For Applicants to the Free Art School

1. Fill in the application form for the 2026 admission course here: Registration will open in early 2026.
2. The course fee (€215) is paid upon registration. You can pay via online banking, credit or debit card, mobile payment, or choose an invoice with extended payment time.
3. Complete the pre-assignment and bring it with you on the first day of the entrance course.

Filling in the Application Form via the Hobiver Service

1. Open the form by clicking the “Register here” link and enter your details
2. Select “Entrance Course 2026 – spots available” by clicking it
3. Click Next and complete the remaining sections of the form
4. On the final page, click Submit

Important Dates

• Entrance course dates:
• Registration deadline:
• Admission results: Selected students will be notified in mid-June 2025
• Accept your study place by: End of June 2025

Age

Applicants must turn 16 during the calendar year in which their studies begin. There is no upper age limit. Almost every academic year, the school has students born across six different decades.

Language

The primary language of instruction is Finnish. Some courses may be taught by Swedish-speaking instructors, and written assignments can be submitted in either Finnish or Swedish.

Students who do not speak Finnish or Swedish may receive support in English when needed, but are encouraged to learn a domestic language during their studies. Please note that work instructions and course materials are available only in Finnish.

Compulsory Education

In Finland, compulsory education ends at the age of 18, or earlier if the student completes an upper secondary qualification (such as the matriculation examination or a vocational diploma) or an equivalent foreign education.

The Free Art School cannot be used to fulfil compulsory education requirements. However, students who are still subject to extended compulsory education may study at the school under specific conditions.

If this applies to you, we kindly ask that you or your guardian contact Administrative Director Meri Karppanen before applying: Meri Karppanen +358 40 922 3171

The course primarily consists of landscape painting assignments, and all work takes place outdoors.

Please come prepared for changing weather conditions: bring waterproof clothing in case of rain. Keep in mind that even in spring-like weather, staying still while painting outdoors can get chilly — so we recommend warm clothing, as well as an insulated seat pad or a lightweight folding chair.

In case of hot weather, be sure to bring a hat and sun protection.

Course days run from 10:00 to 16:00. A detailed schedule will be sent to participants in advance.

The course will be led by Head of School Elina Merenmies, together with two to four other visual artists, whose names will be announced later.

Art Materials

• Paper is included in the course fee and will be distributed at the school each morning.
• Please bring charcoal and, in addition, either watercolours, gouache, or acrylic paints.
  (Oil paints are not allowed.)
• Bring a support board (approx. 60 × 80 cm) to which you can tape the paper. The board should be durable enough to withstand being placed on damp ground, but also light enough to carry with you throughout the day.
• Additional items to bring:
  • A glass jar for water
  • A spray bottle and a sponge
  • Painter’s tape
  • A sketchpad or loose drawing paper
  • A chamois cloth and fixative for working with charcoal

Your Space

Paint what you are — into a space.

Or simply paint where you are: in a room, in a place, on a map, in a landscape.

Medium: Watercolour, tempera, gouache, or acrylic on a surface of your choice. Maximum size approx. A3.

The pre-assignment must be brought to the school on the first day of the entrance course.

All participants of the entrance course will be informed of the admission results by mid-June at the latest.

It is not possible to receive individual feedback after the course. Feedback is provided during the course by the instructors.