Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Haaga-Helia – Finland’s business school with 5 campuses
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is one of Finland’s largest and best-known business-focused universities. Around 11,000 students from more than 110 countries study here, and the whole university is built around one idea: turning your knowledge into real working-life skills. Haaga-Helia works closely with companies, so you learn through real business projects – not only from books.
The main campus is in Pasila, Helsinki, right next to the railway station and the Mall of Tripla – only a few minutes by train from the very centre of the Finnish capital. Other campuses are located in Haaga and Malmi (Helsinki), in the idyllic old town of Porvoo and in the sports resort of Vierumäki.
Why students choose Haaga-Helia
- Business is the speciality – one of Finland’s largest educators in business, tourism, hospitality and IT, with EFMD-accredited business education.
- Study in the capital – live in Helsinki, one of the safest and most functional capitals in Europe.
- Truly international – students from 110+ countries and a wide network of partner universities around the world.
- Learning by doing – company projects, work placements and entrepreneurship support are part of every degree.
- More choice through alliances – as a Haaga-Helia student you can also take courses at Laurea and Metropolia universities (3AMK alliance) and within the Ulysseus European University network.
Why Hà chose Haaga-Helia
What can you study in English?
Haaga-Helia offers a wide selection of English-taught Bachelor’s programs (210 ECTS, about 3.5 years): International Business, Business Information Technology, Aviation Business, Digital Business Innovations, Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management and Sports Coaching and Management. Whatever you pick, the program combines theory with practical projects done for real companies.
Helsinki – student life in the capital
Studying at Haaga-Helia means living in the Helsinki region – the economic heart of Finland. This is where most international companies, start-ups and part-time job opportunities are. At the same time, Helsinki is a compact and safe city by the sea, with excellent public transport and big student discounts on meals and travel.
Quick facts about Haaga-Helia
| Students | About 11,000 from more than 110 countries |
|---|---|
| City | Helsinki (main campus in Pasila), Porvoo and Vierumäki |
| Specialty | Business, tourism, hospitality, IT and sports management |
| Teaching style | Practical – real company projects and work placements in every degree |
| Extra benefit | Take courses also at Laurea and Metropolia through the 3AMK alliance |
FAQ
Bachelor
Entry qualification
- Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.
English language requirements
You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Master
Entry qualification
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
English language requirements
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Student housing for Haaga-Helia students
Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, and student apartments are good quality – warm, well equipped and affordable compared to private rentals. Haaga-Helia does not have its own dormitories, but student housing in the Helsinki region is arranged through dedicated student housing organisations, and the university guides all new students to them.
The most important rule: apply for housing as soon as you receive your study place. Demand in the Helsinki region is high, especially before the autumn semester.
Where to apply for housing
Haaga-Helia officially recommends these providers, depending on your campus:
- Helsinki campuses (Pasila, Haaga, Malmi):HOAS – Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region. HOAS apartments are for full-time degree students. In shared apartments, water and electricity are included in the rent, and all tenants get free HOASnet internet, laundry rooms, sauna slots and storage space.
- Haaga campus: student housing right next to the campus at the Haaga Institute residence.
- Porvoo campus:Porvoon Kodit student apartments.
- Vierumäki campus: on-campus accommodation at the Sport Institute of Finland (apartments for 2 or 4 students).
How much does living in Helsinki cost?
Haaga-Helia recommends budgeting about €900–1,200 per month for living in the Helsinki region. Typical monthly costs according to the university:
| Room in a shared student apartment | €270–430 / month |
|---|---|
| Student studio apartment | €480–700 / month |
| Private market apartment | €600–900 / month |
| Groceries | €300–500 / month |
| Public transport (student price) | €50–70 / month |
Students also get big discounts: the national meal benefit gives you a full lunch in any student restaurant in Finland for a few euros, and the student union card unlocks discounts on transport and shops.
