavian languages, literature, culture, history, and society, including its facts and realities.
  • You will be able to analyse Nordic culture, literature, history, and societal contexts, as well as linguistic and cultural manifestations.
  • You will be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, in Finnish at B2/C1 level.
  • You will be able to identify and articulate scientific questions in your field, carry out non-complex scientific and applied research, and critically evaluate the results obtained.
  • You will develop cross-cultural competence and the ability to think critically.
  • You will be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Entry qualification
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Territorial requirements

Applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan must submit OMPT-C (Online Mathematics Placement Test) Certificate (minimum passing grade – 55%).

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Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals. 

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme. 

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Take the interview

Candidates who meet the established criteria are invited to a motivational interview. The interview is organised to learn more about the applicant’s motivation for choosing the programme.

Confirm your acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

Alongside the core humanities courses shared by all faculty students, the Scandinavian Studies programme offers an in-depth look at the Nordic success story – the region’s welfare model, key historical turning points, Viking era heritage, contemporary (pop) culture, mythology, and media. You will also gain fluency in one of the Nordic languages, reaching a B2 level. The programme stands out for its applied, experience‑based learning methods and a high degree of flexibility – nearly 50% of the curriculum can be shaped according to your own interests. You can deepen your Scandinavian Studies focus by exploring topics such as endangered languages and cultures in the Nordic region, popular Nordic music, or the multicultural urban identities of young people – or choose engaging courses from other university programmes.

  • You will be able to understand and develop knowledge of Scandinavian languages, literature, culture, history, and society, including its facts and realities.
  • You will be able to analyse Nordic culture, literature, history, and societal contexts, as well as linguistic and cultural manifestations.
  • You will be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, in Finnish at B2/C1 level.
  • You will be able to identify and articulate scientific questions in your field, carry out non-complex scientific and applied research, and critically evaluate the results obtained.
  • You will develop cross-cultural competence and the ability to think critically.
  • You will be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Entry qualification
Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Territorial requirements

Applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan must submit OMPT-C (Online Mathematics Placement Test) Certificate (minimum passing grade – 55%).

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals. 

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme. 

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Take the interview

Candidates who meet the established criteria are invited to a motivational interview. The interview is organised to learn more about the applicant’s motivation for choosing the programme.

Confirm your acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

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Career prospects

Graduates of the Scandinavian Studies programme have a wide range of career opportunities both in Lithuania and internationally. They can work in international organisations, embassies, cultural and educational institutions, media and publishing, or in companies that value Nordic languages and cross-cultural expertise. The combination of language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability makes them attractive to employers across many sectors. Many graduates also pursue advanced studies in humanities or social sciences, further enhancing their professional prospects. With this degree, you are well-prepared for careers that require both Nordic expertise and strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Translator / Interpreter / Teacher / Lecturer / Cultural specialist / Researcher / Media and publishing professional / Corporate roles in nordic companies / Tourism and travel specialist

Why choose this programme?

dr. Ringailė Trakymaitė

Alumna of the programme, professor of Linguistics, Language Contacts and Linguistics areas

Senior Programme Expert, Friends of Europe, Brussels, Belgium

If I had to choose again today, I would once again enroll in the Center for Scandinavian Studies of the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University without hesitation. My Scandinavian Studies marked the beginning of a lasting acquaintance and engagement with Europe and a journey through its historic universities. All of this inspired me to explore, learn, and understand more deeply, broaden my horizons even further. My studies gave me the opportunity to work in international organisations and companies, but most importantly, the joy of discovery I found has not faded.

Why choose this programme?

Jokūbas Kodoras

Alumnus of the programme, Service Delivery Specialist for the Finnish market, Danske Bank, Vilnius

These studies were a major journey of personal growth. I realized that Nordic culture, literature, and translation are my strengths — fields I want to continue working in as I pursue my dream of building a career in this area.

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Chat with VU students

If you need more information or personalised advice, choose a VU Ambassador from your home country or the desired study programme and submit your question using the form below. You can expect to hear back from us within 2–3 working days.

Martyna Mituzaitė, second year student of Scandinavian Studies

I chose Scandinavian Studies because I have been deeply drawn to languages and literature since childhood. The Nordic region has always fascinated me, and I believe that learning Norwegian will open exciting, unexplored paths. I feel that this programme suits me perfectly, offering not only new language skills but also a well-rounded, high-quality education.