According to the World Economic Forum in 2015, Finland has the best higher education and training system in the world. Furthermore, the World Economic forum declared Finland the most innovative country in the world to improve one’s skills in the same year. According to Environmental Performance Index 2016, Finland has the healthiest ecosystem in the world and the Fragile States Index 2016 named Finland the most peaceful and sustainable country in the world (Fragile states Index 2016).

ONE NAME, FIVE CAMPUSES

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has five campuses across Finland in the cities of Helsinki, Porvoo, and Vierumäki.

The Haaga, Malmi, and Pasila campuses are located in Helsinki, the capital and largest city in Finland. Surrounded by picturesque islands and dotted with amazing architecture, the city is known for its natural beauty and creative, modern design. The Porvoo campus is about 50km away from Helsinki and it is one of six medieval towns in Finland. The village of Vierumaki is home to the fifth Haaga-Helia campus, around 130km from the city of Helsinki

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAMMES

Haaga-Helia is a thriving haven for 350 international exchange students from around the world. The university has student exchange agreements with over 200 partner universities, where students can come to Haaga-Helia for one or two semesters. The university offers 13 degree programmes in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports and IT taught completely in English. Most of the programmes offered in Finnish are offered in English as well.

So far everything has been pretty nice. I feel like there are no social barriers and people are equal amongst each other.

- Mahnoor, a Tourism and Experience Management student at Haaga-Helia

In cooperation with its European partner universities, Haaga-Helia offers double degree programmes to students. These students complete 2-3 semesters at Haaga-Helia and they receive two degrees upon graduation – one from Haaga-Helia and one from their home school.  

Paul Sunmola, a first-year student at Haaga-Helia studying International Business, comments about the school saying, “To be fair and honest, I love this university!”

Mahnoor, a Tourism and Experience Management student at Haaga-Helia says, “So far everything has been pretty nice. I feel like there are no social barriers and people are equals amongst each other.”

TAKING CARE OF ITS STUDENTS

Haaga-Helia has a variety of services it offers its international students, including English programmes, Finnish language and culture studies, counseling, and tutors. An arrival service involves picking up incoming exchange students from the airport or train station and escorting them to their new accommodations.

The International Services at Haaga-Helia holds an orientation for overseas students. This orientation gives students access to information about living and studying in Finland and also is an easy way for students to make new friends.

The university has a modern library and computer areas and has cafes, restaurants and sports facilities all right on campus. To top it all off, students receive discounts on travel, restaurants and other services with their university student card.

STUDENT GROUPS

Haaga-Helia University has an active student population who participate in events and activities on campus and in the community. The HELGA Student Union is led by students to promote students’ interests on campus and beyond. They bring the community together by organizing cultural events and building networks throughout the area. HELGA’s International Division also supports overseas students to acclimatise to Finland and the university.

GLOBAL LEARNING

The Haaga-Helia University offers 9 bachelor’s degree programmes and 5 master’s degree programmes taught entirely in English. There are students from over 100 different countries studying in these programmes together. There is also an extensive selection of Language courses that students can enrol in – including Chinese, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish

Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences helps graduates to advance into their professional careers. When asked about their visions after being graduated both Mahnoor and Paul stated that they would wish to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. “I’m interested in importing organic products from Nigeria and I’ve got almost everything I need. I just need the education to back it up”, continues Paul.

Finnish Education is a well acknowledged product and the students of Haaga-Helia appreciate the academic support provided by lecturers, academic and administrative staff. “I’d say the that the value for students is two-fold: We deliver high quality degrees and provide job prospects with a high percentage. While we have a business mindset, we have managed to maintain the human touch in our service. This is an educational institution at the end of the day and you can’t have good education without sound ethics and empathy towards each other”, says Harri Lähdekorpi a project manager at Haaga-Helia.

Haaga-Helia University is a wonderful experience for all students. If you are interested in finding out more about Haaga-Helia, Visit SchoolApply now to get started!